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.
.jpg/30x20/FIT)
.jpg/600x400/FIT)
Summer months bring hot weather and also holidays. What sort of nutrition do animals require during this period? Is it necessary to change their diet on hot days? And what is most important during hot temperatures? We have discussed this topic with...
.jpg/30x20/FIT)
.jpg/600x400/FIT)
Despite being self-reliant animals to a certain extent, cats are provided with the best possible care by their owners who make sure that those balls of fluff are content in any circumstances. What is required by cats that live with us in a flat? And...
Everyone should have their own place where they can relax in peace. This also applies to animals. Rats, for example, who are very sociable and in nature live in large groups, usually have their own place where they can recharge by the side of their...
They help with searches in avalanches, debris and large wooded areas in inaccessible terrain. They save valuable minutes that can make the difference in whether an injured person survives. One canine rescuer makes up for up to 20 people, especially at...
The tradition of rescuer dogs has been a staple in the Czech Republic for almost a century, and our country ranks among the top European leaders in this discipline. Canine rescuers help in the mountains not only in winter, but throughout the whole...
Today, there are a number of products and gadgets for riding with a dog, which will ensure that we can take the dog with us safely on longer journeys. However, you should pay attention to driving safety even if you only drive a few kilometers. Even...
Dog agility is a discipline that means a lot of exercise for both the dogs and the handlers, but also a lot of fun. In addition, it strengthens the relationship between the owner and the animal, and also allows the dog to learn new skills. Another...
Rabbits are great pets for all who live in flats, but cannot afford a cat, or just want to have a cheerful companion who won’t let you down and can handle being alone at the same time. Still, there are certain factors you should think about before...
In most cases, cats love being in nature and active, so it comes as no surprise that felines living in houses and flats may occasionally want to go out and explore the world. If you have such a cat at home, you may find useful the following tips on...
Czech cynologists from the Search and Rescue Czech Republic team have managed to train eight dogs who can tell if you have COVID-19. Detecting the disease is a worldwide problem, which is also recognized by VAFO, who supported the project financially...
As the title suggests, this breed comes from the State of Maine in the United States. It is one of the oldest breeds living in nature, the largest domesticated breed, gaining popularity in Europe in recent years. There are several reasons for this....
We have already introduced dogfrisbee, the activity in which a dog catches a frisbee, several times. We focused mainly on various disciplines in which dog owners can compete together with their canine companions at any level. Another such discipline...
