The History of the
Michigan Dutch Rabbit Club

MDRC was formed for the purpose of hosting the 1992 National Dutch Show and was chartered with ARBA in 1989. Our slogan was selected in the winter of 1992 and was actually taken from the slogan used by the Danish speed skaters who were participating in the 1992 Winter Olympics. “If it ain’t Dutch, it ain’t much!” was selected by the membership as a fun way to peak interest in the breed and reflect the feelings of Dutch rabbit fanciers.

MDRC has been the host for four National Shows: 1992, 2007, 2013, and 2018. With each show we have set a new record for entries. The 2018 NDS is the largest on record with over 1400 entries! We have held the last three NDS shows in the large exhibition hall at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds. This spacious, modern facility coupled with the hard-work ethic of our members has helped us achieve these high entry numbers. Will MDRC host another NDS? There is talk of making a bid for 2023.

MDRC holds at least one specially show each year where we enjoy a nice potluck and fellowship with our rabbit friends. We have a minimum of two meetings each year, held in conjunction with shows hosted by the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association. One is held during the MSRBA Convention in March and the second one during the MSRBA Fall Show in late November or early December. We have our own Sweepstakes Competition, for which members’ points are tallied for every show attended from January 1 to December 31 of each year.   Sweepstakes awards are presented as part of our annual meeting held at the MSRBA Spring Convention.

We are a wonderful blend of seasoned breeders, newbies, and everything in between, and have both adults and youth members. We support fun and friendly competition.