An Expedition To A Cavy Show

Attending my first cavy show was an absolute delight. Tash and I travelled down to Ipswich for the event, which luckily for us featured an interstate judge who will also be judging at Nationals. He had attracted the attention of stud owners from all over who were keen to hear his opinion. This had resulted in a show with above average numbers and a fantastic range of breeds to admire. 

For novices such as us, this could not have been more of a treat. After being reassured by the president that “browsing” was okay, we set about mingling. We were able to see our first short-haired Dalmatian, after having only ever looked at online photographs and to see some lovely cream self’s. We were also able to learn about how eye color can help with colour determination, in particular between slate’s and lilac’s. There is also no such thing as Rex’s – as both the singular and plural term is Rex, nor Dutch’s who are also referred to as Dutch, regardless of how many are being discussed. 

"Farrowlea Grizzly Horribilis" a Rex Boar belonging to Tash
from Funky Kingdom Cavy Stud.

Although the Peruvian’s were far and few between, we were surprised to see a vast array of Rex. There was even a tri-colour which neither Tash or I had seen anything like before. The children were as involved as the adults, proudly exhibiting their beloved cavies. With one little girl holding hers up to us for inspection before loudly declaring, “This is my Self-Black.” Tash and I both responded with appropriate “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” which must have been to her satisfaction as she happily skipped off with her guinea pig still perched atop his show board. 

I can honestly say everyone was extremely tolerant of our endless questions, curious stares and requests to look at their guinea pigs through the cages. Although I’m sure we probably committed several faux pas in terms of etiquette, we were not roused on or discouraged by anyone. I have gathered though, that it is a no-no to chatter at the end of the judging table (that should have been obvious I know) or to verbally identify studs or breeders whilst at the table. 

So after taking some notes, the contact details of some lovely stud owners and learning quite a lot for a single morning’s expedition our next step will be to attend a show and actually enter one of our cavies. We will definitely be starting in the pet’s section until we know a little more about what we are doing and feel confident that we have a show table worthy pedigree, appropriately prepared.  

If you are considering joining a cavy club or going to a show, I would definitely encourage you to do so. There is nothing like seeing a meticulously combed Sheltie or Texel with hair fanned out around it, presented on its show board, or being able to admire the amazing condition and glossy coats of the short-haired varieties. No matter which breeds you prefer there will surely be someone willing to talk to you and help you along the way. 

It is worth noting however, that the cavy fancy has not escaped the attention of profiteers seeking to acquire pedigrees for the purpose of ‘pet farming.’ This practice is often done in an unethical fashion, with back to back pregnancies that are unkind to the sows. These animals are frequently sold as supposed “purebreds”, “show quality” or “pedigrees without papers” online, at markets or to pet shops for exorbitant prices. After talking to several stud owners within the fancy it has become clear that many of them have been targeted by these types of people, who are adept at using deception to get what they want. So in my experience if a breeder seems guarded, this can be perceived as unfriendliness when in reality what should be interpreted as, is protectiveness for their beloved cavies. I can assure you that if you have a genuine desire to learn more about cavy ownership, there is no way you could go to a cavy show and not have a worthwhile day out. 

Please note I didn’t take any photos yesterday out of respect for those attending and also because I was unsure about the etiquette in doing so and didn't wish to cause offense, but a simple google images search will reveal many photographs from various cavy shows.