RABBIT SHOWMANSHIP
	*Study your project book.  Showmanship is not only judged on your ability to check for disqualifications, but also your knowledge on care, feeding, breeds, varieties, diseases, etc., as well as your speaking ability. *Be sure your rabbit is well groomed.  Brush off loose fur, remove stains and clip nails. *Dress neatly and wear a show coat.  Speak clearly, make eye contact with the judge, don't slouch, avoid "umms & ahhs" and don't chew gum. *Carry your rabbit properly to the table.  Hold rabbit firmly with both hands and support hind end. *Explain each step to the judge as you evaluate your rabbit and note eliminations, faults and disqualifications. *Re-pose your rabbit if necessary, know how to pivot your rabbit to change positions. Begin you showmanship with an introduction giving information on your rabbit's breed, age (senior, intermediate, or junior), 4 or 6 class, body type, fur type and sex. INITIAL POSE -properly pose your rabbit. -check body for blemishes. -check fur & color (markings appropriate to your breed). -check for any spots on coat or hutch stains. *know proper weight, posing and varieties (colors) for your breed. *know your rabbit's body type (semi-arch, full arch, compact, commercial or cylindrical). *know your rabbit's fur type - rex, satin, angora, normal (flyback, rollback, standing). *know parts of the rabbit EARS -check for legible tattoo in left ear. -check for ear mites (ear canker). -check for poor ear carriage, tears and proper length. TURN RABBIT ON BACK EYES -check for eye discharge, proper eye color & spots in eyes. NOSE -check for nasal discharge (snuffles) or scabs. TEETH -check for malocclusion (wolf or pegged teeth), and broken or missing teeth. TOENAILS -check for 4 toenails & 1 dewclaw on front feet. -check for 4 toenails on back feet. -check for missing toenails and proper nail color. LEGS -check for straightness of front legs. -check for cow hocks on hind legs. -check for sore hocks. GENITALS -check sex (and for testicles in senior bucks). -check for vent disease (discharge, scabs or pimples on genitals). BODY -check for blemishes or lumps on belly and under chin. -check for undercolor & proper markings. *know if a doe's dewlap is a disqualification for your breed. TAIL -check tail for straightness (screw tail) or missing portion of tail (bobbed tail). FINAL POSE Re-pose rabbit, smooth fur. Explain any faults your rabbit has (give comments on head, ears, shoulders, mid-section, hindquarters, fur, markings and color). "I have completed my showmanship, do you have any questions?"