Big wins for bunny brothers

WAUPACA — Ezra Johnson, 7, and August Johnson, 12, of Waupaca, recently competed in the largest rabbit show in the United States, the National American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) convention in Indianapolis, Ind.
August was awarded second runner up title of ARBA Royalty “Duke.” His brother Ezra competed in a younger age division and won the 2025 title of ARBA Royalty “Lord,” the highest award given in its age category. Both boys have competed in the contest before and this being Ezra’s first time winning the nation’s highest award. Both boys also hold the Wisconsin State Royalty Title Awards, which they won in September. Ezra will represent ARBA for the United States at the rabbit shows that he attends throughout the next year across the country.
Students from all over the United States were there to compete in the youth contests.
Both brothers competed in age-appropriate division contests which consisted of skill and knowledge in rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs). The contest consisted of a written exam, breed Identification test, judging, and oral interview.
This year’s 102nd convention boasted its second largest number of animals attending. There were over 25,000 rabbits and cavies competing for Best in Show and close to 3,000 exhibitors.

Best in Breed win
August won the Best in Breed competition. This very prestigious award is given to the best rabbit that fits the breed standard. Winning Best of Breed allows the animal to compete for Best in Show. Although August’s rabbit did not win Best in Show, the judge did look at his rabbit for a second time, before choosing who would win.
There are 52 different breeds of rabbits and 13 different breeds of cavies recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Very much like other animal competitions, the rabbits and cavies are judged according to a “Standard of Perfection,” the guideline of what the best animal represents in each breed. Youth and adults compete for the coveted Best in Show Award.