Probably most of us know dog exhibitions including the organization thereof. However, even guinea pig owners can participate at an exhibition. How do such events work and what is their main principle? How do I prepare my guinea pig for an exhibition and what restrictions do I have to observe? We have discussed this with long-term guinea pig breeder Andrea Kroftová.
How is the guinea pig exhibition organized?
Guinea pig exhibitions in different parts of the world do differ. There are even two different types of exhibitions in our country, the biggest difference between them being whether the guinea pigs are exhibited in cages provided by the host or in their own ones. The second type is conducted in the German style and mostly, it is a meeting of breeders.
How to prepare the guinea pig for the exhibition?
The pre-exhibition preps include the classic routine care of each guinea pig - cutting claws, cleaning the sebaceous glands, giving it a bath if necessary, and also specific care, depending upon what breed we will present at the exhibition. Some long-haired guinea pig breeds require combing, short-haired guinea pigs tearing loose hair and combing their rosettes.
Can any guinea pig go to an exhibition?
In the Czech Republic, even mix-breeded "guinea pigs" may take part in an exhibition. In the Czech Republic, there is a so-called standard A, B and C. Standard A includes short-haired breeds (smooth, English crested, American crested, US teddy, Swiss teddy, rex, rosette) and long-haired breeds (sheltie, coronet, Peruvian, texel, merino, alpaca, lunkarya - Peruvian). Standard B includes giant cuy breeds and hairless skinny and Baldwin breeds. Standard C is intended for pets. Within this standard, you may exhibit even guinea pigs, which would be difficult to assign to any breed.
What about age restrictions?
Participating at an exhibit with the baby category (up to five months) is not limited by age, but by the weight of the guinea pig. Guinea pigs are being judged in the baby category from 500 grams and giant guinea pigs from 700 grams. Additionally, with short-haired breeds, it is necessary that the guinea pig be overcoated and long-haired breeds´ minimum coat length is to be at least seven centimetres. The breeding traits development is to have been completed in all guinea pigs. Under certain conditions, breeds may also be exhibited in the so-called recognition procedure which currently refers to minipli and guinea pigs in lavender color.
What does the guinea pig have to have documents for (confirmation of origin etc.) prior to going to an exhibition?
It's nothing too complicated. The exhibitor selects his/her exhibition on the It's showtime exhibition he is interested in and reads the exhibition conditions stating how he can exhibit the guinea pig. Usually, the rules define for which breeders the exhibition is designed for and whether you have to be enlisted in an organization. Prior to going to the show, it is necessary to file an affidavit on the guinea pig's health status or visit a veterinarian and ask for a veterinary certificate. Both documents mustn´t be older than three days. The exhibitor then submits the documents in the course of the exhibition acceptance procedure. The acceptance site is at the entrance to the exhibition grounds, here the breeder signs a statement about having been instructed in how to handle guinea pigs and places the guinea pigs according to the instructions and waits as the organizers assess the guinea pig.
In this cycle, we’re going to have a look together on how cats and dogs are doing around the world. Where they are pampered and people forego them and where, to the contrary, the pets suffer and their situation is critical. Today, I will introduce you...
Especially outdoor cats are often suffering from ear mites. What is it actually, and how to get rid of it?
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let’s take a look what they have already achieved during the time of our lives together. With his determination, Balto saved lives of many people...
Everyone likes to take their four-legged friend along with them on a holiday, but the situation just won’t allow it sometimes. Not all the dogs take well to long trips by car or high temperatures, or are A graders in obedience, some are habitual...
Already since about 100 thousand years ago, when people started with domestication, we have been aware of positive effects of living together with animals. And this doesn’t concern only healing methods. Already the very presence of our pets helps us to...
If you have a cat at home, you have certainly encountered the issue of who will take care of it at times. Especially now, at the time of holidays and departures for vacations. Relatives or friends are not always able to come over and to take the cat...
I have already written about dangerous foods for dogs. But how about cats?
All of us probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. However, did you know that you can poison your furry friend even with nuts, for example?
The time of kittens is getting closer. Outside, however, the kittens may lose their mum from various reasons. Besides, people will start getting rid of unwanted family arrivals. So it can easily happen to you, that you will find little cat new-borns....
Do you know, that you can insure your pet? But does it even pay off, what does the insurance cover and what are the conditions?
You may have already met a dog with a tied yellow ribbon on its collar or on its leash in the street. Did you know, that it is not a fashion accessory, but a message for the passers-by?
Rabbit hopping is a relatively young discipline that is quickly gaining new fans. After all, rabbits are virtually born for jumping, so why not use it for both their and their master’s entertainment.
