Did you know there are 30,000 members of the 100-year-old American Rabbit Breeders Association? If not, then you probably didn't know there's an entire show circuit that's a mix between a children's beauty pageant and the Westminster Dog Show.
Filmmaker Amy Do's documentary "Rabbit Fever" (which was previewed at the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival this past Sunday) follows some of the competitors at the National American Rabbit Convention. The event draws more than 20,000 rabbits -- the largest gathering of bunnies in the world. When we heard about the film, we were all ears. Do answered some questions for Paw Nation.
How did you learn about the National Rabbit Convention?
When I was a child, I developed a very close bond with my pet Dutch rabbit, Thumper. He would run to my feet when I got home from school and follow me around all day like a loyal puppy. It was very cute. Years later, after Thumper passed away, I moved to Los Angeles for film school (USC) and missed having a rabbit around. That's when I decided to adopt a Dwarf Hotot rabbit.
When I picked up my new Dwarf Hotot from a breeder at a local rabbit show in Southern California, I was amazed with the rich world that I discovered there! I saw competitors milling around with beautiful, exotic-looking rabbits clutched in their arms -- a lot of the breeds you normally don't see in pet shops, especially the long-haired Angora varieties. One of the breeders told me that if I was impressed with just a local show, then I should check out the annual National ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) Convention, an event that draws more than 20,000 rabbits under one roof. It's equivalent to the grandeur of the Westminster Dog Show, but with a lot more fur.
What's the most interesting thing about the process of raising and showing rabbits?
Just the fact that it exists! Actually, what I really found fascinating was that the rabbits are trained to pose in different positions, depending on their breed. For instance, some rabbit breeds are taught to pose elegantly, sitting tall with their chests puffed out, while others, like the Himalayan, are trained to pose lying down. Who knew that rabbits could look so refined?
What surprised you most in making this film?
While I interviewed a lot of adult rabbit raisers in the film, the main story of "Rabbit Fever" revolves around the teenage hobbyists who compete for the title of Rabbit King and Rabbit Queen, a contest that judges the personal knowledge and development of the young competitors. It's through this national competition that you can really understand how and why these kids are more responsible and mature than most people their age.
What do you think people should know about rabbits that they don't?
I think people mistake house rabbits with wild ones, so unwanted pet rabbits end up being abandoned outdoors. But just like cats and dogs, these rabbits are domesticated and that means that they need the protection and care of a loving owner in order to survive. So, if you're not rescuing a rabbit from an animal shelter, it's better to get one from a responsible breeder who will gladly take back the rabbit if you can no longer care for your pet.
You used to have rabbits as pets. Do you still? Who do you think is the ideal owner for a pet rabbit?
My beloved rabbit, Cupcake, passed away a few years ago, and I haven't had the heart to get another pet since. As far as adopting a rabbit for a pet, just because it's smaller than a dog or cat doesn't mean that it's a smaller commitment. If anything, it's harder because rabbits can't meow or bark when they're hungry or want attention. The ideal pet rabbit owner should be responsible, attentive and knowledgeable about the proper care of a rabbit. Responsibility can and should be taught at a young age; I've witnessed it myself after making this documentary.
"Rabbit Fever" screened at a special "Work in Progress" Preview at the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival.
Filmmaker Amy Do's documentary "Rabbit Fever" (which was previewed at the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival this past Sunday) follows some of the competitors at the National American Rabbit Convention. The event draws more than 20,000 rabbits -- the largest gathering of bunnies in the world. When we heard about the film, we were all ears. Do answered some questions for Paw Nation.
How did you learn about the National Rabbit Convention?
When I was a child, I developed a very close bond with my pet Dutch rabbit, Thumper. He would run to my feet when I got home from school and follow me around all day like a loyal puppy. It was very cute. Years later, after Thumper passed away, I moved to Los Angeles for film school (USC) and missed having a rabbit around. That's when I decided to adopt a Dwarf Hotot rabbit.
When I picked up my new Dwarf Hotot from a breeder at a local rabbit show in Southern California, I was amazed with the rich world that I discovered there! I saw competitors milling around with beautiful, exotic-looking rabbits clutched in their arms -- a lot of the breeds you normally don't see in pet shops, especially the long-haired Angora varieties. One of the breeders told me that if I was impressed with just a local show, then I should check out the annual National ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) Convention, an event that draws more than 20,000 rabbits under one roof. It's equivalent to the grandeur of the Westminster Dog Show, but with a lot more fur.
What's the most interesting thing about the process of raising and showing rabbits?
Just the fact that it exists! Actually, what I really found fascinating was that the rabbits are trained to pose in different positions, depending on their breed. For instance, some rabbit breeds are taught to pose elegantly, sitting tall with their chests puffed out, while others, like the Himalayan, are trained to pose lying down. Who knew that rabbits could look so refined?
What surprised you most in making this film?
While I interviewed a lot of adult rabbit raisers in the film, the main story of "Rabbit Fever" revolves around the teenage hobbyists who compete for the title of Rabbit King and Rabbit Queen, a contest that judges the personal knowledge and development of the young competitors. It's through this national competition that you can really understand how and why these kids are more responsible and mature than most people their age.
What do you think people should know about rabbits that they don't?
I think people mistake house rabbits with wild ones, so unwanted pet rabbits end up being abandoned outdoors. But just like cats and dogs, these rabbits are domesticated and that means that they need the protection and care of a loving owner in order to survive. So, if you're not rescuing a rabbit from an animal shelter, it's better to get one from a responsible breeder who will gladly take back the rabbit if you can no longer care for your pet.
You used to have rabbits as pets. Do you still? Who do you think is the ideal owner for a pet rabbit?
My beloved rabbit, Cupcake, passed away a few years ago, and I haven't had the heart to get another pet since. As far as adopting a rabbit for a pet, just because it's smaller than a dog or cat doesn't mean that it's a smaller commitment. If anything, it's harder because rabbits can't meow or bark when they're hungry or want attention. The ideal pet rabbit owner should be responsible, attentive and knowledgeable about the proper care of a rabbit. Responsibility can and should be taught at a young age; I've witnessed it myself after making this documentary.
"Rabbit Fever" screened at a special "Work in Progress" Preview at the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival.
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Well, I haven't seen the doc. but the rabbit fans seem less weird than the monkey baby folk. Can rabbits be house broken?
Yes, they can be housebroken & litterbox trained.
My rabbit was not completely housebroken (since he lived in an outdoor pen) but did use his litterbox for urine.
I'm not sure but I think they are easier to housetrain when they are neutered. Mine was intact and didn't learn (admittedly I didn't try very hard to train him.)
He was very picky about where "his things" were. If I moved his food bowl or toy he would throw a fit and bring it right back to where it was.