Do you want to purchase a rabbit to compete in a show?There are a lot of things to consider when making a decision.A show rabbit needs to be healthy, have good genetics and conform to the standards of its breed.Picking the right rabbit doesn't have to be difficult.It can be enjoyable with a little thought and care.
Step 1: Buy a book for your breed.
This is a standard in the United States for rabbit breeders.Every recognized breed is described in this book.The standards for every recognized breed will allow you to figure out what breed is best for you.The standard will prevent you from getting a rabbit that won't do well on the show tables.Breed standard books can be found on the websites of breed appreciation groups.
Step 2: For your level of expertise and accommodations, choose the breed best suited for you.
For beginners, many of the small-sized breeds are easy to handle.They use less cage space and eat less food than the bigger breeds, so they are cheaper to care for and are a good choice to start with.Some of the dwarf and smaller-sized breeds have easy temperaments.
Step 3: If you are just starting out, avoid dwarf and full-arch breeds.
If you want a more challenging breed, such as Netherland Dwarf, Britannia Petite, or any of the running breeds, you need to know how to show rabbits or be near a competent breeder who can help you.Skills are required to handle, breed, and pose rabbits.Despite their small size, they can be more challenging to beginners.If you want to show dwarf rabbits, you should get some skills with small-sized rabbits first.You will be able to care for and show dwarf breeds when you have some experience.
Step 4: Search online for breeders.
You can find a rabbit club in your state or a national breed appreciation group on the internet.If local breeders don't have what you are looking for, be prepared to find transport or ship the rabbit if you want it.Don't get a rabbit that will be used for breeding at a pet store, shelter or rescue.If you are looking for a rare breed or variety, you may need to travel, bring it to a show, or fly it in.When contacting breeders, take this into account.
Step 5: Get in touch with a potential breeder.
You should contact the breeders if you are willing to travel to meet them.Call or email them and ask if they have rabbits for sale.Tell them why you want a show rabbit, and what you are looking for in terms of breed, variety, number, sex, age and other important characteristics.The breeder can help if you are specific.You should include your location as well.A good breeder will have a lot of questions for you.They need to invest in the well-being of their rabbits.They want to place them in the best possible homes.If you can afford it, invest in the highest quality stock.Cheap rabbits aren't likely to do well on the table.This is not likely to be show quality, so don't get a young rabbit.If you want a show rabbit, get one that is at least 5 or 6 months old.You might have to wait until the rabbits are available before scheduling a visit or meeting at a show.The breeder might not want you to look at their breeding location.Many breeders operate a closed rabbitry, meaning they don't want anyone in their barn.Potential buyers may be thieves, animal rights activists, or other creeps that the breeder doesn't want around their precious livestock.If you are allowed to visit, make sure the rabbitry is well-kept.Don't buy from the breeder if it is dirty, smelly, and full of sick rabbits.
Step 6: Ask the breeder how they raise their rabbits.
Ask about how they show their rabbits, condition them, and breed them.Over many years of trial and error, this information is extremely valuable.It is possible to save a lot of money and time by buying a rabbit from a person who knows how to breed rabbits.If you are just getting started in showing rabbits, a reliable breeder will be able to answer your questions and give you resources.
Step 7: Most breeders don't want you to sign a contract.
If they have a sales policy, ask to see it before buying the rabbit.If they have one, they may have it on their website or Facebook.
Step 8: The rabbits are for sale.
To narrow down your choices, pose the rabbits, feel their bodies, and assess their quality.Take into account whether the rabbit has a good temperament or not.A poor temperament rabbit is hard to interact with.If you want to purchase a young rabbit as a show animal, be aware that the breeder has no way of knowing if the animal will develop well or not at this young age.Pets are likely to be pet quality at 8 weeks old.Is it friendly when buying rabbits?Does it come and greet you or does it run and hide?Does it have a good coat?Will it let you flip it over?Does this rabbit fit the breed standard and is it an excellent example of how its breed is supposed to look?The rabbits listed as "4-H quality" are usually pet quality rabbits that the breeder is trying to get a higher price for.
Step 9: Look at the rabbit's coat.
Look at the rabbit's fur.The fur should snap back into position when you stroke it backwards.There shouldn't be any bald spots on the rabbit and the fur should be soft.Before assessing a rabbit's fur, be aware of the fur requirements of your breed and what it should look like.Before you pick a rabbit, make sure you check the Standard of Perfection for rules on fur.The coat length, color and pattern requirements could be included in the rules.All markings are the right size, shape, and color if the undercolor is correct.
Step 10: There is a rabbit's face.
A good show rabbit should have clean, bright eyes.The color of the eyes should match the standard for the breed.The bottom teeth should overlap the top teeth.The rabbit's ears should be free of parasites and wax, so look inside them to see if it is a good rabbit to bring home.A potential rabbit should be eliminated if there is any sign of illness.It's important to bring home a rabbit that is in good health so that you don't have to worry about it.
Step 11: The rabbit's body should be assessed.
The back should be strong and firm.The rabbit's body should not be soft.The legs have to be straight.All of the rabbits' toenails should be present and they should have five toes on their feet.Some rabbits have different shaped backs, so be sure to check the Standard of Perfection website for the details.White toenails should be on white breeds and varieties and colored toenails on colored breeds or varieties.The body of a very young rabbit should not be flabby.
Step 12: Take a look at the rabbit's health.
Listen to the rabbit breathing.The rabbit should be quiet.Try to inspect its feces because it should have firm, dry stools.There shouldn't be any signs of illness or injury.Rabbits can get urine stains on their feet.This doesn't mean they are sick.Don't buy a sick rabbit.If the rabbit doesn't survive or is in pain due to illness, you can end up with a broken heart.
Step 13: Discuss the rabbit's history.
Know what the best lines are for your breed.Even rabbits with multiple legs can be poor quality, so it is better to know lines than wins.If everything looks good, ask to see the rabbit's parents or offspring.You need to make sure the rabbit you buy has a history.It doesn't mean that your rabbit will be a winner even if it has show winners in its background.It may increase your chances of winning.If you want to breed your rabbit, you'll need to have a pedigree.If your rabbit wins 3 GC legs, you must register it as a Grand Champion.You should get a copy when you buy your rabbit.Don't leave until later.
Step 14: If your rabbit isn't tattooed already, have it.
This is done by most breeders.You have to have a tattooed number or letter sequence in order to show in shows.You can identify your rabbits easily if this is written on the pedigree.At rabbits shows, there may be eighty rabbits of the same breed and color, and you don't want to swap your rabbits with someone else's.The rabbits are kept straight by the tattoos.