One of the most common questions that I receive from people who are just starting out is, "what should I expect when attending my first ARBA Show?" Depending on what type of show you are attending for your first, rather it be on a smaller scale or a larger scale like Nationals or Convention, you can always expect several things to happen.
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When it comes to purchasing rabbits, look for a reputable breeder that breeds healthy animals and strives to breed to better the breed. A lot of people don't realize that there is a difference between a reputable breeder and a backyard pet breeder. Some people don't really care about this information as they just want a cheap, cute bunny so will buy the cheapest one available instead of paying a little more for a rabbit deemed as a pet from a responsible breeder whose animals will be healthier than the ones you tend to purchase from a backyard breeder. However, a person looking for show or brood stock to start a breeding program for showing, will find this information valuable.
What is the difference between a Reputable Breeder and a Backyard Pet Breeder? Reputable breeders, aka as “hobby breeders”, do not breed for a profit; they simply do it for the betterment of the breed, for the love of the hobby and well... because it's fun! You will notice that Responsible Breeders tend to charge more than Pet Breeders who often price their rabbits low to sell rather quickly or they charge high prices for “cute” animals that are of poor quality. How To Identify A Pet Breeder Pet Breeders often have subpar animals that do not represent the S.O.P. and would not be successful in a show breeders program. A Pet Breeder will often be breeding several different colored animals instead of focusing on one color project until it can be competitive on the tables. One of the biggest things people will notice with a Pet Breeder is that they are messing with color rules to just produce “cute” animals such as a Chocolate VM which is not useful in any breeding program. Some Pet Breeders often try accepting deposits on newborn kits or very young animals. I recently came across several people who were taking deposits on kits the day they were born. Some of the common terms used by Pet Breeders include but are not limited to ”cute, micro, dwarf lop, pocket bunny, incorrect color terms", etc. Their pictures are often taken to make the rabbits look cute and not posed. They often get defensive about discussing flaws in their animals as well. By asking them a lot of questions, you tend to be able to easily figure them out as well. Also, ask them if they attend ARBA Sanctioned shows, placings, etc. Finding A Great Breeder Finding a great breeder isnt too hard but it is always great to do your own research as much as you can before committing to purchasing a rabbit from one. Usually if you ask someone in the breeding community, they can or will always have breeders they recommend or don't recommend. Just note, just because someone has placed in the Top Lop in Hollands for example doesn't mean they are the best person to be purchasing from. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and see what the breeders responses are. Don't be afraid to look for a mentor either or someone who is willing to take time out to give you their opinions on matters. Some breeders may be too busy to respond right away which is fine but beware of those who get aggressive in their responses. If a breeder sees that you are taking the initiative to learn, they will often be willing to help when they can. |
AuthorBrittany is an Open A.R.B.A. exhibitor that raises and shows Pedigreed Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs. She started breeding rabbits in 2002 and American Cavies in 2005. Archives
June 2022
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