Judging Guide
Judging Guide
|
|
To promote awareness of ferrets as pets and working animals |
|
|
To make people proud of their animals and to give them a chance to meet others who share the same affection for their ferrets |
|
|
To allow owners to meet people for the purpose of sharing information and experience |
|
|
To allow people to participate in areas of ferret ownership that is normally thought to be only for Dogs and Cats. |
In order to accomplish this ferret clubs hold shows and present prizes for the ferrets that can demonstrate the depth of commitment of their owners by their physical and mental well being. The judging will be based upon this and the score sheet represents the features that indicate most clearly how well the animal has been cared for.
|
|
Pregnant or ‘in-season’ jills |
|
|
Animals with stitches, (shaved evidence of an earlier operation is acceptable as long as no open or scabbed wound is present) |
|
|
Any animal biting a judge is to be disqualified immediately and the owner is to be advised that the ferret is not confident enough to be shown, this is clearly a sign that the animal is distressed and needs either more socialisation or does not have the disposition to be a show ferret |
|
|
Any 'LIVESTOCK' on the ferret will disqualify the animal and the owner must be notified |
|
|
Evidence of abuse or ill treatment to be noted and the owner advised |
As the purpose of a show is to promote ferret welfare, all interactions with the owners regarding unsatisfactory comments must be done in a tactful and friendly manner. The intent is to educate and assist, not outcast the owner.
Each section is given a score out of ten (10). A 'COMMENT' section has been added so that in the case of a tiebreaker being needed, a note can be read regarding a particular good or bad feature of the particular animal.
Due to inbreeding and over breeding, the finer aspects that denote a 'perfect' ferret is often no longer in keeping with the correct stature of the animal, such things as the whiskers are obvious - whiskers should be long and straight. These are not scored on the score sheet but may be used as a deciding factor in the event of a tiebreaker so make sure to enter a comment about it.
All areas requiring recourse to the owner should be done after final scoring.
The highest points should be appointed for items that meet the following criteria.
Pet ferrets should be
trimmed fairly close to the quick and nicely rounded
They should be
|
|
clean |
|
|
straight |
|
|
have the correct 'Scimitar' shape |
The coat should be
|
|
shiny |
|
|
full and smooth |
|
|
No bald patches |
|
|
matting |
|
|
dirt |
Blowing the coat upward should reveal a clean pink skin and the coat should fall back down fairly quickly. Look around the neck for signs of scabs or scars due to fighting
Kits may be overlooked in this regard due to the nature of their play
These should be
|
|
large |
|
|
bright |
|
|
shiny |
clear of any signs of
|
|
dirt |
|
|
mites |
|
|
fleas |
|
|
infection |
The front teeth should be clean and white with no broken tips and showing a very slight scissors bite. You may need to scruff the ferret to get it to yawn which will allow a brief look at the back teeth which should be clear of any Tartar and plaque build up. Gums should be pink
Please note any variances so that the owner may be notified and allowed to take action in future.
Ears should be clean and have no sign of
|
|
mites |
|
|
mite dust |
|
|
dirt |
|
|
inflammation |
If the inner ear is slightly dirty this may be accepted, as the owners should not be delving into the ear cavity to clean them, this can cause permanent damage to the animal. Note any excessive dirt or wax build up and advise the owners accordingly, suggest liquid ear cleaners where necessary.
By now you should have a good idea of the mental state of the animal. It should have been non-aggressive and fairly relaxed while being held. Any animal showing undue stress is not being handled enough. The calmer and friendlier the ferret, the higher the score.
|
|
The body shape when the animal is standing should be arched, but not excessively |
|
|
The spine should be straight |
|
|
The tail should be straight and when gentle pressure pushes the animal flat onto the table it should arch up again and not slouch |
|
|
The flanks should not drag and the stomach should be well clear of the table |
|
|
The tail should be one third longer than the back leg when both are held straight |
|
|
The head shape should correspond with the body shape and be in proportion. Hobs should have broad heads and jills more pointed. |
Feel free to confer with other judges if there is a point of contention.
Above all, encourage the owners and make them feel part of the ferret community.
Invite them to shows that you know of and point them in the right direction regarding any health or attitude problems.
Fundraising for the Rescue is not the most important factor of the day
|
|
The JUDGES decision is FINAL |
|
|
The organizers have the right to turn away any person considered to be bringing the show into disrepute |
|
|
Persons entering the show with malicious intent and not in the spirit of the show will be asked to leave |
|
|
NO SELLING or RE-HOMING of ferrets without prior permission of the organizer |
|
|
Ferrets exhibiting any sign of illness will be disqualified and the owner will be asked to remove their ferret |
|
|
NO clipping of ferret nails on show day |
|
|
NO cleaning of the ferrets ears on show day |
|
|
DOGS that are likely to distress/worry the ferrets are not permitted in ferret areas |
|
|
All winners should ensure that the steward has their name |
|
|
Kits are classed as this years young (min. 12 weeks old) |
|
|
Kits are not allowed to be entered into adult classes |
|
|
Please don't leave your rubbish when you leave |
|
|
Pregnant or 'in-season' jills will be disqualified |
|
|
Junior handlers up to the age of 14 years |
|
|
Ensure your ferrets are entered in the correct classes - Ask a steward about entering mitts into their correct classes |
|
|
|
website designed & updated by Andy Beattie
Copyright © 2004-2008 North Halifax Ferret Rescue. All rights reserved.