An Abyssinian, a Cavy breed characterized as having eight rosettes, was awarded Best in Show during the Philippine Rabbit & Cavy Club Inc (PRCC)’s All Breed Cavy Show and Skinny Specialty Show.
BIGGER AND BETTER
A total of 44 Cavies across 11 different breeds joined the affair, making this the highest number of entries for a Cavy show that I have personally attended here in the Philippines in the past seven years. PRCC follows the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association (ARBA) and American Cavy Breeders’ Association (ACBA) Recognized Breeds and Standard of Perfection.
Out of 13 recognized ARBA Cavy Breeds, 10 were present during the show: Abyssinian, Abyssinian Satin, American, American Satin, Coronet, Peruvian, Silkie, Teddy, Teddy Satin, and Texel. Fingers crossed that the Peruvian Satin, Silkie Satin, and White Crested would show up as well in the future!
GRINNY WITH THE SKINNY
The Skinny Cavy or Skinny Guinea Pig, more simply called the Skinny, is a hairless breed of Cavies. They are mostly hairless, although there might also be hair present in some parts of their bodies, usually on their muzzles.
Skinnies are not recognized by the ARBA or ACBA, but they were able to strut their stuff during the Skinny Specialty Show.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CAVY SHOW
Ever wonder what happens on the judging table as soon as the exhibitor places their Cavies on the coops?
Cavies are entered and judged according to breed, variety, and class. Each breed and variety would have a different standard, with each Cavy being judged being compared to the standards set forth by the organizers.
I chose the best representation from the Cavies until I came up with the best of variety, best of breed, and their opposite sexes. Finally, I picked the Reserve in Show and Best in Show as the two highest awards.
Folks from Philippine Rabbit & Cavy Club, Inc. share bright smiles with Skinny Pigs.
WHAT’S IN A WORD?
Some of the terms used might be confusing, so here’s a short explainer about what these three words mean.
BREED
A breed connotes animals of the same species that have distinct characteristics. Examples of breeds include Abyssinian, Silkie Satin, Teddy, Texel, and White Crested.
VARIETY
A variety is a classification under each breed based on color or pattern, such as black, white, cream, red eyed orange, agouti, brindle, roan, tortoiseshell, white, etc.
CLASS
The class denotes an animal’s classification based on their weight or age: junior, senior, intermediate.
Best of Breed – Coronet
Best of Breed – American. A short-haired Cavy with smooth short hair that shouldn’t reach more than 1 inch in length
Best of Breed – American Satin. Similar to the American Cavy, this breed has satin hair that makes them look more translucent.
Best of Breed – Texel. A long-haired Cavy characterized by spiral-looking hair called ringlets
Best of Breed Peruvian – A long haired Cavy breed characterized with a rosette that creates a frontal and coat parted in the middle
SHOW BOARDS
Ever wonder why some Cavies, especially the long-haired ones, are presented in a specific beige color board? Called show boards, they are specifically required for long haired intermediate and senior Cavies.
If you’re planning to show long haired Cavies, you better remember the following details! A show board must be 16 x 16 x 4 inches in size, with each side having a 1 x 4 inch centrally placed handle, and the cover must be a beige burlap. There should be no points for the board; this ensures that the Cavy presented to the judge is properly and safely placed.
Junior long-haired Cavies don’t have to be presented on a board, which is why they can be placed directly on the judging coops.
PREPARATIONS AFOOT
According to JC Salud of Andes Cavies, the Cavy parent of the Best in Show winner, preparation starts from selection of the animal who possesses the best qualities that represent their breed. Then, they are raised with the best care possible in terms of health, husbandry, and grooming.
“Grooming is always different for each breed; it is not a one-size-fits-all,” shared JC. He explained that the goal of grooming was not only to keep the hair nice and healthy but also to avoid any form of injury, infection, or infestation.
JC is very keen to pay attention to details when it comes to his Cavies’ health and grooming!
SHOW WINNERS
Congratulations to the following Cavies and their human guardians!
OFF TO A GREAT START
I had the utmost pleasure of judging the all-breed category for this show and I must tell you that not only am I happy to be around my co-Cavy parents, but I am also delighted with how the Cavies being entered are getting better and better every time.
It has only been a year since we started to have Cavy shows again after the pandemic, and we’re definitely off to a great start!
Of course, there is no denying the fact that at the end of the day, Cavy shows are still a competition. It is not just the prestige awards and titles you should be looking forward to; but also the opportunities to learn from judges and co-exhibitors. Compete with one person — yourself — with the aim of raising better Cavies.
Best of Breed – Teddy. A short-haired Cavy characterized by short and rough-to-touch hair
Dr. Rich Briones is a veterinarian by profession and the first and only American Rabbit Breeders’ Association (ARBA) Rabbit and Cavy (Dual) Registrar in the Philippines. She is a board member of the Philippine Rabbit & Cavy Club INC, appointed to ARBA International Liaison Committee, and has served as a judge for Rabbit and Cavy shows locally and internationally.
