It's been said that the Registration System denotes an animal of quality.  ARBA's process stands above the rest as each animal has to be inspected for quality, and only those that are quality are approved for registration.

Not really.

Now, before I get into anything else, I would have to say, that I do appreciate this method to a certain extent verses the AKC method.  However AKC does allow registration of animals that are only non showable due to color, and ARBA does not.

When you register your rabbit you bring the animal, a full 3 generation pedigree (all info must be filled out, including the weights of all animals), and your ARBA Membership card and present these to the Regsitrar.  First, the Registrar goes over the pedigree and ensures that all the information is included and points out any information that is missing.  Then, providing the pedigree is complete, the rabbit itself is inspected.  The rabbit must be within the required weight limit and must not bear any disqaulifications from show at the time of registration.

But, your pedigree is only as good as the peice of paper it is written on.  Do you know your breeder well? Do you trust them?  Anyone, ANYONE can fill out a 3 generation pedigree providing Names, Ear Numbers, Colors and weights for a rabbit to make it look valid.  Anyone.  Not to mention the fact that I know of MANY MANY of the top breeders in this hobby that DO NOT register any of their animals.  None.  I also know of many who do not even keep records, so when you ask for a pedigree...who knows what you are truely getting!  At least AKC does DNA testing for studs.  Can you imagine the rabbit world if we did that? 

So then why do I register?  Well because I am adding to the database.  Once you submit your registration application, that rabbit's pedigree cannot be changed or altered.  EVER.  (okay well you can change the owner info and I think you can have them update the weight....but that is ever changing and not worth updating once a month)  The more rabbits registered behind a rabbit I purchase, means I can trust that pedigree to be authentic and true more so than I can one that is not.  But even then, should a person want to they could create a pedigree from Bucky bred to Doelina and write a pedigrees for the litter that never happened.  At least with AKC the owner of the parents must sign the litter registration verifying the breeding did infact take place.

I also register my animals because I do take the time and funds to send in for their Grand Championship Certificate.  It is a shame that ARBA does not allow other step ups in the showing process after Grand Champion.  But it is what it is.  The certificate goes in the rabbits file.  The more filled out my pedigrees are, the better I can show my animals are of QUALITY.

 However, in my opnion, quality is better determined by a judge not a registrar.  Sure your rabbit might be registered.  But does it win.  Does it have legs?  Can it be a grand champion?  If your rabbit is constantly loosing, chances are it is not a quality animal.  But that's okay.  Listen to the judges, find the one or two things that animal is lacking and breed up! 

I do feel that the registration process should include "sport" colors that are required to produce showable colors, such as Tri and Blue Eyed Whites.  Breeds like Rhinelanders and Spots, Checkered, Hotot and Papion all use the Sport or Solid to make the showable, desired color and markings.  The only reason the sport is not showable is due to color, and color alone.  All other aspects should fit the same standard.

Another reason to register, espeacially if you raise a breed that is listed on the Livestock Conservatory List, is because each rabbit registered is counted.  Those with low counts are considered endangered or threatened.  This is how the Livestock Conservatory receives this information.  Do not count on others to keep the counts up, you need to take part in this too.  And this is also another reason why the Sports should be allowed to be registered as a BROOD ONLY animal.

So register your stock.  Protect what you have worked for.  Ensure that future generations will have accurate information and that your breed numbers are properly being recorded.

It has come to my attention yesterday that there are some false pedigrees floating around with some of our old stock on it! The rabbit's with these pedigrees where sold off Craigslist from a girl only known as Jamie, using the prefix J's on the pedigree. She sold withing the state of Montana, in the Missoula & Deer Lodge surrounding areas.
Please note that the Glacier Mini Lops prefix is GML and GML only! Not GM, GM's, GML's. Any variation other than GML should be a red flag! For Harlequins, the prefix is Glacier's, and no other variation other than that. If you have ANY rabbit on your pedigree with a variation of either that is NOT GML or Glacier's, feel free to inquire it's authenicy with me! (Especially if the animal was not purchased from me directly!)


It is understandable that in some cases, a typo or error can be made with imputing pedigrees into a software prograrm or handwritting them. However, these particular pedigrees are so off, it is safe to assume that the pedigree as a whole is all false.


These particular pedigress posted herein are infact false and information within has been verified false by several sources.




This situation also should serve as a reminder to do your research before you buy. Had the buyer of these two rabbits know simple breed information such as weights and coloration varieties a careful glance of the pedigree would have set off red flags! I know in some cases, the seller does not have the pedigree ready at the time of sale and offers to send it in the mail. Other times, some breeders request a deposit or full payment before you receive your pedigree. This does have both its upsides and downsides. In most cases it is always best to purchase a rabbit after seeing it in person. Although if you are unable to do so....ask for references, seek out those who have purchased from the same breeder. Expect a receipt or signed agreement in some way that will clearly describe what you purchased, from who, when and dates to expect your pedigree by if not available immediately.




You also may have noticed some changes to the website....after this sitautaion came to light, have removed the page in which you can quickly look up new registration and grand champion numbers to update your pedigrees. I have also gone through and edited/blacked out all ear numbers, registration numbers and grand champion numbers visible. I am not 100% positive where the information came from to create these two pedigrees, but I did not want to easily hand out more, free for them to use. If you would like updated information about a rabbit such as registration, grand championship number or to make sure your pedigree is accurate, you are more than welcome to email me to do so! If you by chance happen to have purchased a rabbit with these pedigrees or similiiar, please know they are false, and by continuing to use such pedigrees, you are just as liable as the person who created them to begin with. ​