Best In Show

Mini Lops became a recognized ARBA rabbit breed in the early 1980s with roots in Germany and California.  Today, they remain one of the most popular breeds, especially with youth rabbit breeders.  Sara Kitsemble has more than 25 years of experience as a top Mini Lop breeder and in this episode she introduces us to her breed and shares tips on selection, management, and showing.  Also in this episode, a look back at 1995, and a history lesson on Mini Lop colors.  

The ARBA spans international borders, including long standing crossover between rabbit and cavy breeders in Canada.  But, did you know there are organizations in Canada which are separate from the ARBA which also license rabbit and cavy judges?  Mary Lou Eisel is licensed across these associations, and explains the differences as well as how she was perceived as President of the American Cavy Breeders Association.  Also in this episode, a look back at 1986 and a university study on personality types in cavies.

Showing rabbits or cavies for the first time can seem overwhelming.  How do you find out about shows in your area?  Which of your animals do you enter?  What do you pack for the show?  Who can you ask for help once you’re at the show?  In this episode, Briony and Allen share helpful tips from you, our listeners, to answer some of the common questions new breeders face at ARBA shows.  Whether showing is new to you, or whether you’re a longtime ARBA rabbit and cavy show guru, there’s something to learn in this episode!  

The ARBA spans geographical borders beyond North America.  Some of the first rabbit breeders on this frontier were Beh and Yo from Malaysia, who, in 2006, imported some of the first ARBA rabbits to their country.  They recently visited the USA for three weeks while Beh finished his requirements to fulfill his ARBA judge license.  Learn how the ARBA first came to this part of the world, as well as their first-hand accounts of visiting ARBA shows for the first time in the USA.  Also in this episode, a look back at 2006, and Briony's crash course in Malaysian royalty.

Mentorship is a defining feature of the fancy.  2019 ARBA Convention Best in Show winner Linda Hibbert talks about her journey from mentee to mentor as she and a special broken American Fuzzy Lop doe danced to the ultimate award.  Shortly after this show, Linda and her fellow breeders in Colorado faced lengthy shutdowns due to Covid and RHD.  Always one to embrace a challenge, Linda persevered and along with a new club, inspired others to do the same.  Also in this episode: a history of ARBA Cavy BIS winners and research on social behavior in wild rabbits.