First you need to know the difference between registration (below) and pedigree.

All breeders should keep good records of their breeding dates and birth dates as well as the parents used. This information is then entered onto a three-generation pedigree for each animal in the litter.

Here is the correct way a pedigree should be filled out.

Each rabbit has two names. A Sir name (like Smith's). And a call name (like Bunny). If the rabbit was born in your rabbitry then the name of the rabbit on the pedigree would begin with your rabbitries name. An example would be "Smiths' Bunny". The first name, (Smiths') or Sir-name, gives recognition as to where the rabbits were born. If the rabbit was born somewhere other than your rabbitry (example: you bought a rabbit from Jones' Rabbitry), and you get a pedigree with no name filled in (happens especially with rabbits that are sold young), you should not put your rabbitries name. You should fill in Jones' Bunny as the name. You should never take away Jones' to add your own Smiths'. This is very unethical and causes problems with future pedigrees and registrations. If there is no call name listed on the pedigree already you can chose whatever you like, but don't change any call name already listed on the pedigree.

A unique ear number should be permanently tattooed into the left ear of the rabbit that exactly matches the ear number on that rabbits pedigree. If there is no tattoo and no number listed on the pedigree form, then you can chose to make the ear number anything you'd like, as long as the tattoo and the ear number listed on the pedigree match exactly. The right ear is always reserved for registration tattoo numbers.

You will have to have the sex (male or female) filled in. If you don't know for sure which sex your rabbit is leave it blank until someone qualified can determine its sex for you. Usually time will tell. Young rabbits can be difficult to determine sex on without prior experience. As the rabbit matures it will become more apparent which sex you have.

The color or variety must be listed. It doesn't necessarily have to be an A.R.B.A. recognized color, must there must be something listed. It should not be blank on any of the animals on a pedigree. If you don't know the color of your rabbit leave the space blank until you can find someone qualified to tell you what color you have.

The weight can be left blank, but it is customary for this number to reflect the weight of the rabbit at six months of age (registration age). It doesn't mean that the rabbit is that weight right now.

There is usually a spot for the recording of the registration number (explained below) and the Grand Champion number. These should be filled in when appropriate.

Rabbits can be registered only after they are six months of age and meet all senior requirements for that breed. Licensed Registrars are available at all A.R.B.A. sanctioned rabbit shows.

When you take your rabbit to be registered you will need:

1.) The rabbit (of course),

2.) Your A.R.B.A. membership card (you must be an American Rabbit Breeders Association member to register your rabbit)

3.) Your rabbits three generation pedigree. (Complete with names, weights, and color variety for every rabbit on the pedigree)

The registrar will check your rabbit for disqualification, like weight and color, and examine its pedigree for the necessary information. Once the registrar has determined that the rabbit is eligible for registration, they will record your rabbits weight, fill out the necessary paperwork, and tattoo the registration number (or a circle with an "R" inside) in the rabbits right ear. See a sample registration form. You should then record this number onto the rabbits pedigree. It costs $4 each to register rabbits. Your official registration papers from the A.R.B.A. will arrive by mail in a few weeks. See a sample registration