Q: Ok, I really don't have a specific question I can quote because I have been undulated with so many requests to discuss this issue, just pretend someone specifically asked me to state an opinion of ferret shows. A: Since when did *I* have an opinion? I will really try to be as open minded and nonbiased as I can on this issue, not just because there is more or less of a debate on it, but because the question deserves such an answer. Unlike most of my posts, my answers here are not necessarily backed up with empirical data, which places them in the realm of opinion. Because many of my statements will be opinions, some aspects of this post will be philosophical in nature (which is why I explain the bad aspects but not the good ones). I'll start negative and end positive. Bad Stuff: 1. "Championship" shows breed genetic faults and disease. There can be NO denying this; just go to a vet library and do a search for genetic disease. Poor hearts, livers, kidneys, joints, hips, teeth, etc., etc., etc., ad infinitum. The problem is twofold really. First, when a standard is set, by human nature it becomes narrowly defined in order to find a range of differences between champion animals. This narrowing of criteria tends to stimulate breeders to breed towards the standard; after all, they want their share of massive stud fees and kit prices as well. The trouble is, once a defect is bred into a line, it is almost impossible to bred out and still maintain the "breed." Who suffers? Not the champions. Unfortunately, their path is "littered" with rejects who suffer simply because SOMEONE thought a nose should be wider, or a tail shorter. Possible solution? Require detailed and confirmed breeding records and disqualify bloodlines exhibiting higher than normal defects UNLESS they are neutered. 2. "Championship" shows mostly benefit those established breeders who maintain the bloodlines best defined by the championship criteria. There is nothing worse than to define a "breed" which are best defined by your own bloodlines; you have set yourself up for a) massive stud and kit fees, and b) holding a monopoly on the breed characteristics so "a" remains true for a long time. It is easy to see if this happening in your shows: look when portion of the club defines championship criteria, and who wins most often. If the two groups are the same, then you have a serious problem. Possible solutions? Don't allow breeders to define criteria and don't allow judges to enter ferrets. 3. "Championship" shows are an epidemiologist's nightmare. If you want a place to spread disease, this is the place to do it. All you need is one really nasty strain of disease and all hell will break loose. Is it possible? Remember ECE? Dog and cat shows have LONG been a serious source of infection and dissemination of new or nastier strains of diseases. And can you imagine if a mutant version of canine distemper showed up at a large ferret show? One which was resistant to the vaccination? ADV will be the next nightmare, but I doubt if it will be the worst. Possible solution? Strict rules of contact and animal interaction, up-to-date veterinary health certificates, vaccinations, spot health checks, gloved judges. 4. "Championship" shows are great for increasing an owner's ego, but not so good at information dissemination. There are three basic types of ferret get together: a) championship shows, b) fun events, and c) educational events. Most ferret clubs or organizations have too few people to perform all three types, so either all suffer, or one or more areas suffer. There just aren't enough people, money, time or ferrets to do things right, and as a result, something has to give. Unfortunately, it may be the volunteers. Possible solution? Put off championship shows until AFTER your volunteer base can handle the work, stress and costs associated with the event and concentrate on fun and information to build your support base. Good Stuff: 1. "Championship" shows are great in terms of catching the public's eye and promoting interest. 2. "Championship" shows allow non-breeders to see the results and, through discussion, they can learn better breeding techniques, improving all bloodlines. 3. "Championship" shows can build a lot of self worth among ferret owners IF political back stabbing is not allowed to pollute the pool. 4. "Championship" shows are fun; it is sort of nice to know you have the cutest ferret around, and peer recognition is a positive incentive to do things right. There are probably hundreds more than this list; feel free to comment or add to them. As for me, I am against "Championship" shows simply because I can see so many genetic problems in cats and dogs, and I hate to think it will happen to ferrets. And it will. Bob C and 15 Mo' Church Champions [Posted in FML issue 3218]