There is a (huge) difference between a rabbit with a pedigree and a registered rabbit.  A pedigree (or ‘papers’) alone does not necessarily imply quality. A pedigree is simply a record of a rabbit’s lineage. It is only one step in proving the quality of rabbit you have.  A registered rabbit has stringent criteria it must meet to be registered.  Read on for the details.

What does having a registered rabbit mean? Only rabbits six months or older can be registered.  The owner of the rabbit must be a current member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA).  A complete three-generation pedigree detailing ear numbers, weights and varieties must be presented to the registrar for review.  The registrar meticulously compares the rabbit to the breed criteria detailed in "The Standard of Perfection" and confirms the rabbit meets all of the qualities for the breed and variety before it can be registered.  When a rabbit is registered, it has met ALL the requirements for the breed and variety.  It has NO disqualifying factors.  Rabbits with disqualifying factors cannot be registered. For this reason alone, registered rabbits have a greater value over unregistered rabbits. 

This registration number is then added to the rabbit’s pedigree. Formal paperwork is sent by ARBA certifying the registration process. ARBA compares the information on the registration form to their master database. If something does not match, registration is denied.

Each registration certificate will have a seal. If there is only one registered rabbit on the pedigree, the seal will be embossed only. If the rabbit and both parents are registered, there will be a red embossed seal.  Registered parents and grandparents will have a red and white and blue seal. For a nominal fee (currently $2), these registration documents are transferable from one owner to another.  When you buy a registered rabbit, the registration will stay with the rabbit.

What’s on a pedigree?  The pedigree will show the names, ear numbers, weights, color, registration numbers, and grand champion numbers along with awards that were won by the rabbits in that lineage. By the way, ONLY registered rabbits can be granted a Grand Champion certificate.  Grand Champion requirements are a whole different discussion though.  The first rabbit listed on the pedigree will be the one you own.  It is standard practice for the rabbit's name to begin with either the breeder’s name or the rabbitry's name.  Why the breeder’s or rabbitry name? Because the breeder is the one who created that rabbit. 

Although it may be tempting to remove the breeders name and replace it with your own, please consider this before you change anything on the pedigree: 

The breeder's last name or rabbitry name on the rabbit’s name does not determine ownership.  Instead it gives credit to the breeder of the animal.  It is tempting for folks new to rabbits to remove the breeders name and replace their name without understanding what they are doing.  By doing that, they are fraudulently taking credit for breeding an animal bred by another person.

It really becomes a mess when rabbit is taken to be registered and the buyer is then listed as the breeder in error. When you breed your rabbit, your name then rightly belongs on your bunny's pedigree.  Respect the breeder who created your rabbit by leaving their name intact on the pedigree. It’s part of being a reputable showman, promoter and breeder. 

And yes, study pedigrees!  The ability to register a rabbit is something to keep in mind when you are buying for show and focusing on quality. Take the time and effort to register your rabbits. It's worth it and it is the ultimate sign of quality.