Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 17, 2026

Rabbit show

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), which recognizes 53 breeds in its Standard of Perfection 2026–2030. Rabbit show jumping, also known as rabbit hopping or rabbit agility, is a performance sport developed in the 1970s based on horse jumping and is distinct from traditional rabbit shows. 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.

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A rabbit show preparation area in Llantrisant Fawr, Monmouthshire, Wales source ↗

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),12 which recognizes 53 breeds in its Standard of Perfection 2026–2030.3 Rabbit show jumping, also known as rabbit hopping or rabbit agility, is a performance sport developed in the 1970s based on horse jumping4 and is distinct from traditional rabbit shows.5 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.6

History

Rabbit shows are associated largely with the ARBA, originally founded in 1910 as the National Pet Stock Association,7 but various breeds have been raised for exhibition throughout the 19th century,89 starting in England with the formation of the first rabbit club in 1840.10

Criteria

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.6 In addition to any particular characteristics of a breed, shown rabbits are judged based on the following criteria:11

  • Rabbit handling
  • Rabbit posing on the show table
  • Examination of the rabbit
  • Condition of rabbit, including that of:
    • Fitting
    • Flesh
    • Fur
    • General health

As part of the process, exhibitors themselves may be judged on their appearance and their own rabbit knowledge through a quiz.11

References

References

  1. Hayhow, Chris (2003). Care of the Domestic Rabbit. Leathers Pub. ISBN 978-1-58597-197-8.
  2. "Rabbit Breeds", Rabbit Production, CABI Books (10 ed.), GB: CABI, May 11, 2022, pp. 23–28, doi:10.1079/9781789249811.0003, ISBN 978-1-78924-978-1, retrieved May 14, 2024
  3. ARBA Standard of Perfection 2026-2030. American Rabbit Breeders Association. November 15, 2025.
  4. Rea-Keywood, Jeannette (May 15, 2018). "Hop to It – Rabbit Hopping and Agility". Rutgers 4-H Animal Science Resource Blog.
  5. "Rabbit agility". RSPCA. May 24, 2011.
  6. Bennett, Bob (January 18, 2023). "Showing Rabbits for Beginners". Grit. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  7. "About the ARBA..." American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  8. Gibson, Charles S. (1916). Breeding and Care of Rabbits for Exhibition and Market.
  9. Rayson, Charles (1872). Rabbits for prizes and profit. "The Bazaar" Office.
  10. Whitman, Bob D. (October 2004). Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories: Breeds of the World. Leawood, KS: Leathers Publishing. p. 1. ISBN 978-1-58597-275-3.
  11. "4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing" (PDF). Michigan State University Extension. Retrieved November 26, 2024.