A note for those of you not familiar with breeding or showing Guinea Pigs, or any other animal: a Breed Standard, or
Standard Of Perfection, is the written description of the ideal specimen of that breed/type/variety as written by the official
governing body, registry or club for that breed or species. When shown, an animal is judged against it's Breed Standard, not
against the other animals, and the animal who best represents the description in the standard will be awarded. It is the same
principal & judging technique in all animal shows, from Dog & Cat shows, to Livestock and even Fish & Bird shows.
Excerpt from
The Skinny Pig Breed Standard - Standard Of Perfection
(courtesy: Ontario Cavy Club)
Colour:
Colour of the animal is to be determined from the hair and skin. Always give benefit of the doubt as to colour.
Conformation:
The Skinny Pig should demonstrate firm, clean flesh. The head should be broad and never snipey. Eyes are to be bold and
bright. Ears rise slightly from their base and then droop as in other breeds. The animals should demonstrate strong shoulders
and should be balanced in type.
Coat:
The coat is kinky and wirey in texture. It should be confined to the face and feet. The coat pattern should not extend
past the ears, above the elbows on the front legs or above the hocks on the back legs.
Disqualifications:
-Skin colour not corresponding to the variety
-Excessive hair on body to spoil hailess effect
Serious Faults:
-Scars or scratches
-Hair extending onto body (many skinny pigs have some hair in small amounts, expecially around shoulder area - the animal
with the least body hair to be given preference)
-Scaliness
Please note: this is only excerpts from the official OCC Standard of Perfection. For the complete Standard of Perfection
for this breed, and any other recognized breed, please contact the Ontario Cavy Club.
