How to Show a Rabbit
How do I find shows in my area?
Go HERE and type in your state. All the shows scheduled for that state will come up, just find the one nearest you!
How do I enter my rabbit into a show?
At some shows, you can sign up when you get there. However, to be on the safe side, it's usually best to sign up beforehand so you know you'll get in. You will need to contact the "show secretary", and ask how to sign up, and for a catalog (if one isn't listed on the website), that gives details on the show.
Does it cost any money to enter a rabbit into a show?
Yes. For most shows, the cost is below $5 per rabbit. Rabbit shows are expensive to put on.
What time do shows start?
This depends on the location. Most start at 8:00 or 9:00 AM (that's right - you need to wake up early!). Plan to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to check in and set up. Rabbit shows get crowded very quickly!
Can I go to a show even if I didn't enter a rabbit?
Of course! Shows are open to everyone. It doesn't cost anything to get in unless you are entering a rabbit.
How do I prepare my rabbits for a show?
One of the best ways to make sure your rabbit is ready for the show, is to keep its fur clean and brushed. You can feed black oil sunflower seeds, those are said to help the rabbit stay in condition. Contact me for more on that.
Practice posing with your rabbit so he/she is prepared for the judging. Take him in the car and on drives. Often, shows are far from home and already the first trip to the show will be stressful enough.
Does my rabbit need a tattoo?
To be shown, a rabbit needs a legible tattoo in his left ear.
Does my rabbit need a pedigree?
A rabbit does not need a pedigree to be shown. However, your rabbit cannot get awards, become a Grand Champion, or register your rabbit without one.
How do I pose a rabbit?
All rabbits are posed the same way. This might sound funny, but it's true. All breeds are posed with their front feet directly under the eyes and their back feet directly under their hips. However, each breed has a different way of sitting the rabbit into a pose.
Does my rabbit need to be registered?
No. Registering your rabbit is an added bonus if your rabbit is completely free of DQs and is the proper weight.
Do I need to bathe my rabbits before a show?
Rabbits shouldn't be bathed. Some showers use dry shampoo to make the coat look fluffier and shinier. You will need to make sure your rabbit has no stains and is free of mats.
When should I NOT bring a rabbit to a show?
If your rabbit is sick, has worms, ect, do not bring it to a show. Tons of rabbits are posed on the same table and at the show your rabbit will be near many others. Only rabbits in the fittest of health should be shown. Shows can also be very stressful and sick rabbits will not only be Disqualified from competition, but they will also be at a risk and could possibly die from the stress of the sickness on the body and from the stress of the show.
What should I bring to a show?
You should bring your rabbit, its carrying cage, food and water for the rabbit and for yourself, a chair for you to rest in before your rabbit's class has been called up to be judged, your show entry, your rabbit's pedigree, The Standard of Perfection (if you have one), your grooming supplies, a grooming table (if you have one, optional), nail trimmers, and a bit of money to compete in the raffles that are usually held, to buy yourself lunch (if some is there to purchase), or to do anything extra like tattoo or register your rabbit.
How do you show rabbits?
Read this article, it is SUPER informative and easy to understand!
http://www.thenaturetrail.com/showing-rabbits/judging-order/
What is a "leg"?
A leg is awarded to the winner of best of class, best of variety, best of breed, best in show, ect, as long as their are AT LEAST 3 exhibitors showing and 5 rabbits being shown.
What rabbits may I show?
Any rabbit that is healthy and purebred can be shown.
How do I reduce stress on my rabbit?
Make sure the rabbits are not overheated; to do this you will need to give it some shade, or a fan or put a frozen bottle next to the bunny so that it can lay next to it and cool down. Also you should make sure that you rabbit has something to do, i.e. give it some hay or a toy (if your rabbit likes toys).
How do I register my rabbit?
A 'registrar' will be at almost every ARBA show. You need to show the registrar your current ARBA membership card. Show up with your rabbit/s, pay the fee and the registrar will look over your rabbit. If the rabbit has no problems, DQs, and is the proper weight and a good example of its breed, the registrar with register it. You will also need it’s pedigree at the time or registering your rabbit. The pedigree has to be full; it must include the names, DOB and weight of 3 generations of ancestors. Registrars give the rabbit a tattoo in its RIGHT ear.
What is a Grand Champion (GC)?
A Grand Champion is a rabbit that has at least 3 legs. 1 leg MUST have been awarded to the rabbit as a senior. It cannot become a GC if it only has 3 junior legs; it must have at least 1 senior leg. GCs must be registered before they are eligible for grand championship.
How do I GC my rabbit?
Once your rabbit has 3 legs (at least one being a senior leg), you can send in some paperwork and a small amount of money to get a Grand Champion Certificate and a GC #.
Why would I go to a rabbit show?
Why not?! Rabbit shows are fun, open to the public, and a great way to see tons of bunnies! If you are breeding, the best way to get connected with other breeders and to build a good name in the rabbit breeding community is to show.
Can I sell/buy rabbits at a show?
Yes! Tons of breeders and showers take rabbits to sell at shows. It's a great place to buy and sell show and breeding rabbits; sometimes even pets.
To see more show terms, visit this page SHOW TERMS
For more on posing Holland Lops, visit POSING
If you have any further questions or want to see another question and answer posted here, don't be afraid to contact me and let me know.
Go HERE and type in your state. All the shows scheduled for that state will come up, just find the one nearest you!
How do I enter my rabbit into a show?
At some shows, you can sign up when you get there. However, to be on the safe side, it's usually best to sign up beforehand so you know you'll get in. You will need to contact the "show secretary", and ask how to sign up, and for a catalog (if one isn't listed on the website), that gives details on the show.
Does it cost any money to enter a rabbit into a show?
Yes. For most shows, the cost is below $5 per rabbit. Rabbit shows are expensive to put on.
What time do shows start?
This depends on the location. Most start at 8:00 or 9:00 AM (that's right - you need to wake up early!). Plan to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to check in and set up. Rabbit shows get crowded very quickly!
Can I go to a show even if I didn't enter a rabbit?
Of course! Shows are open to everyone. It doesn't cost anything to get in unless you are entering a rabbit.
How do I prepare my rabbits for a show?
One of the best ways to make sure your rabbit is ready for the show, is to keep its fur clean and brushed. You can feed black oil sunflower seeds, those are said to help the rabbit stay in condition. Contact me for more on that.
Practice posing with your rabbit so he/she is prepared for the judging. Take him in the car and on drives. Often, shows are far from home and already the first trip to the show will be stressful enough.
Does my rabbit need a tattoo?
To be shown, a rabbit needs a legible tattoo in his left ear.
Does my rabbit need a pedigree?
A rabbit does not need a pedigree to be shown. However, your rabbit cannot get awards, become a Grand Champion, or register your rabbit without one.
How do I pose a rabbit?
All rabbits are posed the same way. This might sound funny, but it's true. All breeds are posed with their front feet directly under the eyes and their back feet directly under their hips. However, each breed has a different way of sitting the rabbit into a pose.
Does my rabbit need to be registered?
No. Registering your rabbit is an added bonus if your rabbit is completely free of DQs and is the proper weight.
Do I need to bathe my rabbits before a show?
Rabbits shouldn't be bathed. Some showers use dry shampoo to make the coat look fluffier and shinier. You will need to make sure your rabbit has no stains and is free of mats.
When should I NOT bring a rabbit to a show?
If your rabbit is sick, has worms, ect, do not bring it to a show. Tons of rabbits are posed on the same table and at the show your rabbit will be near many others. Only rabbits in the fittest of health should be shown. Shows can also be very stressful and sick rabbits will not only be Disqualified from competition, but they will also be at a risk and could possibly die from the stress of the sickness on the body and from the stress of the show.
What should I bring to a show?
You should bring your rabbit, its carrying cage, food and water for the rabbit and for yourself, a chair for you to rest in before your rabbit's class has been called up to be judged, your show entry, your rabbit's pedigree, The Standard of Perfection (if you have one), your grooming supplies, a grooming table (if you have one, optional), nail trimmers, and a bit of money to compete in the raffles that are usually held, to buy yourself lunch (if some is there to purchase), or to do anything extra like tattoo or register your rabbit.
How do you show rabbits?
Read this article, it is SUPER informative and easy to understand!
http://www.thenaturetrail.com/showing-rabbits/judging-order/
What is a "leg"?
A leg is awarded to the winner of best of class, best of variety, best of breed, best in show, ect, as long as their are AT LEAST 3 exhibitors showing and 5 rabbits being shown.
What rabbits may I show?
Any rabbit that is healthy and purebred can be shown.
How do I reduce stress on my rabbit?
Make sure the rabbits are not overheated; to do this you will need to give it some shade, or a fan or put a frozen bottle next to the bunny so that it can lay next to it and cool down. Also you should make sure that you rabbit has something to do, i.e. give it some hay or a toy (if your rabbit likes toys).
How do I register my rabbit?
A 'registrar' will be at almost every ARBA show. You need to show the registrar your current ARBA membership card. Show up with your rabbit/s, pay the fee and the registrar will look over your rabbit. If the rabbit has no problems, DQs, and is the proper weight and a good example of its breed, the registrar with register it. You will also need it’s pedigree at the time or registering your rabbit. The pedigree has to be full; it must include the names, DOB and weight of 3 generations of ancestors. Registrars give the rabbit a tattoo in its RIGHT ear.
What is a Grand Champion (GC)?
A Grand Champion is a rabbit that has at least 3 legs. 1 leg MUST have been awarded to the rabbit as a senior. It cannot become a GC if it only has 3 junior legs; it must have at least 1 senior leg. GCs must be registered before they are eligible for grand championship.
How do I GC my rabbit?
Once your rabbit has 3 legs (at least one being a senior leg), you can send in some paperwork and a small amount of money to get a Grand Champion Certificate and a GC #.
Why would I go to a rabbit show?
Why not?! Rabbit shows are fun, open to the public, and a great way to see tons of bunnies! If you are breeding, the best way to get connected with other breeders and to build a good name in the rabbit breeding community is to show.
Can I sell/buy rabbits at a show?
Yes! Tons of breeders and showers take rabbits to sell at shows. It's a great place to buy and sell show and breeding rabbits; sometimes even pets.
To see more show terms, visit this page SHOW TERMS
For more on posing Holland Lops, visit POSING
If you have any further questions or want to see another question and answer posted here, don't be afraid to contact me and let me know.