Judging gerbils at Animavia, Seclin (France) - Oct. 7th, 2000
Noreen Blanluet (France)
The French gerbil association (Association des Gerbilles Francophones)
held its first show during the 'Salon Animavia' in Seclin (north of
France). I judged gerbils for the first time (first time in France and
first time for me, too), with Wilfried Dubost as show secretary.
The number of entries was a little disappointing - actually only Eddy
Van Hoorebeke (from Belgium) brought his gerbils, plus 2 others
belonging to Alex Coppieters, the President of the Belgian association
('Rodent'). So in despair, I also judged all the gerbils available that
day - and that included the show secretary's, but only added about 10
gerbils to the 'official' count ! But thanks to the vast numbers Eddy
brought (more than 50!), I was able to get some good practice; also I
got to see Schimmels I had never seen before, and Polar Foxes, Nutmegs
and Creams I had seen only once, in England.
Our timing and organisation could have been better, as I started judging
much later than planned and selected the adult, young, and general
champions, but had to leave out selecting the male and female champions
through lack of time. However, adjustments will be made for the next
show, and it shouldn't happen again.
Eddy got the BIS cup (offered by Rodent) for a lovely young lilac
female, with which I was very impressed. She was in excellent condition,
with very silky and light fur; her shape was good as well, with a
beautiful head and a well-defined tuft at the end of her tail (which is
what I found lacking most often in the gerbils I have seen up to now).
And finally her colour was very regular, and she was as tame as
anything.
Wilfried got the 2nd BIS cup (also offered by Rodent) for an adult
mottled agouti male with nice white markings : a sharply defined collar
and blaze, and a light powdering of white on its rump. There were only 3
spotted gerbils altogether at the show, and we found out that spotted
gerbils are extremely rare in the north of France. I re-homed one of my
gerbils (a pied dove male) with a local breeder, so hopefully that
should change in the years to come !
Finally, Alex Coppieters got 3rd BIS prize for a young Burmese female
with a nicely shaped body and good colour with very dark points.
Although no French people turned up for the show, we were contacted by a
few local breeders who showed a keen interest, and who would like me to
judge other shows. There is one taking place in Nevers (central France)
on Oct. 21st, where I will be judging again; and there should be a
number in the north of France. (Already 2 gerbil shows are planned for
Oct. 28th-29th in Carvin, and Nov. 4th-5th in Arras, though there will
be no judging there.) So although this doesn't compare with the very
successful first show held by Rodent earlier this year, it is
encouraging and there is hope for other, better shows !
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