I'm ever so sorry on my delinquency in getting these up. Below are a few videos of the Mini Lop judging at NC State Convention. My work with the Red Cross has been taking up my time as of late.

I'm so excited! I keep getting questions from people becoming rabbit breeders and showers. They're nervous and want to go to their first show--so let's talk about it openly.

Rabbit showing and judging is the "underground" world of pets. There really isn't any reason for this other than we don't market it well. We're not exclusive, closed off, or even a secret society. As a group, rabbit breeders are family friendly, open to meeting new people and extraordinarily helpful. If you just want to visit, feel free to stop by a show and ask questions, peek around and have a good time.

Our overarching, ethics-setting organization is the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). On their website you will find a list of upcoming shows. This website is updated regularly as many shows don't often "sanction" themselves until the very last minute. If there's nothing near you posted today; check back.

There are two classes of shows: youth and open. Youth is for anyone under the age of 18. Open is all us old people. Youth can show in Open, but cannot show the same rabbit in Youth and Open on the same day. Open can never show in Youth.

To start showing is very simple--just enter your rabbit and bring it to the show. When you find the show you want to enter, contact the Show Secretary and ask for their "show catalog". This often-free booklet will provide information on how to enter, what to bring your rabbit in, when the show will start, etc. The most difficult problem maybe deciphering what class your rabbit should be in. Don't be afraid to call the Show Secretary again and ask him/her. Show Secretaries exist to help you and often really enjoy it. (You can also email me if you want. I'll be more than happy to help in any way.)

The day of the show is really something anyone can handle. We do not have handlers, professional groomers or trainers. You will find breeders in jeans and sweatshirts and judges meandering among them. When you enter the room, just go to the Secretary and check-in. Tell the him/her you're new and need to know what to do next. They'll tell you to put your rabbit by the judging table your breed is at. They'll often also point you toward other breeders who can mentor you. If they don't do the later, just stop by any breeder, say hi, tell us your new and need help! We'll watch out for you.

All that's left to do is to wait for your class and put your animal on the table for the correct class. Essentially, it's really that easy. (I'll discuss what happens if you win in another post) Judging is done on a table with boxes. Once your class is called, you bring your rabbit to the table and put it in the box. Watch and listen closely to the table your breed is on as sometimes the breeds are not "announced" when they go up on the table. It's really that simple.

Final thought: If the first show you're going to is on the east coast between Maryland and Maine, drop me an email and I'll be happy to help you through it. You'll have a ton of fun! I promise.