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Competition for Bunnies


Bunny sitting on morning dewy grass

Photo by Maria Tyutina


"Bunnies don't have competitions."

That's wrong because they do! Sometimes we think bunnies are not capable of competing like other pets and there isn't even at least one competition that's perfectly made for them.

If there's one thing you can think that bunnies do most of the time, especially when they're happy or excited, what is it? Run? Zoomies? Jump?

We'll find out what bunny competition we are talking about.

Rabbit Competitions Origin


Bunnies are known for cuteness when hopping and there's the clue! Rabbit jumping or Kaninhop started in Sweden early in the 1970s. The rules in Kaninhop were based on a horse jumping show until it changed into a set of regulations more suitable for bunnies.

The sport of rabbit jumping became famous in 1986. The two groups that started the bunny competition merged into one and became a subgroup of the Swedish Rabbit Breeders Association. Until now, this competition has been happening in some countries.

At present, there are 20 affiliated clubs in Sweden that are organizing rabbit jumping competitions. The federation ensures two championships are held yearly to establish connections with other countries to keep the sport's success continuously.

The rabbit jumping sports in organized in the following countries:

  • · Norway

  • Finland

  • Denmark

  • Germany

  • UK

  • USA

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Canada

Bunny Jumping Rules


First, you should know there are four different courses in Kaninhop.


1. Straight Course

2. Crooked Course

3. High Jump

4. Long Jump

How to win a bunny jumping competition?

  • · To jump the course without mistakes. One fault is appointed for every failed jump. One person looks at the timer from start to finish and another person records the faults, which is the judge.

  • The bunny should jump over the center of a hurdle. One fault is given if a bunny jumps diagonally and its body is more outside the hurdle.

  • The rabbit must jump without knocking a hurdle. If it jumps and surpasses it but knocks down the hurdle, it's another fault.

  • The bunny should be trained to jump the course in the proper order. Wrong order means another chance of being excluded from getting a place.

The game does not force bunnies to jump but there's a time limit. If a bunny exceeds, it will be excluded from getting a place. They care for the bunny's free will to jump by not forcing it.


A Bunny that Wins the Game

The bunny that will win the competition is the one with the least number of faults. If two bunnies have equal points, the judges will base the score on time; who had the shorter time finishing the course?

Bunnies that win the competition will gain a promotion, leading them to compete at a more challenging level; Easy, Medium, Difficult, and Elite.

Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, experienced peers, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, and extensive pet product research. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.

Final Thoughts on Bunny Competition


How exciting it is to watch this kind of competition. This only proves that bunnies can be trained and do more. Bunnies are talented!


Read more bunny blogs at www.hoppscotchbun.com!


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