All About Showing Rats

What are Standards?

The very first thing you need to know about showing rats are the standards. You might be asking, what exactly are standards? In a nut shell, they are a list of markings, colors, and physical traits that have proven to be reproducible by breeders. Each rat club votes and approves their own standards.

You will sometimes see that multiple clubs have the same marking or color, but they might have slightly different names or requirements. For example, RatsPacNW has a standard called Marble. However, the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA) calls the same gene Spotted Tabby. They also do not recognize Spotted Tabby as an official standard, so you cannot enter one into their show and win any ribbons. Standards are also organized differently between some clubs. In RatsPacNW, we have an agouti section for rats that have a ticked hair shaft. Meanwhile, AFRMA has called this section Any Other Color (AOC).

So your very first step in showing rats is to look up the standards of the club you want to show at, and compare your rat to the descriptions and requirements put in place by that club's set standards. If you decide to enter your rat into RatsPacNW show, you will want to check out our standards. You can find them here.

Entering Your Rats Into A Show

Not sure which show to register your rat in? RatsPacNW has two standards shows:

Once you know which show your rat belongs in, you will want to view our list of varieties. These apply to all rats in both shows:

VARIETIES
This includes coat types, ear types, and body varieties such as dwarf and tailless.
These can be for both marked and solid/shaded rats, so you will want to go through these varieties and see which best match your rat. You will be asked to include this when you register your rat in either show.

PET SHOW
In addition to the standards show, we also have a Pet Show. This is more of a "for fun" show and includes categories such as Squishiest, Most Laid Back, Best Matched Pair, and even a costume contest. Judging is based on audience participation, and Best Pet ribbons are awarded to the winners. Colors, markings, and coats don't matter in this show unless it's specified in the category name.

Last but not least, we have a copy of our Judge Book that you can download and review. If you ever feel curious about becoming a judge, let us know! We will train anyone interested!

Get to Know Our Show Policies

Health and Safety

Our biggest and most important priority for everyone's rats that attend our show is their health! We take this VERY seriously and expect you to do so as well.

First of all, QUARANTINE YOUR RATS! This is NOT optional. Illness can spread quickly, so please follow our quarantine guidelines! Don't be the person that brings an illness that makes everyone's rats sick! We have a page devoted to explaining quarantine and the importance of sticking to one.

READ IT HERE.

	All rats must pass health check. Rat will not be admitted if health checkers believe they may be sick or contagious - conditions including, but not limited to, skin rashes, lesions, wounds, infections of skin, eyes, respiratory system, urinary tract, and infestations by mites, lice, or any other parasite disqualify the rat from entry to the building. Please check all animals before bringing them. Do not bring sick, contagious, or exposed animals, as there will be no safe place for them to stay during the show.
	The volunteers designated for the duration of a show as "Health Checkers" are responsible for performing a quick but thorough exam of all rats entering the building. Health Checkers may ask for assistance or a second opinion from a member of the Board of Directors. The Health Checkers, the Show Director, and/or the Board of Directors have final determination on whether a rat is healthy enough to enter the show venue.
	Fanciers (pet owners) and approved breeders may have kittens at the show to exhibit in the standards or pet classes. All rats for exhibit must be at least 8 weeks old and registered.
	The Health Checker shall retain the right to declare any rat too small for adoption and deny them entry to the show.
	Nursing dams and pregnant rats are not permitted at the show.
	Rats that fail health check for any reason whatsoever, and all rats housed with them, may not be kept at the venue. Take them home for treatment. No animals may be left in your vehicle.
	Adoptions and sales must take place within the venue. Selling or transferring animals or merchandise outside the venue is not allowed.
	We value the health of animals and their human carers above all else. The decision of the health check volunteers and the second opinion of a board member are final. Non-compliant individuals will be asked to leave the venue.

You Passed Health Check. Now What?

The following are RatsPacNW show polices concerning judging:

	Exhibitors (you) may not interfere with judges or make themselves known to the judge. Origin of animals being judged will not be considered.
	Exhibitors (you) and their representatives may not remain at the judges table.
	Judges will not judge a class in which rat bred by or shown by them is exhibited.
	Exhibitors (you)will provide their own appropriately-sized show boxes and bedding.
	Judges have sole discretion on choosing the most appropriate rat for each Best of Variety based on what they feel is the best of the variety being represented, regardless of overall end scores.

In addition, these are RatsPacNW policies concerning the treatment of rats at the show:

	While not in show boxes, rats should be contained in a cage or ventilated tub that is clean and free from excess wet bedding and feces. At no time shall the rats be forced to stand/lay in wet or soiled bedding due to a lack of access to a clean area. Soiled and wet bedding should be removed and replaced as quickly as the owner is reasonably able to complete the task. The Show Director or member of the Board of Directors may ask a participant to change out soiled bedding, for cleanliness in the venue. Failure to maintain reasonably clean cages will result in the participant being asked to leave the show venue.
	Rats shall always have access to a water bottle when not in a show box. We do not allow dishes of water in cages due to the mess they create.
	Rats shall always have access to food when not in a show box.
	It is recommended that rats have access to a hide in their cage where they may have quiet, security, and privacy. This includes a box, a hammock, an igloo, etc. Hides and hammocks must be clean and sanitary.
	Rats shall not be held in a show box for an excess of 45 minutes.
	Every reasonable attempt should be made to keep the rat's ownership anonymous in accordance with the club rules.
	It is suggested that the Show Secretary or Show Director (if not participating as a judge) will remove the rat from the table, with the judge's' permission, and return them to the table if the rat needs a break.
	Humane handling is expected of all show attendees and participants at all times. Pulling the skin or tail is not humane.

Additional Resources