Entry Information​

• Exhibitors must be currently enrolled Rhode Island 4-H members or otherwise eligible participants under RI 4-H.

• Entry fee: $1.00 per entry. Entry fees must be paid at the time of entry.

• Entry deadline: Online entries are due no later than July 1.

• Enter Here!

• Submit your entry fee here (Venmo)

Rules & Regulations

• All animals shown at fairs, shows, or exhibitions must be in proper physical condition and are subject to examination by federal or state animal-health officials before unloading and during exhibition for visual signs of infectious or contagious disease or other conditions that would make the animal unfit for exhibition. Animals showing signs of illness may be refused entry.

• All rabbits must be free from obvious signs of infectious disease and will be individually inspected before unloading. If warm weather occurs, rabbits must be transported with adequate airflow and must not be left closed in a box or vehicle.

• Out-of-state rabbits and cavies must comply with all Rhode Island DEM importation requirements. Under the current Rhode Island importation rule, domestic rabbits and guinea pigs are covered domestic animals, and miscellaneous species not otherwise specifically addressed generally require official identification and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection unless the event is operating under a valid fair/show exemption through event management. Exhibitors bringing animals from outside Rhode Island should verify requirements well in advance.

• Exhibitors must present their animals during judging for showmanship. If a youth is unable to use their own rabbit for showmanship because the rabbit is unsuitable or the youth is too small to handle it safely, the superintendent may allow the youth to use another rabbit in the showmanship class.

• Show clothes for rabbit showmanship are a long-sleeved white shirt and white or khaki pants. Closed-toe shoes are required for rabbit exhibitors.

• Each rabbit may be entered in only one class, Classes 1 through 11. Rabbit shows may use either the Danish System or the Individual Comparison System for breed classes. In all cases, rabbits are judged against the current ARBA Standard of Perfection for their breed.

• At minimum, champion awards include Best Pet Rabbit, Best Pedigreed/Purebred Rabbit, and Champion Showman. Additional breed-group champions may be awarded at the discretion of the superintendent and judge. Newly ARBA-sanctioned breeds will be placed in the appropriate body-type group.

• For breed classes, rabbit age follows the current RI 4-H rabbit guideline: Juniors are under 6 months of age and Seniors are over 6 months of age, provided breed weight requirements are met.

What to Bring (Rabbit/Cavy)

1. Animal(s) in a clean, secure carrier

2. Heavy crock type water bowl

3. Grooming supplies

4. Any required entry/check-in paperwork

5. Registration papers, tattoo information, or other identification documents if applicable

6. Any additional items specifically posted by the superintendent

Rabbit Breed / Type Classes​

Class 1 – Commercial

Examples include American Chinchilla, American Sable, Blanc de Hotot, Californian, Champagne d’Argent, Cinnamon, Creme d’Argent, French Angora, French Lop, Giant Angora, Harlequin, New Zealand, Palomino, Rex, Satin, Satin Angora, Silver Fox, Silver Martin, and Argente Brun.

Class 2 – Compact

Examples include American Fuzzy Lop, Dutch, Dwarf Hotot, English Angora, Florida White, Havana, Holland Lop, Jersey Wooly, Lilac, Lionhead, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, Silver, Standard Chinchilla, and Thrianta.

Class 3 – Cylindrical

Examples include Blue Holicer, Czech Frosty, and Himalayan.

Class 4 – Semi-Arched

Examples include Belgian Hare, Britannia Petite, Checkered Giant, Dwarf Papillon, English Spot, Rhinelander, and Tan.​​​

Class 5 – Full Arched

Examples include American, Beveren, English Lop, Flemish Giant, and Giant Chinchilla.

Class 6 – Pet

Any rabbit that does not meet the requirements of Classes 1–5. Judging includes condition, structural correctness, and handleability. Color patterns are not considered.

Cavy Classes

Class 9 – 4-H Cavy Junior

Up to 4 months; 12–22 oz.

Class 10 – 4-H Cavy Intermediate

4 to 6 months; 22–30 oz.

Class 11 – 4-H Cavy Senior

6 months and over; over 30 oz.

Showmanship

• Showmanship is required for 4-H members entered in a rabbit or cavy show. Age divisions are based on exhibitor age as of January 1.

• For NRI, showmanship divisions are Cloverbud (ages 5–7), Junior (ages 8–11), Intermediate (ages 12–14), and Senior (ages 15–18).

• A Novice class may also be offered for first-year exhibitors.

• The superintendent may split or add classes when appropriate.

Notes​​

Additional reminders, check-in notes, and department updates will be posted here.​​​​​

Questions?

If you are unsure which class to enter:

• Ask your club leader

• Ask a parent/guardian to review this page with you.

• Contact your superintendent before the deadline.