08/04/2026
If anyone is looking for some great tips for getting into rabbits, check out this information by Hairy Buns Rabbitry:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18pLgGUYZL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Its that time of year again
School is starting back soon. 4H enrollment is coming up. Fair season is almost here.
You're new to rabbits and your kids want to show a rabbit for county fair or ARBA. That's awesome. We are đź’Ż behind you. There are great breeders all over the country
This time of year we also see an uptick in new breeders. Many of these new breeders do not breed to ARBA standards since they only breed for the pet market. It breaks my heart to see what some people will sell to kids.
Most fairs and judges go by ARBA Standard of Perfection rules. It's recommended, if you show or breed, to buy this book. It will have a list of every accepted color for each breed.
Use caution when making your 1st purchase. Heres a couple of tips...
1. If a breeders says "its good enough for 4H"...run away! Breeder doesn't actively show, find another breeder. Ask where they showed last and how their animals placed.
2. Stay away from anything harlequin or vienna marked (random white markings). Those are disqualified except in a few specific breeds and only exhibition in Rex which means they cannot compete for best of breed or best in show.
3. Ear length is very specific in certain breeds. Ex. Lionheads should not have 5" ears.
4. Tamuks can NOT be shown and they are not an ARBA recognized breed.
5. Only approved breeds listed on ARBA.net are accepted. Lionlops, teddywidder, etc are not showable except in a pet class.
6. Pedigree does NOT guarantee quality, mutts can have pedigrees.
7. Find an ethical breeder that specifically breeds to show and has a show history.
8. We are happy to recommend and help you find a breeder for a specific breed.
9. 1st time, younger kids do not need to start with higher maintenance wool breeds. Start them with smaller easier breeds. Polish, Havana, Himalayans, Mini Rex, Mini Satins, etc. Set them up for success. If they insist on a wool breed, go with Jersey Woolies. Many colors to choose from and typically gentle natured.
10. Some breeds are highly competitive and have large classes, such as Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lops, Californians, Mini Rex while others are very rare and harder to find like Argente Bruns, Palamino, blue holicer which means less competition on the table.
11. Some breeds are not common in our area and you may have to travel or use transport to get them here.
ASK, ASK, ASK questions. There is no stupid question. There is a learning curve to rabbits.
We are here to help and want your child to do well.
Borrowed from Salty Rooster Farms and I couldn’t agree more!
