I think that awarding prizes does encourage both breeding and buying UNLESS the groups providing the shows have a qualification such as an announcement somewhere pointing out that there are health concerns about specific patterns such as ones that can be created by neural crest genetic variations. People look too often at the fact that there is a ribbon, and no further. It would make sense for there to be a way for the ribbons to be easily distinguished by anyone (including potential kit buyers) from the ribbons of animals who have a better chance of being healthy. Perhaps you already do that. If so, then Kudos. I agree that all ferrets are wonderful. We have and have had ferrets who would fit your tuxedo class. The problems occur later, outside the show if the ribbons are misused. Making sure that ribbons and certificates for markings that are questionable in terms of health look DIFFERENT from standard awards protects ferrets, your show, and purchasers of kits from being abused. I agree that shows should honor all ferrets; but the shows can also protect ferrets, themselves, and those who love ferrets by making sure that while being so very loving and considerate they take such simple but obvious precautions against later misuses. In the dog, cat, horse, and some other domestic animal worlds breeding for appearance has caused a huge number of breed specific problems and reduced lifespans for some breeds. The ferret world began going in that direction and too many have already suffered as a result. Complete health and longevity records for lines are essential, and stopping the slide into abuses of the ferrets' own welfare for no better reason than superficial qualities like appearances is not only the smart way for all shows to go, but it is ultimately the best way to be fair to all ferrets and those who love them. If you do not make the ribbons and certificates for ferrets with questionable genetics very different, please do so. [Posted in FML issue 5125]