AGS Virtual Show 2007
AGS General Standards and Show Placement

Thank you for all of the outstanding entries in this year's Virtual Show! Judging is now complete. You can view the results using the links below.

There are seven categories:

1. Self (Nutmeg, Silver Nutmeg, Black, Lilac, Dove, Slate, Red Fox, REW, PEW, BEW)
2. White belly (Golden Agouti, Gray Agouti, DEH, Argente, Polar Fox, Ivory Cream, Yellow Fox)
3. Color Point (DTW, Siamese, Burmese, CP Slate, CP Nutmeg)
4. Other (Honey Cream, Schimmel, Champagne, Silver Point)
5. White Spot
6. Pied
7. Mottled
8. Pup (6 to 12 weeks)

1. The first is a good profile/side view showing your gerbils from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. (Approximate size 400px by 225px)
2. The second is a close-up of the face either straight on or ¾ view. (Approximate size 200px by 200px)

• Keep the background neutral, with nothing blocking the view of the gerbil, and no other gerbils in the picture.
• Use a background color that compliments the gerbils color. (Don't use white with a white gerbils, or black with a black gerbil.)
• Make sure that tail is straight in the picture. (Straight tails played a big role in last years show.)
• Give your gerbil a sand bath before the photo shut. (Dirty or separated hair will cost you points.)
• Make the picture as large as possible. (This gives the judges a better look. If you're not sure of the size, send a large uncropped picture and we will size and crop it for you.)
• Try not to use a flash, as it alters the true color of the gerbil. Use a gooseneck lamp for lighting

Basic Standard:
The Basic Standard, by which all show gerbils are judged, is based upon the allocation of points for various features.

Points:
Body: 25 pts.;   Fur/color: 25 pts.;   Tail & Tuft: 15 pts.;  
Eyes: 5 pts.;   Ears: 5pts.
Note: Temperament is worth 25 points in sanctioned AGS shows but is not judged in the Virtual Show.

General Appearance & Temperament
Body: Symmetry and general appearance of the body are decidedly solid and firm. Females should be streamline and athletic in appearance. Males may have a larger, heftier body-type, but should not appear fat. There should be no signs of wounds or scars on the body. The gerbil should be in top health. The head is short and broad, and well set into the body. Teeth should not be overgrown or broken. Whiskers are long and full.

Fur: The coat is full, fine, soft, short, and has a smooth, healthy sheen without any greasy appearance. (Shows: adult gerbils shall not be molting.)

Tail & Tuft: The tail shall be held straight back for balance when the gerbil is in motion - free from kinks and ending with a brush like tuft. In an adult the tail shall be the same length as the body.

Eyes: The eyes shall be bright, widely set, and large but not bulging. They should have an almond shape and be symmetrical.

Ears: The ears shall be fairly small, not too rounded and carried erect.

Temperament: Gerbils shall be tame and friendly towards people, and show gentleness toward cage mates. They should exhibit a temperament that is curious, active, confident, even-tempered, exhibiting stability, playfulness, with an outgoing, loving disposition. Biting, nipping, and aggressive behavior shall be discouraged when breeding.

Show Penalties and Disqualifications

• Penalty points are to be deducted as follows:
• Disease or intractability - DISQUALIFICATION
• Sores, scabs, or wounds - DISQUALIFICATION
• Hard nipping: DISQUALIFICATION (Not Applicable)
• Missing fur - 10 points max
• Excess fat - 10 points max
• Molting - 10 points max
• Dirty or stained fur - 10 points max
• Dirty Show pen - 5 points max (Not Applicable)

New Rules for 2007:
AGS members are limited to six entries.
Non-members are limited to two entries.

If you have any questions please contact: Kylee Dickey or Donna Anastasi.