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AMERICAN RABBIT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
RABBIT RAISING EQUIPMENT
SHOW SECRETARY SOFTWARE
2009 ARBA CONVENTION, SAN DIEGO CA

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BREAKING NEWS:

A Great One Passes Away
Hall of Famer E.R. "Fibber" McGehee

Fibber was interviewed by a video production crew while attending the 86th ARBA Convention in San Diego last month.

12/21/2009, TULSA, OK — Sad news has struck the rabbit world today. Legendary showman and judge E.R. Fibber Mceehee passed away today at the age of 83 after complications from pneumonia. Fibber was inducted into the ARBA Hall of Fame in 1991. Shown above, Fibber was special guest of the 86th ARBA Convention and show last month. Randy Shumaker and Kevin whaley saw to it that Fibber did not miss the convention, purchasing his airfare. The ARBA Best in Show trophy is named in his honor. His most famous quotation is "A rabbit with too much depth is like having too much money in the bank".

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NEWS UPDATE:

86th Annual ARBA Convention Considered "Best Ever"
California crew pulled out all stops.

The early reviews of the 86th ARBA Convention and Show are overwelmingly superlative.

1936 Woody greets attendees at entrance to show in the Pat Obrien Hall. A record breaking 13,000 rabbits were shown that largest show ever held on the West Coast!



The Open Best in Group Judges (L-R) Make Avesing, Glen Carr, Wade Burkhalter, Randy Shumaker (Best in Show), Cliff Dick.

ARBA Judge, Randy Shumaker announces his Best in Show choice.

Rabbitcon attendees enjoyed a profesional conference
hosted at the Hilton hotel.


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Why Do So Many
People Show Rabbits?
A hobby for young and old, family friendly.
Rabbit shows and showing rabbits is a tradition that dates back 100 years in the United States when the stately Belgian Hare reigned supreme. The purpose for showing rabbits (and other livestock) was to place on exhibition the most healthy and virile stock that a stockman could produce. In competition, the best animal would win. The rabbit raiser would then go home and breed his first place animals, thus propagating only those animals with the strongest health and physical attributes. Therefore, such competition was an integral factor in the selective breeding and evolution of today's hardy and diverse specimens.

That tradition continues with over 46 breeds of domesticated rabbits that may come in dozens of varieties and colors. Showing rabbits is a healthy form of competition which betters the individual breeds of rabbits and the domestic rabbit, in general. Every person who shows rabbits finds a particular breed which has a special appeal to them- it is very personal.

Showing rabbits teaches young and old about breed characteristics, competition, health attributes, and rare breed preservation. The American Rabbit Breeders Association is the largest organization of its kind which sanctions all shows in the United States and Canada.

Updated 09/14/2009

We can only provide .PDF catalogs for those shows who submit their catalog to us. We can also converto your Word documents into PDF format. If your show is not listed here or if you have a .PDF file of your catalog, drop us a line, Email: kevin2001arba@aol.com

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How Do I Enter A Rabbit Show?
And other frequently asked questons.

How Do I Enter A Rabbit Show?
Entering a rabbit show is fairly easy. You will need an entry form for the show. To obtain an entry form, download the show catalog or contact the show secretary and request one. List each of your animals with its ear number, breed, variety, sex and age. Fill out the form and send with appropriate entry fee.

How Much Does it Cost?
Entering and attending rabbit shows is one of the few affordable and wholesome activities for individuals and families. The entry fee is typically $3.00 - $4.00 per animal. In general, shows do not charge an admission fee and the shows are open to the public.

How Do I Get On A Mailing List For Show Catalogs?
Once you enter a rabbit show or two your name will be on the Secretary's mailing list. Many secretaries share their mailing lists. More and more shows are using email to send catalogs. Be sure to include an accurate e-mail address when you enter. In California, one of the largest regional E-mailing lists is maintained by CRCS. To add your e-mail address to the CRCS list (west coast exhibitors only), send an email request to: brnburner@aol.com. Be sure to include in your request your name and whether you raise rabbits or cavies.

Also check with your county fair to request a show catalog for small animal exhibition. County 4-H clubs often have information on upcoming 4-H and youth-oriented shows or events.

Can I Show My Rabbit If It Is A Pet?
Surprisingly, many veteran rabbit show exhibitors got their start by showing their pet rabbit. Pet rabbits seem to like to travel to the show as well as be part of the activity with so many rabbits during the day. There are youth shows and specialty shows in which only one or two breeds are shown. It is a very educational experience since a licensed judge will examine the rabbit and provide comments about its health, appearance and conformation to the breed standard. Win or lose, it is still an informational experience. Who knows, you may be inspired to aqquire your first pair of pedigreed rabbits and begin a long and rewarding show hobby.

Do I Need A Pedigree To Show My Rabbit?
It is not necessary to have a pedigree to show your rabbit. Many rabbits conform to a breed standard. A pedigree assures that the breeding behind the animal is pure. However it is not a requirement for showing. Rabbits that achieve 3 major wins at a show are eligible to receive a Grand Champion certificate. A pedigree is required to obtain this certificate.

What do I need to show my rabbits?
Showing a rabbit is a fairly simple and does not require a huge expenditure for equipment, grooming and handlers like that associated with showing dogs. It is actually pretty simple. After submitting your entry, you will want to prepare for the show. You may need to buy a rabbit transport cage. Of course, you will want to be sure your rabbit is in the peak of health and condition for the show. You will also want to read the ARBA Standard of Perfection, a book with all of the showroom classes and weights.

Here is a list of items you will need to bring to the show (most of the items are available from our site sponsor, KW Cages):

Basics:
Rabbit Transport Cage
Food and Water for your Rabbit
Feed and Water Cups
ARBA Standard of Perfection
Grooming Brush
Folding Chair
Snacks

Beyond the Basics:
Grooming Table
Grooming Lotion
Show Bloom Conditioner
Cage Cart

What kind of awards can I expect for my rabbit to win at a Rabbit Show?
The awards, or premiums as they are called, can vary from show to show and region to region. In general, most shows award place ribbons for first through third or fifth places. A rosette or other award is given to Best of Breed winners. Trophies, plaques or other awards can be won at larger shows or for Best in Show. Some shows offer useful prizes such as transport cages or imprinted director's chair

At the largest annual show of them all, the ARBA Convention awards can vary from large trophies and cups to cash prizes of hundreds or thousands of dollars. The main thing to keep in mind when showing rabbits is that it is all for fun. Rabbits seem to enjoy the outings and they are an excellent stress reliever for individuals and families. Have fun!