CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
- This show will take place after the Poultry and Rabbit Show.
- Only those animals listed below will be allowed to show in the companion animal show.
- Any class with fewer than five entries will be combined into one “companion animal” class.
- Entries are judged on the overall health and appearance of the animal, and the exhibitor’s presentation and knowledge of the animal; not judged according to breed standards, with the exception of Cat. Mixed breed animals can be entered, and identification is not required.
- Rabbits shown in the pet rabbit class cannot be shown in the Sioux County 4-H Rabbit Show.
Poster class can include entries covering any companion animal (including reptiles, companion birds, or others). Exhibitors should make a poster with information on the proper care of a companion animal they are not showing in another Companion Animal class. Poster should be the size of one full standard poster (should not exceed 22”X28”) board. Exhibitors must be present at time of judging and will be judged on quality of poster, accuracy of information provided, and ability of the exhibitor to explain information and answer judge’s questions.
SHOW PROCEDURES
- Animals must be housed in a cage at all times of the show unless asked to remove them by the judge. If being shown in a travel cage, exhibitors should bring photographs of the animal’s normal habitat.
- Each exhibitor will be asked to give a short “showmanship presentation” on their animal. The characteristics, health, and care of the animal should be provided in this presentation. Following the presentation, exhibitors will be interviewed on knowledge of their animal and its care.
Participant should bring animal, adequate cage, and accessories, and picture of normal display if appropriate.
HOUSING
- Cats must be brought in durable plastic or wire carriers (not cardboard). Cats will remain in carriers or other appropriate cage provided by the exhibitor except when being judged. The exhibitor may provide food, water, and litter for the cat in the carrier if necessary. Exhibitors may want to provide cover for the carrier to prevent their cat from seeing other cats. All cats must be shown on a leash and be on a leash at any time they are removed from the carrier/ cage.
All other animals should be brought in appropriate housing, either their normal cage or a durable plastic or wire travel cage (not cardboard). Cages must be secure. Exhibitors should provide water and food for animals as appropriate. If a cage/enclosure is deemed inappropriate by the show superintendent, the exhibitor will not be allowed to show.
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
- All animals should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, any internal or external parasites, and infectious disease. If any signs of these external parasites or other contagious health conditions are presented, exhibitors will be asked to leave without being allowed into the show area. It is highly recommended that a veterinary check is performed, or preventative measures are taken prior to the show to ensure the animal is free of external parasites. All decisions of show officials are final. If any animal shows the possibility of being contagious, it will be considered a danger to the other animals in the show and will not be allowed in the building.
- Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations or rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. The State 4-H Vaccination form must be completed by a veterinarian and turned into the office by July 1st. This form can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/sioux-county-fair/.
- Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies.
If a cat is not declawed, the claws must be clipped. This will be a point of judging during the competition. No expectant or nursing mother animals may be entered in the show.
AGE OF ANIMALS
- All animals must be weaned prior to the show. Minimum age of animals to be shown:
- Cats: Four months
- Ferrets: Four months
- Chinchillas: Seven weeks
- Guinea Pigs: Four weeks
- Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats: Four weeks
- Hedgehogs: Five weeks
Pet Rabbits: Nine weeks
DRESS CODE
Long jeans/pants are required for cat and small pet exhibitors. While hard-sold shoes are not required for the cat and small pets’ shows, exhibitors are required to wear closed toed shoes with non-slip soles. No hats, caps, or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. 4-Hers will be judged on the neatness of their appearance. This includes but is not limited to: shirt tucked in, appropriate size of clothing, tied shoelaces, etc. Individuals not meeting these requirements will be lowered one ribbon placing in showmanship.
I900001 - Cat Showmanship
I900002 - Cat Conformation
I900003 - Pet Rabbit
I900004 - Ferret
I900005 - Chinchilla
I900006 - Guinea Pig
I900007 - Gerbil
I900008 - Hamster
I900009 - Mouse
I900010 - Rat
I900011 - Hedgehog
I900012 - Best Dressed Pet