So when it comes to purchasing a rabbit, I have done my homework. I know who is winning at Nationals. I know who has the top lines. I have studied their stock to the best of my ability. I can guarantee if you get a rabbit from them there are only a few names on their pedigrees. I feel safe buying from them because of this. They have worked hard to earn their reputation.
Where we are just starting out it isn't as easy. Not only do I study where I get my stock from, I study where my stock will go. Do I want our rabbitry name mixed up with pet breeders? Definitely not. It can take a lot of time to build your reputation and yet just a few bad sales to ruin it. When I look at possible buyers I look at their pedigrees. I envision a long row of mix matched rabbitries with lots of cute names. I feel it devalues the lines that we have and can even effect us from purchasing rabbits from respectable breeders in the future. I respect the breeders that have sold us such beautiful incredible lines and feel I owe it to them, to protect their lines and do them Justice. At the same time I want to help people create nice lines and strong rabbitries. Over time I am hoping to find balance as we continue to establish our rabbitry.
Utah is a very competitive state with some fantastic breeders. I often think that makes people mad but to me I see it as a great way to challenge myself. We are not out to be the best in the nation (yet) but that doesn't mean we are willing to settle for average.