GUINEA PIG
"Hey I'm not a pig!"
...GUINEA PIG
Guinea Pig Shows
Many people who enter their guinea pigs in shows today began by joining the 4-H club in high school, and raising guinea pigs as their project. This is a great way to get started, and you can actually learn a great deal about showing guinea pigs in this way.
Even if you weren't in the 4-H in high school, or you didn't show guinea pigs, you can still enter your guinea pig in shows. You can typically find out the dates and locations of shows through local cavy clubs. Many organized clubs are charter members of the American Cavy Breeders Association. The ACBA, located at http://www.acbaonline.com/, commonly holds shows through member clubs around the United States.
There are two classes of guinea pig shows, commonly referred to as cavy shows. The two classes are 'open' and 'youth.' An open show means that anyone can enter. A youth show, as the name indicates, means that the show is only open to minors with guinea pigs. Some shows will include both classes; however the ACBA does not allow the same guinea pig to be entered in both classes on the same day, even at the same show.
Several shows are held annually, and the ACBA also has a yearly convention, which is preceded by an annual show. This show is the one that guinea pig owners are particularly interested in, as it is considered the most important show of the year.
At most shows, the guinea pigs are judged by class, not pedigree. This means that you only need to know which breed your guinea pig is. Who his or her parents are plays no part in judging, or in entering the show. This is a refreshing change from other types of animal shows, where lineage is everything. In the case of guinea pigs, the animal must stand on his own merits.
Some guinea pig owners are so enthusiastic that they attend as many shows as possible throughout the year. Others enjoy the shows, but don't let the shows take over their lives, only attending a few local shows in their local area. Almost anyone who shows guinea pigs, however, will attend the main show that is hosted by the ACBA.
If you are interested in showing your guinea pig, the best thing you can do to get started is to attend a show first. Also, talk to someone else who commonly enters shows - and wins. They will be able to offer you excellent advice, and show you how to find information concerning the shows.
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