Breed Identification

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   In breed identification you will be required to identify several things about a a given number of live rabbits. You will need to list the breed, showroom classification (group or variety) and whether it is four or six class animal. At the ARBA national convention you will also need to know the registration variety of the animal.

    The best way to prepare for this portion of the contest is to walk around and practice at shows. Cooped shows and conventions are the easiest as you can check the cage tag to see if you are right. At non-cooped shows, you will want to either have someone more experienced walk around with you or ask the owners if you are unsure of a rabbit.

    Another way to prepare is to make flash cards. You can purchase a poster with all of the recognized breeds from either the ARBA or a rabbit supply dealer. Cut out the pictures and paste the photo on one side and the correct information regarding that rabbit on the opposite side. This is another great way to practice and can be done anytime.

    In addition, you may wish to view the following documents provided by the ARBA. They give information on guidelines specific to their contest. Please keep in mind that local or state contests may do things differently.

ARBA Guidelines for Breed ID     ARBA Guidelines for Variety/Classification ID

 

Below are some breed id examples

 

                           

                 

                          

 ( L-R, T-B 1. Silver Marten, Blue, 4 class; 2. Dutch, Gray, 4 class; 3. Netherland Dwarf, Chocolate, 4 class; 5. Satin, Siamese, 6 class.)

 

    The following websites have pictures of all of the varieties for these breeds. More will be added as they are found. Be sure to check these out, they are very helpful!

Flemish Giants .:. Netherland Dwarfs .:. Satin .:. Mini Rex .:. Rex .:. Britannia Petites

Polish .:. Silver Marten