Libby teen's rabbit earns national recognition

The American Rabbit Breeders Association held its 100th annual convention and show last month in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 7-11, and two Libby residents were there to compete.

Seventeen-year-old Jason Quintanilla and his mother Shanelle Hogan got into the rabbit breeding business eight years ago after they were introduced into the field by Shanelle's friends, the Oedekovan family, who reside in Kalispell. 

The show, held at the Expo Center, draws breeders from across the country and it was the first time for Quintanilla and Hogan to compete.

Hogan entered Jason's rabbit, May, a four-month-old Mini Rex. Since Hogan had already promised to take her friend's rabbit to the competition she decided to enter May and one other rabbit of their own out of 33. 

May ended up placing fifth in the Mini Rex junior doe class. 

"A ranking at the national level means you have one of the highest quality show rabbits for the breed," Quintanilla said.

Quintanilla hadn't intended in entering the competition because May was the only rabbit they had at the time whose fur wasn't falling out. But Hogan didn't want to miss the opportunity to show case a rabbit if they were already going to the event.  

When placing within the top five for national champion, there is no cash prizes allotted but they are awarded with ribbons and fame for the rabbits instead.

In this year's competition there were almost 25,000 rabbits with close to 7,000 competitors. For May's division, the mini rex youth, there was 469 rabbits shown with only 125 judges to cover the overall event.

The judged competition is based on each body part of the rabbit using a point system. The maximum is 100 points.

"For example, fur is split into density and softness and it is worth about 45 points while the legs are worth four points, one for each leg,  Quintanilla said. 

So when Jason and Shanelle decide to sell May or any of their other rabbits along with their offspring they are able to charge a higher price. 

Rabbit owners that place in the top five can raise their prices roughly $50. When placing in the top three, prices can be raised approximately $100 and placing first result in a higher value of up to $150. 

Sellers ultimately decide on what they actually want to charge for their rabbits, within reason. But a high place finish can clearly increase the value of their animals when they are deemed a high quality breed. 

Quintanilla said he would enter a competition again if the show was held closer to the area. 

To enter, contestants sign up online and pay a fee for each rabbit they enter.