Please view the picture of a Silkie below. It is an extremely gorgeous animal.
Please note that this is an article taken from the ACBA Guide Book 1993
The Silkie is one of the eleven recognized breeds of cavy (guinea pig). It is a coated breed with 2/3 of the points allotted to coat characteristics.
No points are allotted specifically for general appearance and presentation; however when viewing the Silkie, credit should be given for a well-presented animal. Good presentation is no substitute for good breeding--it is also important to let your hands as well as ways tell you the strong and weak points of the animal.
COAT: 65 POINTS Texture, Density, Mane, Side and Rear Sweeps; The word "Balance" is used under judging the Peruvian and "Uniform" under the Silkie; both are similar and describe a harmonious appearance. Balance undert the rabbit glossary refers to "Type--shape or conformation, an orderly and pleasing arrangement of physical characteristics...."
The mane sweeps back without parting, blending with the rear sweep; the sides may be slightly shorter than the rear sweep. The animal's coat should feel soft and silky to the touch and be even in density throughout the length of the sweeps (density will feel thicker closer to the body, as the sweeps have a larger radius to cover as they grow out).
CONDITION: A very important 10 points--firm flesh, clean, clipped nails, no impactions, no mats in coat, clear eyes, no skin problems or infestations or bald areas (behind the ears is a naturally bare area in many cavies, so don't penalize).
COLOR: 5 POINTS -- on a marked cavy, may be further divided into well-defined patches, depth and intensity of color, distribution of markings.
UNWORTHY OF AWARD: may consider the following--failing badly in evenness of sweeps from chewing or lack of hair and conditioning.
FAULTS: short hair on shoulders and sides--lacking in type, head, texture, density, mane, sweeps, condition, or color.
ELIMINATIONS: temporary in nature--disease, heavy infestations, impactions, broken or missing tooth/teeth, sows heavy with young, overaged specimen in Jr. or Int. classes, entered in wrong class by sex, variety or breed, lack of permanent ID--GIVE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Permanent in nature--Patches of foreign hair color (6 or more hairs), foreign skin color, white toenail(s) in selfs, solid and agouti varieties except when called for; deformities such as crooked legs, other than our toes on front, three on hind; full toenail missing where color cannot be determined, coat faults, eye faults, faking and altering, etc.
JUDGING AIDS: Alternate hands in feeling for texture; false density may be felt if the coat is harsh--blow through the coat to check for density; density may create "waves" in the coat and the mane may tend to part because it is so dense; grooming shows off the strong points and covers weaknesses--don't be intimidated, use care in handling, careful not to catch feet in coat. Judge length according to class entered--a junior or intermediate will not have the length or development of a senior--unless it is an overaged junior or intermediate! Blazes may create an optical illusion of a narrow head--look for width between the eyes, and arch to the head profile. White color of the hair around the eye on one side may make the eyes appear two different shades--block out the white with your finger and thumb to see the true eye color. The coat may have a slight curl from being wrapped--not to be penalized.
Silkies originated from Peruvians, without the gene that is responsible for rosettes--there should be not hint of rosettes in the Silkie. Other than thatm Silkies and Peruvians are judges alike (Peruvians have a frontal that falls over the face, rather than a mane that grows straight back). Silkies have been satinized and crested (Coronet) and bred with the English Rex (similar to our Teddy) to produce a "Texel" with long curly or wavy coat. The coat of the Silkie should average one inch/month in growth and needs to be kept wrapped to preserve the length and condition.
Many Silkies go through a growth stage of elongated head and disproportion of body and head (called the "ugly stage") when they hit intermediate or late junior. If they looked good as a baby, they should return to a good balance by 6 to 8 months. However, the judge judges according to the Standard of Perfection and these animals would not show well until they develop fully.
Got information or PHOTOS of a Silkie Cavy?? If so, then please send them to me!! I would love to use them on my site, and I'd give you full credit for them.
Below is a picture of a Silkie, sent to me by Christine Fort at chris@fort.freeserve.co.uk. Thanks Christine!
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