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Begin practicing with a stuffed animal rabbit
Practice with a stuffed animal rabbit
While learning the steps use a stuffed animal rabbit.
A stuffed animal rabbit won't scratch and will be easier to turn over.
Using a stuffed animal rabbit makes it safer for you to practice. It also protects your live rabbit.
Showmanship Overview
Posing
Examination
Handling
Pose the rabbit to the breed standard. Set the head, each foot, ears, tail, and fur.
Handling
Examination
Handling
Handling refers to how you are picking up the rabbit and how you are carrying it.
Examination
Examination
Examination
A showman is examining the health and quality of a rabbit.
How to Check Examination Steps
Ears
Ears
Ears
Pinch base of each ear.
Then look inside the ear.
Left ear has permanent rabbit tattoo.
RIght ear might have registration mark from ARBA.
Eyes
Ears
Ears
Point to each eye and look at each eye
Nose
Ears
Teeth
Point to the nose.
Teeth
Straightness Front Legs
Teeth
Open the mouth and lips. Check that the top teeth are in front of the bottom teeth and that they are straight.
Throat
Straightness Front Legs
Straightness Front Legs
Slide your index finger across the throat to feel for lumps and bumps
Straightness Front Legs
Straightness Front Legs
Straightness Front Legs
Pull up on each front foot
Front Nails
Straightness Back Legs
Front Nails
Press your thumb into the pad of the foot
Stomach
Straightness Back Legs
Front Nails
Make a "U" with your hand and slide it over the rabbits stomach
Straightness Back Legs
Straightness Back Legs
Straightness Back Legs
Continue the "U" down to the base of the hip
Hocks
Back Nails
Back Nails
Press and rub your thumb against the back foot pads
Back Nails
Back Nails
Back Nails
Press your thumb into the pad of each rear foot
Sex
Back Nails
Tail
Press your index finger on the top of the penis or vulva to make it protude
Tail
Meat Quality
Tail
Place the tail between your index finger and middle fingers and run your fingers to the tip of the tail
Set Ears
Meat Quality
Meat Quality
Set the ears according to the breed standard
Meat Quality
Meat Quality
Meat Quality
Place your hand on the rabbit's shoulders, loin and hindquarter from front to back
Fur quality
Fur quality
Fur quality
Place your hand at the base of the tail and stroke the fur to the ears, do two more times on each side of the rabbit. Then place the fur back into its original position.
Showmanship Dress Code
What should you wear?
The showmanship dress code requirement for each county may be different. The code is based on the county superintendents' recommendation. Common themes though are clean clothing that presents a positive image is preferred. Often long sleeves are required. Many counties require a show coat and long pants. Some recommend a specific color.
Avoid these items
Jewelry
Excessive make-up
Perfume
Chewing gum
Hair in front of your face
Showmanship Dress Code
Not Properly Dressed
Not Properly Dressed
Not Properly Dressed
- Wearing a necklace
- Short sleeves
- Pink shirt
- Hair can come forward interfering with rabbit
Properly Dressed
Not Properly Dressed
Not Properly Dressed
- Long sleeve shirt with lab coat
- No patches or names identifying person