The Blue Holicer is a medium sized rabbit with a stocky, upright cylindrical body, thickly furred ears, ultra dense medium steel blue fur, and a max weight of 7-1/4 lbs. The breed was developed in the Czech Republic in the 1950 by a breeder named Imrich Vanek. The breed was recognized by the Central Committee of [...]
Don Havlicek Imported the Czech Frosty rabbit from Czech Republic in 2013. This wonderful loving breed stole the hearts of many. The Czech Frosty also called the Schwarzgrannen or Czech Black-Haired, are a medium sized rabbit that originated in the Czech Republic early 1950’s. It was accepted by the German standard in 1991 and then accepted [...]
As breeders and judges we may not see many, or any, commercial classes at all-breed sanctioned shows throughout most of the year. However, for 2-3 months out of the year as we enter the “Fair Season” these are generally the largest classes we encounter at county and state fairs. Considering we may encounter very few the [...]
Exhibiting a pen of rabbits for market class competition at the county fair can be a fun, rewarding, educational, and even profitable project with the right care, feeding, and management. Whether this is your first time as a rabbit owner or not, here are some important points to help keep your market fryers on a track [...]
If you are a breeder or grower who purchases live rabbits, AGM recommends you review your biosecurity measures as a precaution and take steps to address potential gaps. The following actions will significantly reduce the chance of RHDV2 or other contagious diseases affecting rabbits: • Do not allow pet, feral, or wild rabbits to have contact [...]
With the ARBA Convention on the horizon and Nationals shows taking place throughout the US in the spring driving to these shows can be time consuming and unfeasible, so some of us turn to air travel to get us and our rabbits and cavies there.
This document is being created in order to provide guidance to all individuals who care for rabbits and cavies for the purposes of pets, show animals, commercial uses (i.e. food, fiber, and exhibition) and laboratory uses. This document is also meant to serve as a guide for individuals who serve in animal welfare and regulatory [...]
Within the Rabbit and Cavy community the most common area of criticism from both judges and exhibitors alike is inconsistent or improper posing. Too many good animals are culled because they are improperly posed.
Showmanship is a "vet check" on your animal. It's like the process judges and registrars go through while checking animals. You will be checking your animal for any health issues such as malocclusion, abscesses, and more. So thoroughly check the animal. This process should make be sure your animal is a quality show animal. It also [...]
Dwarf Papillons were developed in Germany under the name Zwergschecken. Translated to English this means Dwarf Check. The idea for Dwarf Papillons was born in Metz, France at the 2015 Europa show. The Europa World Show had Papillons shown from several countries, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden and Austria; all exhibited under the French name, Nain [...]
Easter is a Time for Celebration - Not a Surprise Addition to the Household. The Easter Bunny will soon be making his rounds and children are already looking forward to the gifts and treats tucked inside their baskets on Easter morning. One gift that often finds its way into that basket is a child's very [...]
Though there are six types of Argente rabbits, the ARBA recognizes only three: The Champagne, the Creme and the newest accepted Argente breed - the Brun. With their dense, glossy, silky coat with a deep chocolate brown undercolor, the Argente Brun is a handsome and striking animal. Accepted at the 92nd ARBA Convention in Portland, Oregon [...]
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 13 breeds of cavies for the purpose of promoting the ethical breeding, showing and improvement of the cavy for exhibition, pet and research animal. Visit the club website to learn about Cavies. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
A brilliant orange-red rabbit from nose to tail describes the Thrianta. In 2005 the Thrianta became the first new breed passed by the ARBA Standards Committee since 1988 under the leadership of Hall of Fame legend Glen Carr. The breed was originally developed in Sweden for the Royal House of Orange-Nassau in the late 1930s and [...]
Almost from the moment Tans were discovered in the late 1800s from a wild colony of rabbits in England, their development and domestication began. The black Tan was the primary color though the blues followed soon after. The original Tans bore little resemblance to the lithe, longer limbed and sleek animals we know today; rather they [...]
Originally described as "strange little black rabbits" in the 1920s when they popped up in Chinchilla litters, the Silver Marten was the result of breeders introducing black and tan rabbits into Chinchillas to improve the type. The ‘Silver Marten’ is both the name of a breed and a color. The Silver Marten breed came first, and [...]
The Silver Fox breed was developed by Walter B. Garland and was the third breed to be developed in the United States. Originally named the American Heavyweight Silver, the name was changed to Silver Fox in 1929. Though the black and blue color varieties of Silver Fox were originally recognized, the blue variety was later dropped. [...]
Satins first appeared in a litter of Havanas owned by Walter Huey of Pendleton, IN in 1934. After consulting with Harvard University geneticists it was concluded that this was a simple mutation that was unlike anything seen in the rabbit world. From those humble beginnings the Satin Rabbit was born. First called Satin Havanas, these rabbits [...]
One of the oldest recorded breed of domestic rabbit the Silver dates back at least to the 1500s. There are legends and stories that tell of Sir Walter Raleigh introducing the breed to England from Portugal. Around 1920 the Silver was introduced onto American soil and was accepted as a breed. It was one of the [...]
Trim and athletic, the Rhinelander is a medium sized arched breed known for its flashy markings of orange and black, or fawn and blue. Developed in Germany in the first decade of the 20th century, Rhinelanders made their way to the United States in 1923 and were recognized as a breed in 1924. Rinelanders are known [...]
First shown publicly at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924, the Rex breed was recognized internationally as a breed to watch. Imported to the US in 1924 by John Fehr and Alfred Zimmerman. The popularity of the Rex is largely due to the mutation that produces a short, dense velvet-like quality to the fur. Today [...]
The origins of the Polish remain somewhat obscure. The breed was mentioned in English literature in 1860 and was believed to have owed their origins to Britain and not Poland as their name suggested. Though diminutive in size, the Polish is not a dwarf breed, having longer ears, a non-brachycephalic head, and less cobbiness of body [...]
1957 became the year of the Palomino. Named after their color (similar to the Palomino horse), the Palomino comes in two varieties, Golden and Lynx. Palominos are a popular breed with enthusiasts from coast to coast due to their multiple uses for show, pet, meat and fur. – Maximum weight 11 lbs. Visit the club website [...]
With more ARBA Best in Show wins than any other breed, the New Zealand rabbit was a game changer for many breeders. Despite the name, the breed was originally developed in the United States and became recognized in 1916. New Zealands were prized for their quick growth rate and meat production, and while the Reds were [...]
The enduring appeal of the Netherland Dwarf can be attributed to their diminutive size, variety of showable colors, and brachycephalic head. The Netherland Dwarf breed was first produced in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, and soon made its way to America. Since then their popularity has only grown and new color varieties have been [...]
The newest addition to "Team Sheen" arrived courtesy of J. Leo Collins who succeeded in getting the Mini Satins recognized by the ARBA in 2005. Originally called the Satinette, the 47th breed came only in one showable color - white. However, so popular was this breed that other rapidly followed. As of this writing there are [...]
Though a relatively new breed, the Mini Rex is consistently the #1 or #2 top entry at any ARBA Convention. Developed in 1984 in Texas by the late-great Monna Berryhill. The plush coated Mini Rex became a recognized breed in 1988 and have been dominating the show tables ever since. Popular and available in may different [...]
Believed to have been developed in the 19th century by crossing the English Lop with the Giant Pappillon, the ever popular French Lop made its appearance in the US in 1971. Though placid and relaxed in temperament, the French Lop is a massive, heavy boned rabbit with a strongly developed, wide and sturdy head. They are [...]
Known for having the longest ears of any rabbit breed, the English Lop is also considered the original lopped rabbit. Bred in the early 19th century and prized as pets in the Victorian era, the English Lop was used to develop other lopped breeds such as the French and Mini Lop. This breed's placid temperament and [...]
Stocky and compact the Mini Lop was brought to the U.S. in the 1970s bearing the name Klein Widderand. After a slow start and a name change, the Mini Lop (presented by Herb Dyck), became an official ARBA breed in 1980. Easily recognized by the softball-sized head and engaging lopped ears, the Mini Lop only gains [...]
The most eye-catching feature of the Lionhead rabbit is the distinctive mane around its head giving it the look of a male lion, as the name implies. While the Lionhead has only been a recognized breed in the United States since 2014, it is steadily gaining in popularity throughout the rabbit hobby. In 2018 the Lionhead [...]
Developed in Great Britain in the early 20th century, the Lilac was imported to the United States in 1922. Population numbers remain low enough that it is currently listed by the Livestock Conservancy as a breed to watch. This engaging breed is known for its distinctive pinkish dove-gray coloring and luxurious fur. The Lilac is a [...]
This distinctive breed with the mug head and luxurious wooled coat was developed by Bonnie Seeley and recognized as a breed in 1988. Bonnie's intent was to produce a small pet rabbit with wool that was easy to care for. Today, the Jersey Wooly has become one of the most popular breeds of rabbit exhibited in [...]
Originally developed by Adriann de Cock of the Netherlands with the purpose of creating a dwarfed lop-eared rabbit that was smaller and easier to handle than the larger French Lop. The venture was long and challenging but ultimately, rewarding as the breed was recognized by the ARBA in 1979. Today the Holland Lop is one of [...]
Known abroad by various names such as the Russian Rabbit, the Black Nose Rabbit from China, and the Egyptian Smut, the Himalayan is indeed a worldly wonder. A description of the Himalayan rabbit first appeared in an 1857 European publication and that by the end of the 19th century Himalayans were being raised for show in [...]
The "Mink of the Fancy" became an ARBA recognized breed in 1916. Known then as the Standard Havana, the breed was prized for the mink-like quality of their fur. Today the Havana is one of the heavy hitters on the show table; frequently taking top honors at shows. They are a compact breed and can be [...]
Originating in France and first exhibited in Paris in 1887, the Harlequin rabbit comes in two types: The Japanese and the Magpie. Japanese Harlequins are orange or fawn and either black, blue, chocolate, or lilac, while Magpie Harlequins are white and either black, blue, chocolate, or lilac. A "perfect" Harlequin will have a marked split of [...]
Originally developed to provide a smaller rabbit for laboratory use, the Florida White has become much more than just another white rabbit. Recent years have seen a surge in popularity for the Florida White; frequently winning Best In Show. The Florida White has also achieved the rabbit world's highest honor; ARBA Convention Best in Show. Accepted [...]
Believed to have originated in Flanders, Belgium, the Flemish Giant was bred as early as the 16th Century. The breed was exported to America in the early 1890s to help improve the size of meat rabbits during the great "rabbit boom". The docile personality of the Flemish Giant has earned it the nickname "Gentle Giant", and [...]
The English Spot rabbit was developed in England in the 19th century. Through selective breeding they developed the distinctive colored markings on its body, including the butterfly nose marking, eye circles, cheek spots, herringbone, colored ears, and a chain of spots. The English Spots made their appearance in the US in 1890 and were an instant [...]
The "Eye of the Fancy" was developed in Germany from two different strains that eventually merged to become the breed we know today. The Dwarf Hotot combines the striking markings of the Blanc de Hotot with the charm of a dwarfed breed, making them easy to handle for children and a challenge to breed for the [...]
Perhaps the most recognizable breed, the Dutch rabbit was developed in England during the 1830s. Breeders began selecting rabbits that bore the distinct markings that have become the hallmark of the breed we know today. Selecting for correct markings paired with type can be challenging, but the fact that the Dutch remains one of the top [...]
One of the rarest breeds of rabbit, the stunning Crème d’Argent's creamy-white color with a bright orange undercolor is a true showstopper. This rare breed, (which numbers less than 1,000 in the US) has become extinct in all countries except the US and the United Kingdom. The ARBA, together with the Creme d'Argent Rabbit Federation is [...]
The Cinnamon, named for its russet coat color, became a recognized breed in 1972. Developed by the Houseman Family who saw the potential of this breed. The color of the Cinnamon is a rust or ground cinnamon with a uniform gray ticking across the back, smoky grey coloring on its sides, a dark underbelly, and an orange under-color [...]
In the 1920s the Standard Chinchilla took the US by storm. Breeders recognized immediately that the breed would be of great value for its fur. Almost overnight the Standard Chinchillas were the next big thing following the Belgian Hares. Thousands of Chinchilla rabbits, including the Standard Chinchillas, were registered with the association during the 1920’s. Today [...]
The Giant Chinchilla was developed in the US in 1921 by Edward H. Stahl. His purpose was to create a breed that produced the prized Chinchilla fur on as large as pelt as possible. In 1928 he achieved his goal and the Giant Chinchilla was officially recognized by the ARBA. The nickname given to the Giant [...]
Upon being shown by a British exhibitor at the New York State Fair in 1919 Chinchilla rabbits were sold to Edward H. Stahl and Jack Harris and the rest is history. The Chinchilla can be credited with the development of more breeds and varieties of rabbit worldwide than any other breed of domestic rabbit. The versatile [...]
Recognized by the ARBA in 1919, the Checkered Giant is celebrating 100 years as the "rabbit beautiful". One of the largest rabbit breeds, the Checkered Giant is easily recognized by its distinctive bold markings and arched body type. They are a running breed and require a large cage to move comfortably. – No maximum weight. Visit [...]
Champagne d’Argent means ‘Silver [rabbit] of Champagne’. Though the specific origins are unknown, the breed may have been present in France by the mid 1600s. Prized for their unique "silvery" pelt and meat producing qualities, the Champagne is a frequent winner on the show table. – Maximum weight 12 lbs. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
Developed in Southern California in the 1920s by George West, the Californian is one of the most popular breeds of rabbits in the ARBA. Prized for its meat producing qualities as well as its pelt, the "Cal" is a competitive commercial breed in all 50 states and beyond. – Maximum weight 10.5 lbs. Visit the club [...]
The Britannia Petite, known as the "Polish" in Britain, is one of the smallest breeds of rabbits recognized by the ARBA. Active and energetic, the Petite is more high strung than other breeds. They take perseverance and patience to handle, but are one of the most showy breeds to exhibit. – Maximum weight 2.5 lbs. Visit [...]
Derived from Hotot-en-Auge, near the port of LeHavre in Northern France, came the name and the rabbits known as Blanc de Hotot (White of Hotot). From those humble beginnings at the turn of the 19th Century to their recognition by the ARBA in 1979, this snow white breed with the black eyeliner has enjoyed a steady [...]
The Beveren has a rich European history. First developed in Beveren, Belgium during the 19th century and created from crosses of the Brabanconne, St. Nicolas Blue, and the Blue Vienna. Although rare in the United States, the active and energetic Beveren has a devoted following. They are recognized in black, blue and white. – Maximum weight [...]
One of the oldest breeds of rabbits in America, the Belgian Hare can trace its roots back to the 1880s. They were developed in the early part of the 18th century in Eastern Europe through selected breeding of wild and domestic rabbits. The Belgian Hare has a very distinct, lithe and elegant body and makes a [...]
The commercial typed Satin Angora became a recognized breed in 1987. The unique silky wool which possesses a distinct sheen is considered some of the most valuable of all wool and is the hallmark of the breed. – Maximum weight 9.5 lbs. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
The largest of the four breeds of angora recognized by the ARBA. The Giant was developed specifically as a wool producer. Its wool consists of three fiber types: Underwool, awn fluff and awn hair, and must be shorn as this breed does not moult. – No Max Weight Visit the club website Find a Breeder
One of four breeds of Angora recognized by the ARBA. The French has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years due to its docile nature and unique wool producing properties. – Maximum weight 10.5 lbs. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
One of four breeds of Angora recognized by the ARBA. The English is the only breed of Angora that is classified as a compact breed. It possesses a silky, luxurious wool that is both beautiful and sought after for spinning – Maximum weight 7.5 lbs. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
The American Sable is distinguished by its luxurious brown coat that shades from a dark sepia over the top to a lighter shade of sepia over the sides. It has a dark sepia face, ears, feet, and tail. They are often compared to a mink in color. They are an ideal breed for show, meat and [...]
The American Fuzzy Lop became a recognized breed in 1989. Known for its lopped ears, large head, and wooled coat, the AFL is a sweet tempered, rabbit that is energetic and popular for beginning and seasoned exhibitors alike. – Maximum weight 4 lbs. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
The American rabbit is considered a rare breed by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy which lists the American as critical. This breed possesses a calm temperament making it an excellent project. They come in two varieties (colors) Blue and White. - Maximum weight 12 lbs. Visit the club website Find a Breeder
