Things
to Consider when Judging Himalayan Rabbits
Why are Himalayans stretched out on the
judging table? Is it to see their
markings better? Is it to see their
length? Charlotte Ford of Georgia
reminded me that Himalayan history, whether real or imagined was that himmies
were considered a mock ermine. Ermine
being a weasel, is long and slender having an exquisite fur which is soft and
has a luxurious feel. Historical
royal garments made with ermine fur, showing those black dots, are actually the
weasels tails used in the garment. So
think of the Himalayan Rabbit as a mock ermine.
Can a Himalayan look long at 2 1/2 lbs?
How about at 4 1/2 lbs? Both
are acceptable weight ranges. The
answer is a definite yes! How is
this possible you may ask? It is due
to an allusion, based on the proportion of the himmies head size.
You can visually take a head measurement by using your fingers.
Take the head measurement with your thumb and index finger from the tip
of the himmies nose to the base of the himmies ears.
With this approximate measurement, start at the front of the neck and
move 3 and 1/2 head measurements horizontally along the lower side of the
himmies body toward the base of the tail.
Take the same head measurement and use
that for the width of the body. Mind
you, there may be a slight increase in width in the hip area.
As long as this is a smooth transition it is all right.
Again, take the same head measurement
and use it towards ear length. A
good himmies ear length will be the same or slightly shorter, not by much, with
its head length
So, if you have a smaller himmie on the
judging table it can look long with a smaller head. Or, if you have a larger
head it can look long with a longer body. Just
remember the head size proportions and the ideal himmie weight of 3 1/2 lbs when
you judge this breed.
The Himalayan rabbit is considered to be a
mock Ermine.
