A rabbit show is a type of animal show where rabbits are exhibited. Most rabbit exhibitions in America are sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA),[1] which recognizes 52 breeds in its Standard of Perfection 2021–2025. Rabbit show jumping, also known as rabbit hopping or rabbit agility, is a performance sport developed in the 1970s based on horse jumping[2] and is distinct from traditional rabbit shows.[3] Rabbit shows are mainly oriented towards exhibitors, rather than spectators, and receive little publicity compared to rabbit show jumping. Exhibitors display rabbits at shows for prize money and other awards.[4]
Rabbit shows are associated largely with the ARBA, originally founded in 1910 as the National Pet Stock Association,[5] but various breeds have been raised for exhibition throughout the 19th century,[6] [7] starting in England with the formation of the first rabbit club in 1840.
Rabbit shows involve the judging of rabbits based on several criteria, which are set based on a breed standard. Shows sanctioned by the ARBA are judged based on the Standard of Perfection. These criteria are specific to the breed of rabbit being shown, and shown rabbits in a breed are further divided into judging classes by their variety, age, and sex. In addition to any particular characteristics of a breed, shown rabbits are judged based on the following criteria:[8]
As part of the process, exhibitors themselves may be judged on their appearance and their own rabbit knowledge through a quiz.