How to Prepare a Guinea Pig for Show

Guinea pig, or cavy, shows have become popular for many because they allow both breeders and first time owners to engage in a fun, family friendly competition with their pets. If you have a guinea pig and decide to enter it in a show, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Soft brush or comb
• Spray shampoo

1. Start early. Ideally, proper show preparation begins when a sow has been mated. Feeding her well helps to ensure that her babies become strong and healthy as well. However, if you're not a breeder, you can begin by selecting and grooming your guinea pig a very young age--8 to 10 weeks.
2. Feed your pet well. You can ensure that your guinea pig remains healthy by feeding it quality food in proper amounts. It is important that your potential show candidate have a firm, healthy body and excellent coat condition.
3. Handle it often. The more you handle your cavy, the more comfortable it will be during the show. Remember, having a confident and friendly cavy helps judges make their determination.
4. Train it. Teaching your guinea pig to stay still makes it easier for judges to pick out all of its qualities and features. By doing so, you are also bettering its chances of placing more highly in the competition.
5. Groom it according to its breed. Certain breeds require different techniques so it is important to know what judges look for ahead of time. Some types require less maintenance but, if you have an Abyssinian or Rex (curly coated cavy), it should not be shampooed the day of competition as judges look for harshness of coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Clip your pet's nails up to a week before the show.
• Your pet should be healthy, fit and clean with plenty of firm flesh.
• Do not enter a pregnant guinea pig into the show as it may be immediately disqualified.
• If your pet is recovering from an illness, do not enter it into the show.