It's been more than a seven-year itch since a Canadian bunny won first prize at the American Rabbit Breeders Association, but Abbotsford's Marilyn Bunroe proved that while gentlemen prefer blondes, judges (at least this year) preferred Canadians.

There was no monkey business last month in Kentucky, when Bunroe proved that something's got to give and turned the event into a home town story.

Bunroe resides at the Abbotsford-based I'm So Fancy family-run hobby farm, which is located in the Glen Valley area. They breed Holland Lops, American Chinchillas and Belgian Hares. Bunroe is a Holland Lo. I'm So Fancy also grow vegetables and flowers, as well as breed chickens and produce local eggs.

Bunroe and her handlers made the trip to Lousiville, Ky. for the 101st ARBA Convention and competed against more than 27,000 other animals.

It was determined that Bunroe was open rabbit best in show and she earned a cool $1,000 for the win.

Some of the factors to influence judging include: overall physical condition (cleanliness, health), fur texture and fur quality, markings that are correctly positioned on each breed, eyes and toenails that are the proper color, balance, ear opening and behaviour.

The ARBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, development and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy.

With almost 20,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad, members range from the pet owner with one animal to the breeder or commercial raiser with several hundred.

For more information on I'm So Fancy, visit