Nationwide Cavy Show 2026

Every exhibitor should take the time to read the show rules before entering. These rules help ensure shows are fair, consistent, and well run for everyone involved, while also protecting the welfare of the cavies being exhibited.

1. ALL financial members of any Cavy Club or governing body are eligible to enter the Nationwide Cavy Show.

2. Anyone (does not have to belong to a club) is eligible to enter the Pet Section if one is included, but not with an exhibit already entered in the Breed Section.

3. NO LATE ENTRIES, ALTERATIONS, or SUBSTITUTIONS will be accepted. No money will be refunded for withdrawals.

4. ALL Longhaired and Merino exhibits are to be shown on either a platform or board, suited to both the size of the cavy and the length of the coat. One board per Cavy. Wrappers may be replaced after judging, at owner's discretion.

5. N.Z. Plumes MAY also be shown on a show board.

6. Longhairs and other breeds to be groomed only on instruction from the Show Manager or Chief Steward.

7. Longhaired and Merino exhibitors are able to steward either their own or other Longhaired exhibits. Exhibitors may not comment on, or tamper with exhibits once presented to the Judge.

8. No exhibits to be handled other than by Show Officials.

9. Preparation on orders of the Show Manager excepted

10. No exhibit to be removed from the show pens until debenching or on instructions from the Show Manager.

11. In the event of an emergency, permission to debench must be sought from the Show Manager.

12. Exhibits may be penned on disposable nappies, paper towels or towels.

13. Cavies are to be entered according to their exact date of birth. The day a cavy reaches 5 months of age, it must be exhibited in either the 5/9 months or Adult classes. Similarly, the day the cavy reaches 9 months of age it must be exhibited in the Adult classes.

14. All cavies entered in the Nationwide Cavy Show must weigh at least 400g, and are fit and healthy.

15. At a Nationwide Show ALL U/5 CAVIES ENTERED will be weighed on the day, by the Show Manager, PRIOR to benching.

16. ALL cavies must be clean and lice free.

17. PROBATIONARY judging will NOT take place at the Nationwide Cavy Show.

18. Stewards are to carry only ONE pig at a time, and care must be taken at all times .

19. IN SHOW awards will be decided by the panel of Judges if more than one judge has been appointed.

20. The order of judging to be as follows: Breed; Group: Group Duplicates; In Show; In Show Duplicates.

21. Only Best of Groups with a group point will be eligible for Best In Show award. The reserve of group to Best In Show winner may be considered for Reserve in Show as well.

22. Cavies purchased from any judge may not be shown under that judge until 3 months have passed from the time of purchase.

23. If an exhibitor feels that he/she has strong grounds for an appeal, then said appeal must be lodged in writing with the Show Manager, no later than one hour after the conclusion of judging.

24. Such appeals to be accompanied by $10 fee.

25. Stewards, Book Stewards and Exhibitors, should make NO SIGNS or any COMMENTS while cavies are being judged.

26. The Host Club wishes to state that every care will be taken, but they will not be held responsible for any injuries or loss occurring before, after or during the Show.

27. ALL MONEYS should be made out to the Host Club. All entry forms to be printed clearly, and both portions to be returned to the Show Secretary. If entries exceed the number provided for on the form, use a second form.

28. All cavies entered in the Nationwide Cavy Show must be the bona fide property of the Exhibitor.

29. An artificial light must be provided for the judging of all Satins

30. The show will be judged using New Zealand Cavy Judges Association standards

So, the Show Manager has asked you to steward at a show, but you have never done it before. Your first reaction might be to say no because you feel too inexperienced or think you are only a novice. Don’t worry - stewarding is not as difficult as it may seem, and with a little guidance, it is something you can absolutely do.

 

What You Need

There are a few basic requirements for stewarding. First, you need to feel confident handling cavies. If you are uncomfortable picking up and carrying other people’s cavies, stewarding may not be the right role for you. In that case, you could instead offer to be a book steward, recording the judge’s comments in the judging book.

You also need to be able to comfortably reach the higher cages, so you can safely lift cavies out without difficulty.

 

What the Job Involves

A steward’s role is to assist the judge by bringing the correct cavies to the judging table and returning them to their pens afterwards. The judge will call out the numbers needed for each class. Ideally, there will be two or three stewards per judge.

You only need to remember one number at a time, then go to that pen and carefully collect the correct cavy. Each steward must carry only one cavy at a time, so larger classes may mean several trips between the pens and the judging table.

 

Removing the Cavy

To remove a cavy from its pen, place one hand gently on its shoulders and turn it so it is facing you. Then slide your other hand underneath the cavy and lift it carefully. When taking it out of the cage, lift it out head first so it does not catch its feet or legs in the doorway.

Before leaving the pen, always check that the cavy has the correct ear tag and that the number matches the cage it has come from.

Once you have confirmed the correct cavy, carry it carefully to the judge.

Never run with a cavy.

 

At the Judging Table

Take care not to disturb the condition of the cavy while carrying it. Do not groom out loose hair or otherwise alter its appearance. If the cavy has lost its ear tag, write out a new one once you reach the judging table.

Place the cavy in the judging box. If several cavies are in the class, it is helpful to place them in numerical order, as this makes it much easier to identify an animal if an ear tag is lost during judging.

 

During Judging

While the class is being judged, it is your responsibility to make sure the cavies do not jump out of the boxes while waiting. You should remain attentive, quiet, and professional at all times.

Do not make comments about the cavies within the judge’s hearing, and do not give any sign that one of the cavies may be your own.

 

Returning the Cavies

After the class has been judged, the cavies must be returned to their pens. Take great care to return each cavy to the correct pen. Always check the ear tag carefully before placing the cavy back.

 

Stewarding Longhairs

Longhairs are usually stewarded by their owners or by more experienced stewards. If you are new to stewarding, it is best to ask the Show Manager to arrange someone with more experience to steward for the Longhair judge.

 

A Helpful Role

Stewarding is an important part of helping a show run smoothly, and it is a great way to learn more about how shows work. If you are willing to help, attentive, and careful with the cavies, you will already be doing a valuable job.

Entering a show is often much easier than new exhibitors expect. Once the show schedule is released, exhibitors can review the available classes, choose where their cavies are eligible to compete, and complete the relevant entry form before the closing date. It is important to make sure the correct classes are selected, all required details are filled in clearly, and any entry fees are paid on time. For new exhibitors, asking for help before submitting entries can be very useful, especially when learning the difference between pet and pedigree sections or deciding which classes best suit a particular cavy. A good entry sets the tone for a smoother show day and helps the Show Manager organise classes accurately and efficiently.

For first-time exhibitors, a guinea pig show can feel busy at first, but once you understand the flow of the day it becomes much easier to follow. After arriving, cavies are usually checked in, penned, and prepared for judging. Classes are then called throughout the day, and exhibitors or stewards bring the required cavies to the judging area when needed. Depending on the show, there may be pet classes, pedigree classes, specialty sections, presentations, and general opportunities to talk with other members and exhibitors. A show day is not only about competition - it is also about learning, observing, meeting others in the cavy community, and gaining more confidence with how showing works.

Pet and pedigree classes serve different purposes, and understanding the difference is an important part of entering correctly. Pet classes are generally focused on the presentation, condition, temperament, and overall appeal of a guinea pig as a pet, rather than its breed standard. These classes can be a great entry point for newer exhibitors or those with beloved pets they simply want to enjoy showing. Pedigree classes, on the other hand, are judged against recognised breed standards, with close attention paid to type, coat, colour, markings, and other features expected for that breed. Both sections have their place, and each offers a valuable and enjoyable way to take part in the cavy show community.