First things first. Pet quality means a rabbit that does not at all fit the description of its breed described in the Standard of Perfection, so it is never going to be a show rabbit. It is not likely to ever produce show quality offspring, but is perfectly healthy and has a good temperament, so it would make a great pet.
You would think it would be totally fine to breed a pet quality rabbit. After all, they're cute and friendly, so what does it matter whether they are show rabbits or not?
Wrong. And here's why.
The breed standards in the Standard of Perfection aren't just there as rules for a rabbit beauty contest. Many of them are linked with the health and longevity of the rabbit in question. Pinched hindquarters are a fault in all breeds, as does with pinched hindquarters have difficulty giving birth and are at higher risk of related complications. A narrow chest is linked with weakness, as is a weak shoulder or chopped hindquarters. Having the correct head structure for the breed is also essential as it helps prevent malocclusion. You don't want to breed a buck with one descended testicle, or a split penis. You want a rabbit that keeps condition well and has a dense, lush, insulating coat. You want an animal with good muscling, not a weak animal with poor muscling. These are just a few of countless examples, I could go on all day.
Other cosmetic preferences called for in the Standard, such as short, thick ears on Netherland Dwarfs, short, dense, even fur on a Mini Rex, the upright pose and round head of a Holland Lop, and the thick wool mane of a Lionhead are not just adorable - they define each breed. These remarkable and unique breeds have been passed down to us from generations and generations of past breeders. Each breed is unique in color, physical appearance, health, and temperament. If we start breeding animals that do not fit the breed standard, we are taking steps backward and losing what makes each breed special!!!
Pet quality animals reliably produce pet quality animals. You cannot breed a pet quality animal and expect a showstopper. That's just not how genetics works. Yes, even the best lines produce pet quality animals from time to time. But by selecting only the very best animals to pass on their genes, we make improvements on each and every generation.
Even from a purely selfish standpoint, pet quality rabbits are worth FAR FAR less than a show quality animal, so don't expect to make any money out of selling pet rabbits. The average pet quality rabbit, depending on breed and demand, is not going to be worth nearly as much as a show quality one. Holland Lops are also one of the most expensive breeds. Show quality Hollands can go for as much as $500, and in auctions, they can regularly fetch double that. That's a HUGE difference. AND...I don't make any profit out of it, as selling show rabbits barely covers my feed/show costs. I would be losing even more money every day if I were selling pet quality animals only.
Another thing to consider (again, from a purely selfish standpoint) is that there is a demand for show quality animals. There is very little demand for pet quality rabbits as there is a flood of pet quality animals from bad breeders on the market taking away homes. By offering show quality stock, you are available to an extra market of people, as they won't want pet quality junk!
Also, pet quality rabbits don't come with pedigrees, so you are breeding stock with unknown genetic history. This is yet another BIG issue. Not to mention the breeder you bought the rabbit from will be pretty ticked off to say the least if they find out you've been breeding a pet quality rabbit. Gossip and rumors spread like wildfire in the rabbit hobby, so ultimately, the truth WILL come out, and you won't be too pleased with the result...
That's pretty much it. I hope I've convinced you to never breed a pet quality animal. I rest my case. ;)
You would think it would be totally fine to breed a pet quality rabbit. After all, they're cute and friendly, so what does it matter whether they are show rabbits or not?
Wrong. And here's why.
The breed standards in the Standard of Perfection aren't just there as rules for a rabbit beauty contest. Many of them are linked with the health and longevity of the rabbit in question. Pinched hindquarters are a fault in all breeds, as does with pinched hindquarters have difficulty giving birth and are at higher risk of related complications. A narrow chest is linked with weakness, as is a weak shoulder or chopped hindquarters. Having the correct head structure for the breed is also essential as it helps prevent malocclusion. You don't want to breed a buck with one descended testicle, or a split penis. You want a rabbit that keeps condition well and has a dense, lush, insulating coat. You want an animal with good muscling, not a weak animal with poor muscling. These are just a few of countless examples, I could go on all day.
Other cosmetic preferences called for in the Standard, such as short, thick ears on Netherland Dwarfs, short, dense, even fur on a Mini Rex, the upright pose and round head of a Holland Lop, and the thick wool mane of a Lionhead are not just adorable - they define each breed. These remarkable and unique breeds have been passed down to us from generations and generations of past breeders. Each breed is unique in color, physical appearance, health, and temperament. If we start breeding animals that do not fit the breed standard, we are taking steps backward and losing what makes each breed special!!!
Pet quality animals reliably produce pet quality animals. You cannot breed a pet quality animal and expect a showstopper. That's just not how genetics works. Yes, even the best lines produce pet quality animals from time to time. But by selecting only the very best animals to pass on their genes, we make improvements on each and every generation.
Even from a purely selfish standpoint, pet quality rabbits are worth FAR FAR less than a show quality animal, so don't expect to make any money out of selling pet rabbits. The average pet quality rabbit, depending on breed and demand, is not going to be worth nearly as much as a show quality one. Holland Lops are also one of the most expensive breeds. Show quality Hollands can go for as much as $500, and in auctions, they can regularly fetch double that. That's a HUGE difference. AND...I don't make any profit out of it, as selling show rabbits barely covers my feed/show costs. I would be losing even more money every day if I were selling pet quality animals only.
Another thing to consider (again, from a purely selfish standpoint) is that there is a demand for show quality animals. There is very little demand for pet quality rabbits as there is a flood of pet quality animals from bad breeders on the market taking away homes. By offering show quality stock, you are available to an extra market of people, as they won't want pet quality junk!
Also, pet quality rabbits don't come with pedigrees, so you are breeding stock with unknown genetic history. This is yet another BIG issue. Not to mention the breeder you bought the rabbit from will be pretty ticked off to say the least if they find out you've been breeding a pet quality rabbit. Gossip and rumors spread like wildfire in the rabbit hobby, so ultimately, the truth WILL come out, and you won't be too pleased with the result...
That's pretty much it. I hope I've convinced you to never breed a pet quality animal. I rest my case. ;)