GUINEA PIG SHOWS:
Written by Shanna
 In the United States there are cavy shows, much like that of dogs and cats. There is a standard of perfection book that we must follow in order to show. This organization is called the American Rabbit Breeders Association. They have set the rules and the standard of cavies and rabbits for showing.
 
There are 13 breeds of cavies in the US.
 
1. AMERICAN
2. PERUVIAN
3. SILKIE
4. ABBY
5. TEXEL
6. CORNETT
7. WHITE CRESTED

  The other 6 breeds are these, but, in satin, so in other words, there is the american satin, etc. We do not recognize the crested satin as of yet. These are very hard to breed.

The Show

Before show day we get our cavies in shape to be shown. Bathing and brushing, clipping nails, cleaning ears, etc. There are usually 250 cavies in a show. If it is a national show there could be 500-600 cavies. You usually pre-enter the show, at a cost of about $2.50 each entry. When it is show day, you take your cavies to the show, and wait for your breeds to be called to the table. They are put into small wire coops for show. You stand and watch your cavy being judged, but not to allow the judge to know who's pig is who's. Each cavy is ear tagged before the show. The ear # must match the number on the paper that will be filled out when your cavy is judged. The ear tag is a small metal tag that is put in with a special plier. It is similar to piercing your own ear. The judge, judges one breed at a time. They are judged against each other. The one that is closest to the standard of perfection will become the best of that breed and go on to compete for best in the show. When all the breeds are done being judged, the best of each breed is brought back up to the table for the judge to pick the best in the show. Not always is there 13 breeds up there. The judge then makes his decision of the best pig of the show. It a great feeling when you win the best in the show! We breed cavies to better the breed to go on to do well in the shows. Most breeders keep on an average of 150-300 pigs for breeding and showing. And some have less. You must make sure that you are able to take good care of the cavies, so they can be good breeders and give you the winners you are looking for.


Cavy Care
Cavies are easy to keep, but do require some special things to keep them in top notch condition. First they must be housed in wire cages with a solid bottom. They must be fed a good quality guinea pig pellet, and have extra Vit. C added to there diet, as they do not make there own. A good way to do this is to add a powder Vit. C to there drinking water. They require a water bottle that is hung on the outside of there cage, and the spout fits through the cage wire so they can drink off off it, and clean water given each day. They are kept on "pine" shaving that are put in the bottom of the cage. They must not have a wire bottom, due to there feet are small and they can get there toes caught in the wire and break there leg. They make great pets for children about 4 years and up. Younger if the parents are willing to supervise them closely. If a pig falls, it could kill it or cause great injury. Please consider having a guinea pig as a pet if you have no interest in breeding. They really are sweet loving critters.
Shanna
Shanna is a breeder in the U.S. and loves
to share information with any cavy owners.