Breeding for shows

A rabbit counts as a breed when it meets every point of that breed's standard. Then the judge scores how close it is to the breed's ideal.

Meeting the standard

A standard asks for things like a dwarf, lop ears, a rex coat, a pattern, a colour family or a size range. The Breed Book lists every point for every breed. A rabbit that meets several standards counts as the one it meets on the most points.

The judge's score

Each breed has an ideal size, ear droop and ear length. Every step away from the ideal costs points, so two rabbits that both meet the standard can score very differently. The Judge's Eyeglass puzzle trains your eye for it.

The shows

• Thistledown Village Show: the first show, open to everyone.
• Hollowfield Regional and the big seasonal shows (the Spring Fair, the Midsummer Open, the Harvest Championship and Winter Fur and Feather) once you hold the Deed.
• Best Junior, Best in Colour (a different colour each week; see the Almanac), Best Pair, the Breeder's Group and the Thistledown Invitational.

Winners take rosettes for Gran's cabinet, carrots and reputation.

A breed of your own

Breed a line that breeds true for three generations and you can register it as your own breed. Then aim for the hardest one of all: the Thistledown Silver.