Buying Show Quality Rabbits

Tips and advice for the first-time rabbit buyer

What is a 'show rabbit?'

Buying a show rabbit can be a daunting task, especially for the beginner, or a person who does not have a clear idea of what they want.  Many new breeders decide they want a rabbit to show, but they are not really sure what this means or what to look for.  If you buy a show rabbit this should be a rabbit you can show!!  The animal should fall within the breed standards set by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and should not have any disqualifying features. 

Because an animal is listed as show quality, does not guarantee it will be a winning or high-placing animal though.  Many new exhibitors are surprised when their newly-purchased show rabbit does not do so well at the first show!   There are so many factors that will affect each rabbit show - and your success at showing.  Sometimes you will do well, and other times you won't-don't become discouraged by the results of a show or two!  Read through our series of articles- all about showing your rabbit.

Where to find a show quality rabbit

The best place to start is at a rabbit show - even if you are not ready to actually buy your first rabbit, attending a rabbit show is a great way to learn more about the breed that interests you, and opens the door for you to meet breeders who raise your favorite rabbit breed. 

You can find rabbit shows by visiting the ARBA website and searching for shows in your area.  When you find a show you'd like to attend, you can just show up (it is free to attend) if you already know where it is, otherwise contact the show secretary to get directions to the show. 

The first time you go to a rabbit show, it may seem overwhelming....shows are usually busy and crowded with many rabbits and people.  Don't be timid, just start walking around and looking at all the rabbit breeds.  Most breeders will gladly talk to you and help by introducing you to breeders who raise the breed you are interested in.

If someone seems a little short with you, I can assure you it isn't because of you or your questions... that person may be in the middle of trying to get two different rabbit breeds up to two different judging tables at the same time, or some other similar reason!  Also, some exhibitors, who do not live close to the show, probably got up at 2 or 3 am just to get to the show on time - and believe me...anyone that does this is just not very sharp or talkative as the show day progresses! 

Be sure to watch the rabbit judging so you become familiar with how it is done, and what the judge looks at on each rabbit.  Feel free to ask the judge questions after he or she is through with a class or breed - most will gladly talk to you unless they are rushed to get the next class going!

You'll find breeders who have brought along rabbits for sale, or you can collect names and numbers of breeders whose stock interests you. 

Some buyers like to contact the 'top' points winners of the breed they are interested in.  Points sweepstakes are run by each breed's national specialty club, and by state rabbit breeder associations. The points a breeder earns at each show accumulate to give a grand total at the end of the show year.  I've always felt that the points sweepstakes do not accurately represent top breeders or breeders who can produce excellent stock.  Just because a breeder is near the top in the sweeps, doesn't automatically ensure they have the top quality rabbits - it can simply mean they've been able to attend more shows than others in the points race or they show a lot more rabbits that others! 

If you are looking for breeds we currently raise, you can visit our pages; Holland Lops For Sale, French Lops For Sale, or our main sale menu page, Rabbits For Sale.  If we don't have the breed you want - visit our other website The Rabbit & Cavy Directory.

Choosing your show rabbit. 

Most breeders are not going to sell their top animals so it is up to you to choose the best possible prospect out of the pool of available show rabbits.  Buy the Standard of Perfection from The American Rabbit Breeders Association and become familiar with the breed you are interested in -find out what the common faults of the breed are and learn to identify them. 

It always helps to take an experienced person along with you to look at potential animals - also, ask the owner to point out the faults of the rabbit you are interested in; some readily point these out but others only point out the good features!  There is no such thing as a perfect rabbit or cavy, but you should look for one with as few faults as possible. 

Inspect the rabbit thoroughly!

Please take the time to thoroughly inspect any rabbit you intend to buy - even if you are rushed for time, or embarrassed because you aren't sure what to look for or how to expertly handle a rabbit yet - make yourself do it or find a friend to help you. 

Look for common faults and disqualifications such as broken or misaligned teeth, overweight, poor or unrecognized color, check all the toenails to make sure they are all present (not broken off) and they are all the correct color!  Check the tail to make sure it isn't broken or part of it missing. In general - get your Standard of Perfection out, or your good friend, and look at each area of the rabbit thoroughly before you decide to buy!

Not all disqualifications are readily apparent and sometimes breeders are not even aware of a DQ a rabbit has - so take your time and thoroughly check!  It can be a sad day for you if you buy a rabbit, only to have it disqualified at the next show for something you didn't catch before you bought the rabbit!

We don't advise beginners to purchase babies or very young rabbits.

Many breeds look promising at a young age but soon go through tremendous developmental changes, sometimes ending up to be more of a brood or breeding animal, causing great disappointment for the beginning exhibitor.  Start out with an adult rabbit who will not offer you any surprises!  Once you've got some experience under your belt, you can start looking at younger stock.

How much will it cost?

Prices for show stock should vary with the quality of the animal, but this isn't always true, but in general, expect to pay more for a top-quality show rabbit.  Be sure to tell the breeder that you are just starting out in this breed - many good breeders will offer quality, affordable stock for you to get a good foothold! 

Prices by breed vary widely

Some of the more popular breeds, such as Holland Lops and Mini Rex, because of an over-saturated market can cost upwards of $100+ for a top quality show animal, while some of the less popular breeds usually range in local prices of between $25-$75 each.  Expect to pay top dollar for the ultra-rare breeds or breeds that are seldom shown in your local area, and also expect to pay an over-inflated price for stock at any national show!

Pedigrees should accompany any show rabbit you purchase.  Although you can show and breed a rabbit that does not have a pedigree, you cannot register or obtain a grand champion status on a rabbit that does not have a pedigree.  Pedigrees can be important to consider especially if you are planning to breed the rabbit and want lines that will compliment the ones you already have - but don't buy a show rabbit based solely on a 'great pedigree' - what-you-see-is-what-you-get, as far as the rabbit goes! 

Were you in the How To Show Your Rabbit series before you came here? If so, click here to return to Chapter 2