This is probably a boring post for some but I wanted to elaborate a bit on Pedigrees. Years and years ago we decided we wanted to show dogs. We spent a solid year researching the breed we wanted. We contacted breeders all over the country. Some were gung ho to sell with breeding rights, some would hardly talk to you and some had restrictions. I was fortunate enough to speak with a lady in Utah who was quick to tell me she had nothing for at least 2 years. Just the same I wanted to meet her and learn more about the breed and see for myself. Once we met we talked more and she was able to realize I was seriously dedicated to the breed. This helped in her decision to sell to me. She then taught me how to read pedigrees. For some of you, you get a piece of paper and are happy to call your animal pedigreed. If however the breeders never did their homework, never worked hard to obtain strong lines, then your piece of paper is really pointless. Now I can usually pick up any pedigree from any animal and tell if the breeder is dedicated, or just taking advantage of people. In our dogs Pedigree we will usually see perhaps 2 or 3 different Kennels at the most. Those kennels have dedicated their lives to producing the top animals in the country. Believe me these people know what they are doing. In learning rabbit pedigrees I was pleasantly surprised to find it very similar.
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.
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.
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