TEXAS 4-H RABBIT SHOWMANSHIP SCORE SHEET

Carry Rabbit to the Table -- 5 points
To properly carry the rabbit, tuck the head under one arm and support the rabbit's weight by placing the other hand under the rump. If the judge asks you to move to a different spot on the table, always use the same manner to move the rabbit.

Pose Rabbit - 5 points
For proper pose, front feet should be even with the eyes. Rear feet should be firmly on table with toes even with haunch (thigh joint) with tail up. Facing left is natural position for right handed presenter.

Check ears - 5 points
Examine ears for ear mites, proper tattoo, torn or missing portions of ears, that distract from general appearance.

Turn Rabbit Over - 10 points
Properly support rabbit on the table or against your body while turning it over in order to complete the following tasks.

Check Teeth - 4 points
With your hand over the area of the eyes, place a thumb and index finger on each side of the split lip and push back lips to examine teeth for defects.

Check Eyes - 4 points
Examine eyes for defects.

Check nose - 3 points
Check for signs of snuffles. White nasal discharge and/or matted fur on inside front legs may indicate presence of snuffles (colds).

Check Toenails on All Feet - 4 points
Push thumb into center of paw to examine toenails for missing, unmatched and proper color toenails. Be sure to check for dew claws.

Check Hocks and Front Feet - 4 points
Check the bottom of hind feet for sore hocks. Check bottoms of front feet for sore areas.

Check Legs - 10 points
Extend front legs to check for straightness. Extend rear legs by placing your cupped hand ahead of the rear legs and pushing toward feet. Legs should not be bent, bowed, deformed or cow-hocked.

Check Body for Ruptures and Abscesses - 6 points
Run your hand over the chest and abdominal area to check for any abscesses, tumors or other abnormalities. Ruptures may appear as large lumps or sores in the belly area.

Check Sex - 6 points
Place thumb below vent area and push toward front of rabbit with index finger.

Return Rabbit to Posed Position and Check Tail - 6 points
Check for straightness in the tail.

Check for Proper Coloring, Smut and Foreign Spots - 4 points
Check the fur for foreign colored spots not typical of the breed you are showing.
Inspect for smut. Under color and/or ring color should be consistent with desired coloring in the breed you are showing.

Check for Quality and Cleanliness - 4 points
Stroke fur toward rabbit's head to show fur returning to natural position, either flyback or rollback. Patting and blowing into several areas will help to check density standing/upright fur in some breeds. Check for stains and molting.

Pose Rabbit for Evaluations of Overall Balance - 5 points
Check front, rear and side views for overall balance. Locate shoulders, ribspread and fullness of loin with your hand. Check hindquarters for fullness by examining width and depth of the rump. Check hips for smoothness/fullness by running your hand over top of the hip to tail.

Exhibitor Appearance - 5 points
Should demonstrate good posture, eye contact, pleasant attitude, neat dress, remove chewing gum, hats and caps. Long hair should be neatly managed.

Exhibitor Actions - 5 points
Demonstrate a gentle and smooth flowing presentation with a confident manner throughout examination, considerate to animals, fellow showman and the judge.

Exhibitor Knowledge - 5 points
Quick, confident, and correct response to questions asked during the presentation.