Conformation Show

A conformation show is essentially a beauty contest for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are divided into 20 groups by sex, age, and color and ribbons are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category. The winners for these categories will compete for Best of Class Junior Male and Female and Best of Class Adult Male and Female. At the end of the show, the Best of Class winners will compete for the titles Best of Show Male and Best of Show Female. Rosette ribbons are awarded.

Before the show

• Bathe your hedgehog - Clean all waste from quills and toes, wipe shaving dust off nose, and make sure ears are clean.
• Clip nails - We recommend you do this a day or so in advance so that any nips have a chance to heal.
• Bag Balm dry ears and rub gently - Get rid of those cauliflower ears! Do this several days before the show because you may need to re-apply.

At the show

Pre-registration is preferred, but we will also have on-site registration. Arrive at the show hall as early as possible within the sign-in time constraints. Our judge will be available to place your hedgehog in the proper age/sex/color class.

Next, check our schedule to see approximately when your class will be showing. All times are approximate, and color classes will be announced when it’s time to go to the table (look to see what class is ahead of you so you know when to get ready).

Report to the show table when your class is called. All owners will line up at the table holding their hedgehogs. When the judge comes to you hand her your hedgehog and she will examine it.

The judge is looking for a healthy well taken care of hedgehog that is friendly and sociable. A short muzzle is preferred with a full quill coat and quills should be relaxed. After the judge examines your hedgehog she will hand it back to you and you will wait at the table until the other participants are examined.

At this point, the judge may dismiss some members from the table or re-examine some hedgehogs. She will then award the ribbons for first, second, and third place.

If you receive a ribbon in your group you will need to report back to the table for Best of Class Junior or Best of Class Adult. The winners of this category will report to the table at the end of the show to compete for Best of Show Male and Best of Show Female.