Evaluating Rabbits ~ Body and Fur

For someone to have good show rabbits they must know how to properly evaluate the breed. I will discuss how to pose a rabbit (In all five body types), show examples, and also include some extra helpful information on evaluating a rabbit in document file form.

Body Types:

Compact: There is two versions of compact poses.  One is much like a smaller version of the Commercial body type (head close to ground) while the other is posed with the head held up high (called head carriage/mount), much like a Full Arch rabbit (but not exactly). They are both to be shorter in length.
    For the version with the head close to the ground, the body should be short, coupled, and balanced. The rise should start at the base of the neck with the highest point directly above the hips. The width, height, and length of the body should be as close to even lengths as possible giving a balanced look. The head is usually allowed to be held in 'natural position'. This is where the head is not forced to the ground, the natural position is held a little bit above the ground and close to the body.
    For the version with the head mount, you want the head to be held up. The front legs should be extended to show the broad chest. The rabbit's peak should start directly behind the head.

Commercial: This body type is to be medium in length. all the breeds in this category are supposed to have a meaty appearance because they are meat breeds. This is a larger version of the Compact body type. Depth should be equal to width throughout entire body. The body should be full and muscular. The flesh/skin should be firm and tight. The true type will vary depending on the breed.

Cylindrical: Much like the name, the body type is much like the shape of a cylinder. The back should be flat, and the body should be narrow. There should be no taper. All feet are to be flat on the table. The hind hocks are just ever so slightly raised. The only rabbit breed so far with this type is the Himalayan. There is a COD on a breed named the Cech Frosty, this would be another breed with this body type.

Full Arch: The rabbits with this body type often resemble a hare like structure.  They do no have much width of body. The body is long and narrow. The front legs are fully extended and the head is held high. The arch starts at the nape of the neck and continues in a smooth line over shoulders, loin, hips, and then ends by running to the base of the tail. Most (not all) of the full arch breeds are running breeds.

Semi Arch: The body is to be long in length. There are two body structures of this pose. One is where the shoulders are flat and the rise starts directly behind the shoulders. The other one is where there is a gradual rise starting at the base of the neck. They should have medium to thick bones, good muscle, and broad shoulders and hindquarter. The body structure with the arch that starts behind the shoulder will have the resemblance of a commercial body type but with a 'shoulder extension".

 

Fur

Normal: The most common fur type that most breeds have. There are three categories listed under normal fur. It refers to the returning state of the fur. Rex and Satin fur can still be one of the fallowing categories.  (ie The Satin breed has Rollback satin fur.)
    *Flyback: When you stroke the rabbit from the tail to the shoulders the fur will go back to it's natural position very fast. Sometimes referred to as 'snappy'.
    *Rollback: When you stroke the rabbit from the tail to the shoulders the fur will go back to it's natural position more slow than the Flyback fur.
    *Standing: When you stroke the rabbit from the tail to the shoulders the fur will stay standing up.

Rex: The Rex fur is special because it's velvet like coat.  Many refer to the Rex breeds as Velveteens, however this is not the case. The reason the fur has that texture is because the guard hairs (that are courser) are equal or shorter in length when compared to the underfur. This gives the plush feel.

Satin: The Satin fur is another special case. Something that you will notice upon looking at a Satin coat is the sheen and the soft silky feel upon stroking. The fur is made up of thin diameter and translucent guard hairs that reflect light. This fur type was first discovered in a litter of chocolate Havanas. When judging Satin fur, you are judging the density, texture, sheen, length, condition, and balance.

Wool: Wool refers to the very long coats that can be seen on Angoras and a few other rabbit breeds. Wool is a dense coat similar to that of a sheep. it does not have waxy residue that a sheep's wool has. It is also more dense, making it a highly chosen option for warmth.