Cavies gather at Russell Vale

Alissa Clegg knows all about guinea pigs, she used to own 100 of them.

Ms Clegg is the organiser of NSW Cavy Club’s upcoming show in Russell Vale, which is expected to attract about 140 of the little critters, also called ‘cavies’, along with hundreds of interested locals.

The guinea pigs will be judged on their health and appearance, much like a dog would be at a dog show.

Ms Clegg said the guinea pig’s little bodies contained some big personalities.

“You’ve got shy ones and you’ve got ones that just love the attention,” she said.

Ms Clegg said she has known serious guinea pig enthusiasts to amass up to 300 of the animals but said the exhibitors at the upcoming show will probably bring about 10 or 15 animals each.

She herself only owns three at the moment.

Ms Clegg also encouraged local guinea pig owners to bring their own pets to show.

“As long their guinea pig is healthy and not pregnant they can bring them along and they are also given tips on how to keep them better,” she said.

So what do guinea pig judges look for?

Ms Clegg said it is bright eyes, nice ears, and a number of more subtle things, often specific to a certain type of cavy.

“There are about 50 different types of guinea pigs and they’re divided into seven categories,” she said.

Winning a ribbon is not just a matter of having a well looked after guinea pig though.

The tiny animals can spend days on end being prepared for a show.

First they have to be washed and blow-dried, their toenails have to be clipped and their coats have to be groomed.

The show is being hosted by The Southern Regional Branch of the NSW Cavy Club and will take place on Sunday, June 29 at Russell Vale Community Hall on Keerong Avenue Russell Vale.

The show starts at 10am with the pet section for local residents judged at noon and there is registration on the day.

A $2 entry fee will be charged for each animal.