Have You Ever Been to a Rabbit Show?
Maybe you’ve been to your county fair and checked out the rabbits. It’s fun, informative, and there’s nothing more exciting than falling in love with a new breed of rabbit. Usually the county fair only comes along once a year, so that’s a long time to wait when you’re in the mood for some rabbit love! Did you know that there are local rabbit shows all over and you can probably find a show to indulge your rabbit fever within a few hours’ drive?
Why you should attend a rabbit show?
Let’s say you’re interested in getting a rabbit. Maybe you wish to breed rabbits, or maybe you would like to adopt a rabbit. You want to do your research, find out which breed would be most suitable, and learn how to best care for your rabbit(s). At any given show you will have access to dozens of different breeds. These animals are pedigreed, the crème de la crème, shown by breeders who are experts in their field.
For breeders, shows are also a social event. They get to shop, see their friends, share stories, tips, challenges, and successes. It’s sort of a hurry up and wait situation. Once they register their animals and get them settled, until it’s time for them to gather up their rabbits and bring them up to the judges’ table, there’s time to hang out and shoot the breeze.
Rabbit breeders raise rabbits out of passion. Whereas dog breeders sell puppies for hundreds if not thousands of dollars, rabbits, even pedigreed, show quality rabbits don’t usually sell for more than $250. Most breeders will sell their less than show quality rabbits for well under $100. Let’s face it, I have never met a rabbit breeder who makes a living solely from his passion.
They fall in love with the breed or breeds they raise. They choose their stock with the intention of strengthening their herd, and as people who are passionate about their animals, they are more than willing to share their extensive knowledge. They are often patient, enthusiastic and eager to show you what has sometimes taken them years to learn.
Watching the judging can be a bit confusing at first, but it’s fascinating to watch the judges pose the rabbits, scoop them up, compare, then place them in order of first to last. If you’re looking for breeding stock, the results of the judging might steer you towards one of the winners. Just be careful when you’re hanging around the judging table; you don’t want to talk too loudly, nor disturb a breeder who is trying to follow the action.
Shows are also a great place to shop for equipment, tools, feed, memorabilia and… rabbits. Local shows attract attendees from hours away, so take advantage of the show to meet people you may not have an opportunity to get to know in other circumstances. You can find a list of shows near you on the A.R.B.A. (American Rabbit Breeders’ Association) website https://arba.net/show-search/.
Once a year the A.R.B.A. organizes their annual convention that attracts breeders from all over the world, bringing together upwards of 20,000 rabbits and a number of cavies (guinea pigs). This four-day event is held in different locations in the United States and is organized by local clubs. For anyone interested in rabbits, the convention is an amazing experience. There are rows and rows of vendors, some you know, like those from whom you already purchase your equipment, feed and hay. Others you will be happy to meet for the first time.
There are evening events, workshops during the day and organized sightseeing trips, so going to the convention makes for a great family outing, even if it’s just for a one or two day trip. If you aren’t going to show rabbits, you might want to avoid the last two days of the show—that many rabbits under one roof tends to generate a pungent odor that can be overpowering the last days of the show.
The 2024 convention will be held in Louisville, KY from October 26 to 30. For more information visit http://arba.net.
