A recent request for a show rabbit made me write a long explanation of how the "rabbit world" works. I think it's worth blogging.
The buyer asked for a great show buck with some legs behind him. This was to be a youth's rabbit. They had no interest in breeding, they just wanted a rabbit good enough to win for the youth. They did explain that the child would get attached and want to show, and that's the reason they needed a really hot rabbit, so they didn't end up with cages full of rabbits that didn't turn out to be as great as they thought. They had shown dogs in the past, and didn't know if the rabbit world worked the same way.
This is part of my response.
"In the rabbit world, you'll find more breeding stock than great show rabbits. Breeders keep their best in the breeding program. You'll be lucky to find one willing to sell a proven winner. The best you'll do is their culls and it will probably be young and unproven on the judging tables. Some culls are better than others, but they are culls just the same because they don't meet the breeder's standards.
While a pile of legs can indicate quality, it doesn't always, and it shouldn't be the main reason for buying. A rabbit can earn legs and Grand Champion certificate (only need 3 legs for GC) at shows where the stiffest competition is not present, and then tank at shows where they are. Some people pick their shows for that reason...to avoid the competition and rack up legs on a 2nd or 3rd rate rabbit.
The best way for a newbie to buy a rabbit is in person where you can get a hands-on explanation of what to look for. A young bunny from quality stock can go on to show very well. Buy the rabbit...not the pedigree or legs."
There were a lot of things I could have added, but didn't because it was obvious this was someone who just wanted the best (at any price) so their kid would WIN, and I didn't feel like going there.
Don't get me wrong. I'm all for parents buying the best rabbits they can afford to get youth started, and there's nothing wrong with showing that purchased stock. What parents of this other mindset don't understand is that kids who are indulged this way won't get the respect or feel the pride that comes from winning with a homebred rabbit. A youth who has developed a quality line from their original stock will have all that and more.
This buyer also wondered "if it would be possible to get a great rabbit from a busy breeder who needs an extra person out there showing their rabbits off". That gave me a chuckle. I didn't bother explaining that most breeders won't loan or stud out rabbits except to trusted friends, let alone "lease" them. It should give other breeders a grin as well if they go around asking for that.
No, I didn't add all that. Often one rabbit can create a future breeder and ARBA member, and I didn't want to discourage that. I didn't have anything that met their needs, so I referred them to sites and a respected local breeder that could help in their search.
11 Days until Spring
tnt
