Showing Cinnamons

by Candy Hankins
Reprinted from CRBA Handbook

If you would like to show Cinnamons, one of the first things you will need is a current copy of the ARBA Standard of Perfection. The following thoughts may add some insight to the already description standard.

The majority of points, 58 in all, are placed on type and emphasize a commercially designed rabbit. Fifty of these points are on body type alone which should tell you what to put on the show table. As with most commercial breeds the body should be of medium length with well developed shoulders and hindquarters. This is easily checked by running a hand the length of the backbone over the hips. There should be no sharp bones protruding anywhere. A good Cinnamon will be well-filled with flesh and the hindquarters especially will be smooth and well-rounded. One thing that usually gives you the advantage on today’s Cinnamons is deep wide shoulders. Once you have them on your animals, be sure to keep them looking their best by not carrying the rabbit by the scruff of the neck. If the fur becomes broken in that area, it is hard for the judge to overlook it.

The head only receives three points and for this reason is not the main focus for the judge. However, if it is not set close to the body, has a long face and is narrow, there is a slight tendency for the whole rabbit to appear more long and narrow. So to emphasize a balanced body, it helps to have a balanced  head. On top of that head are two points on two ears. Logically, those ears should constitute only a small percentage of the judge’s decision. But what the judge sees when she/he sets the rabbit up is either a floppy-long eared bunny or a well-balanced short-eared show rabbit. And, that can make the difference in a close class.  In my experience rabbits grown in hot weather have longer ears unless precautions are taken. If you want to give your rabbits the advantage, keep the ears short and erect.

Now we come to the part which distinguished the Cinnamon from other breeds as well as gives it its name. A well-marked Cinnamon with good color intensity can catch the eye of the judge and improve its placement in the class. The 11 points on color are just enough to make or break a rabbit’s placement. You can get the advantage on color on a Cinnamon by showing it when it is in prime condition. This is easiest to reach at about six months of age.

Keeping the coat clean, not breaking hairs though rough handling, and providing plenty of clean palatable water will make conditioning easier. Of course the quality of fur is linked to the genetics of the rabbit. In my experience, darker colored rabbits condition more easily than lighter colored ones, so you may want to breed toward the darker side just to make life easier until you sort out any conditioning problems you may encounter. A well-finished darker animal in most cases will be placed above a fluffy-furred lighter colored Cinnamon. (Remember, these suggestions pertain to placing well and may not be the only basis for your choice of breeding stock.)

Markings are another 11 points that should be heavily considered when showing. If the judge sees a striking variation of color, it is to your rabbit’s advantage.  If you can put a rabbit on the table with a very dark belly, two bright lap spots and a much lighter but well-ticked back, a color conscious judge will place him higher in the class than a rabbit with less distinct markings. I can’t think of a way to make markings appear to their best advantage other than condition of the fur. Again, genetics have to take over and the age of the rabbit also comes into play.

One final advantage you can have at the table is education of the judge. For you to win with a good Cinnamon consistently, the judges in your area have to all be looking for the same characteristics. Since you have decided to show a breed not seen at every show, you may have to make a special effort to see that your judge is familiar and comfortable with the breed. You may do this by offering him educational material, by complimenting him on what he does know about the breed and thereby stimulating more interest or just by placing Cinnamons in front of him on a regular basis. Whatever your strategy, always keep in mind the long range goal of improving the Cinnamon breed and enjoying the sport of showing a great animal.