A Glossary of Terms Used in Showing Rabbits
4-Class Rabbits–All breeds that have an ideal weight of nine pounds or less, consisting of Junior and Senior classes
6-Class Rabbits–All breeds that have an ideal weight of nine pounds and over, consisting of Junior, Intermediate (6/8), and Senior classes
Best in Show (BOS)–A rabbit that stands out by comparison as an excellent representative for the breed. This rabbit came closer to meeting the guidelines of the Standard of Perfection better than any other breed shown at that show
Best of Breed (BOB)–A rabbit that overall has the best type representing the breed by comparison in that breed
Best Opposite Sex of Breed (BOSB) –A rabbit of the opposite sex from the Best of Breed rabbit that displays the best overall type for the breed by comparison in that breed
Best Opposite Sex of Variety (BOSV) –A rabbit of the opposite sex from the Best of Variety rabbit that displays the best overall variety. This rabbit, depending on breed, is eligible to compete for Best Opposite of Breed
Best of Variety (BOV) –A rabbit that has won overall for its variety. This rabbit, depending on breed, is eligible to compete for Best of Breed
Broken–A rabbit that has any recognized breed color in combination with white and that carries the breed pattern
Class–Age at which the rabbit is shown: Junior, Intermediate, Senior
DQ (disqualification)–One or more deformities or blemishes that renders the rabbit ineligible for competition and/or registration. (DQs can correct themselves. For example, rabbits can be disqualified for a broken tooth, abscesses, under/over weight, ear/fur mites, etc.–all of which are conditions that the rabbit can move past.)
Faking–Altering the appearance of the rabbit, such as dying toenails, plucking stray white hairs, etc.
Faults–Imperfections within the breed or variety. A fault is a condition that’s not serious enough for a DQ., such as long in type, flat, molting, etc.
Intermediate–A rabbit between six and eight months of age in the heavy weight breeds, known as 6-class animals
Junior–A rabbit under six months of age
Molt–Act or process of shedding or changing fur. A rabbit’s baby fur is shed at approximately two months and the first prime coat fur is fully developed at between four to six months of age
Pedigree–A written record of a rabbit’s lineage for three generations that contains the rabbit’s birthday, variety, and ear number
Registration–The official recording of a rabbit and its pedigree that has been approved by a licensed registrar
Senior–A rabbit over six months of age for 4-class rabbits and over eight months of age for 6-class rabbits
Solid–A rabbit that basically carries the breed color throughout its entire body. This can include selfs, shaded selfs, ticked, wide banded, agouti, pointed whites, etc.
Variety–The color the rabbit is. For example, black, opal, broken, etc.