Question about showing

[guineapigfan9000]

I was just wondering why CavySpirit doesn't like guinea pig showing. I understand about people breeding guinea pigs and then showing them, but what about the shows for non-pedigree guinea pigs (aka. the ones that our rescues could go to)?
If you are only entering your rescued guinea pig in a non-pedigree show, then is that okay? Or is there another reason for not showing that I don't know about?

[fourbwabbys]

Showing is extremely stressful for the pigs. They are prey animals, so loud noises, people poking and prodding them and a busy place will make them very uncomfortable. And even if you're entering your own pigs, the money goes to the breeders and you are supporting a show run by breeders.

[Solebomber]

Showing goes hand in hand with breeding most of the time, Breeding produces unwanted animals (culls) that end up at the pet stores and most of the time the animals end up dead from neglect and or abuse or end up at rescues.

[CavySpirit]

Exactly what guinea pig show is not about breeders and breeding? None. That would be a "pignick" -- a party of guinea pig people, not a show. There is no such thing.

[guineapigfan9000]

Oh, I get it now. I didn't know much about showing...
I, however, disagree with CavySpirit on one thing: some shows DO have sections for non-pedigree guinea pigs that could be animals coming from rescues.
But otherwise, I see the point.
Someone could have a "rescue-show", though, where people just bring their rescued or adopted guinea pigs and have a kind of piggy-and-people party. Might spread cavy diseases though... But if it did work, all proceeds could go to rescues and shelters or something. Maybe CavySpirit could have a rescue-friendly show.

[this_lil_piggy]

There are several reasons why even a rescue-friendly show wouldn't be a good idea.

Anytime you expose pigs to other pigs you are risking them passing around things such as URI's, mites, and lice. Even the best cared for pigs can have these parasites and illnesses, and without their owners knowing it.
Not only can these things be passed from pig to pig through direct or close contact, but they can be passed from one pig, to the clothing or hands of a human, and then passed on to another pig when they are handled by the same person.

It would be nearly impossible to hold large events for pigs without exposing them to illnesses, drafts, stress, and you would pretty much have to have them in too small accommodation's to travel and attend.

I don't think it would be a good idea for any rescue to associate themselves with anything that is defined as a "show".
For example: I don't know anything about rodeo's... I don't know if there is just one rodeo circuit, or many rodeo circuits. When I hear the word rodeo I automatically cringe and think negatively. If I saw a rescue advertising a rodeo it would cower my eyebrows, wrinkle my forehead, and make me wonder "what the hell are they thinking? Why would any reputable rescue associate themselves with something that has such a bad "name"?"
If cavy rescues held "shows", regardless of how cavy friendly they may be, I think it would do an injustice to the work they do and the cause they support. You don't want people (especially dirty breeders, and showers) looking at rescues and thinking (or saying outloud) hmmm, what makes them so much better than us. THEY Are havings shows, while condemning us for having them.

[CavySpirit]

I, however, disagree with CavySpirit on one thing: some shows DO have sections for non-pedigree guinea pigs that could be animals coming from rescues.

I'm well aware that many or most shows have 'pet class' categories and pet events within their main show. The fact remains that the main show is a breeder circuit and breeder social club.

[Blindy]

I Sweden we have pet shows and all the animals get checked by a vet before entering (I'm not sure it is a vet Ive only read about it).
Thats how they prevent the animals from getting sick.

[smartorl]

I challenge you to show me someone who shows in the "pet" classes that doesn't either start purchasing and breeding pedigreed pigs or start breeding their pet pigs. I feel that the pet classes exist so that the breeders can exhibit their animals which are of a certain breed but don't reach the standard. By showing your pet you are placing it in serious danger healthwise due to disease and also contact with ear mites, regular mites, scabies, ringworm, and so on. While you may love your pet and take proper care to see that it is well, there are many at the shows who care more for status or awards than whether or not any animal gets ill.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

It's the same mentality - with the emphasis on the piggie's markings or looks.