Best Breed for Showing

[ILoveHorses]

What is the best breed for showing rabbits in 4-H? I like Dwarf Hotot Rabbits, how are they?

 

[TheSheepGirl]

from my experience they are pretty calm. Hollands are tame, but bucks can be squirrely when on the showmanship table, same with mini rex bucks. Some netherland females can be nippy, but the males are fairly calm.

My current showmanship rabbit is a Ntherland budk. He is easy to handle and calm.

My first breed was hollands and many of them are sweet. It just depends on the rabbit.

Pick a breed that is easy to aquire and is small and calm for small hands to show.

Crosses are also acceptable in 4-H and can be ammong the calmer and more easily showable rabbits. Often these crosses were bred or raised as pets by the former owner.

 

[Bunnylady]

It just depends on the rabbit.

So true!

I have had Netherland Dwarf bucks that were fall-out-in-your-arms friendly; most of the (fortunately few) truly vicious rabbits that I have known have also been Netherland Dwarf bucks.

My advice is to not get too hung up on the breed, but get to know the rabbit's parents if possible. Babies that seem friendly can get over assertive and dominant as adults - a baby's temperament isn't guarenteed to remain the same as it matures. Since at least some of the bunny's temperament is inheritable, seeing the parents gives you at least an idea of what that particular kid has to work with, and where it is likely to go. Or, if you can, get an animal that is already an adult - at least you already know what you are working with that way.

 

[ILoveHorses]

It just depends on the rabbit.

So true!

I have had Netherland Dwarf bucks that were fall-out-in-your-arms friendly; most of the (fortunately few) truly vicious rabbits that I have known have also been Netherland Dwarf bucks.

My advice is to not get too hung up on the breed, but get to know the rabbit's parents if possible. Babies that seem friendly can get over assertive and dominant as adults - a baby's temperament isn't guarenteed to remain the same as it matures. Since at least some of the bunny's temperament is inheritable, seeing the parents gives you at least an idea of what that particular kid has to work with, and where it is likely to go. Or, if you can, get an animal that is already an adult - at least you already know what you are working with that way.

I now want Netherland Dwarf!!

 

[ILoveHorses]

 

[Rilly10]

I LOVE Dwarf Hotots! I am actually getting my first breeding pair next week!!!! They are a sweet and calm breed but I think the key to friendliness is how much time you spend handling them just like any other breed. Let us know what breed you decide!

 

[tortoise]

Choose a breed that isn't popular in your area.