What does disqualification (DQ) mean in rabbit competitions?

Disqualification (DQ) in rabbit competitions refers to permanent defects that render a rabbit unfit for competing. This means that the rabbit has characteristics or issues that are so severe that they violate the established standards for that particular breed or class. Such defects could include things like severe health issues, poor conformation, or genetic disorders that are detrimental to the breed's integrity. When a rabbit is disqualified, it is removed from consideration for awards, ensuring that only those animals that meet the breed standards and are deemed healthy compete.

The other options do not accurately capture the nature of disqualification in competitions: temporary performance issues are typically not grounds for disqualification, and a minor cosmetic defect, while it may affect the grading, would not lead to a DQ. Additionally, breeding restrictions are not directly related to competition fitness but rather refer to guidelines for breeding practices based on a rabbit's genetics.