judging

MIDWEST VELVETEEN LOP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
JUDGING AND POSING
the VELVETEEN LOP

As of 2007, at the ARBA convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Velveteen Lop started it's presentation process over from the beginning once again, and thankfully PASSED this first presentation.
What this means, is that as long as a new presentation breed has a first passing with the ARBA standard's committee, then they have what is called a working standard. Having a working standard requires that all clubs sponsoring an all breed show must accept entries for the breed under the working standard. Clubs are not obligated to accept entries of animals that are not under a working standard. What this then goes on to determine for the Velveteen Lop, is that solids are currently the ONLY variety required to be accepted by clubs for show. Clubs do not have to accept the brokens and if/when the breed does finally become accepted with ARBA as a recognized breed, the solids are the only animals able to compete for Best of Breed and Best in Show judging. Brokens will then not be eligible to show, unless the process begins with them having that first approval under a working standard for that variety.

The Velveteen Lop is a 4-class breed. Meaning the animals are shown in 4 classes as
Senior Bucks, Senior Does, Junior Bucks, Junior Does.
As defined under the standard for the breed, the Velveteen Lop is to present in profile a mandolin body shape.

Note the images to the right.
The mandolin guitar displays a long neck which leads to a definite rise into the body. The body then continues upward to a smooth rounded topline and continues down the backside.

When viewing the Velveteen Lop from the top, notice the proportions as drawn by the lines in the photo to the left.
This photo best represents the sides as they taper slightly from the hindquarters to the shoulders. A well as a developed hindquarter, midsection and shoulder, per definition of the Standard for the Velveteen Lop.

The Velveteen Lop is to display a wedge shaped head - wide to moderately full cheeks that tapers to a wide muzzle. When viewed in profile, the skull is medium in length with a defined curvature.

BODY

HEAD

With that image, picture then the rabbit that presents that definite arch, starting at the back of the shoulders which reaches it's highest point over the center of the hips. A graceful sweep, round and full to the base of the tail.

Classified in the semi-arch body type group, the Velveteen Lop should pose with it's foreleg and hocks flat on the table.

EARS

The ears are to be carried low with no noticeable crown. The ears should hang loose and close to the body with the ear opening to the front.
Their length is to be a minimum of 14" from tip to tip, measured ideally with a yard stick resting on the neck just behind the base of the ears.
Their width of ear is to be approximately 1/4 of the length. With overall length balanced to the body.

ABOVE: English Lop ears at display. Loose and close to the body open presentation open along the longitudinal crease, rounded tips.
RIGHT: Velveteen Lop ears at proper open display, also hanging loose and close to the body, no noticeable crown.

This space reserved for
PHOTO!