Using The Standard of Perfection to Choose Your Show Rabbits
So now you have some rabbits and would like to start showing. Which ones do you pick to show? At the advise of others, you've purchased the Standard of Perfection - good for you! This publication will become your 'rabbit bible' soon enough! Here is some of the information you'll find in the Standard of Perfection:
The Standard of Perfection
The American Rabbit Breeders Association publication The Standard of Perfection lists all the ARBA-recognized rabbit and cavy breeds and their desired conformation, along with accepted colors and showroom classes.
This book is an important tool to use when
choosing your show string. If you don't already own it,
click this line to jump to the ARBA website page to purchase your copy of
The Standard of Perfection!
In order to choose rabbits to show, you will need to know if each one falls within the guidelines for the breed standard. Although you can guess or ask another breeder for advice, the information within The Standard of Perfection will tell you everything you need to know, right at your fingertips.
Reading The Standard of Perfection
Find your breed in the book - they are listed alphabetically. The first page about your breed contains some very important information:
Groups and Varieties - just under the breed name at the top of the page, you will find a listing of the approved color groups or varieties for your breed - if nothing is listed, that just means your breed comes in only one approved color! Continue reading...sometimes the color varieties or groups listed are your breed's actual show classes.
Breed Picture - a general breed picture for your viewing pleasure.
Show Classifications - specific notes about your breed's show classifications may be in bold lettering below the breed picture.
For instance, under the French Lop picture, there is a comment that the breed is shown in two classifications: Broken pattern and solid pattern. (even though the color groups are listed near the top, this breed is only shown in broken and solid, not by color- common with many breeds)
Schedule of Points - generally located below the breed picture, the points breakdown will tell you what your breed is judged on - higher numbers indicate more important features for that breed. Handy to use when choosing rabbits to buy, breed or show.
Showroom Classes & Weights - read this section CAREFULLY - The age and weight of each show class is listed and your rabbit must fall within these parameters in order to be shown. There are usually very important NOTES listed below these rules - read them carefully as they will specify more rules that pertain the the show age and weight categories!
Following the Showroom Classes and Notes, you might find a detailed description of the breed type and points, listing the ideal conformation, faults and breed-specific disqualifications.
Near the front of The Standard of Perfection, you will find a section on GENERAL disqualifications and faults - these apply to all breeds.
This Is Very Confusing......
The Standard of Perfection packs a ton of info about each breed, into a very small space - even seasoned breeders and exhibitors often do not have their own breeds' Standard memorized! Don't worry, with time you will be able to recognize the important qualities of your breed!
For choosing your initial show rabbits - a few important points would be;
- Make sure the rabbit is an acceptable color or pattern to show.
- Make sure the rabbit fits into his or her proper show class (weight and age).
- Make sure the rabbit doesn't have any disqualifications (breed DQs are in the breed section and General DQs are in the front of the book)
You should be able to at least start out this way - all the little details, faults and traits about your breed will come to you as you go along in your hobby. Soon you will be able to recognize both good and bad traits in your breed without even referring to the Standard!
Again - click here to get your copy of The Standard of Perfection
We have more articles about showing your rabbit and even some about rabbit faults - the links to these articles are located in the sidebar to your upper left. Happy showing!