Shelby, a charming guinea pig, captured the hearts of judges and spectators alike, earning the title of Ms. Ballarat at this year's Cavy Council of Victoria show. This event, held in Ballarat, featured over 300 guinea pigs competing in various categories, making it a unique twist on traditional beauty pageants. Shelby's owner, Aria Treacy, is part of a growing trend in regional Victoria where guinea pig showing has become increasingly popular.

The Cavy Council of Victoria's competitions focus on pedigree preservation, education, and breed improvement. Participants can enter their pets in more than 20 categories, including Cutest Face, Best Funky Hair, Heaviest, Best Couple, and Best Smooth Coat. The quarterly shows across the state are drawing hundreds of competitors and spectators, showcasing the appeal of these small pets.

Ken Pedderse, president of the Cavy Council of Victoria, noted a significant rise in regional participation. "We have seen a definite increase in cavy owners from regional Victoria not only attending both our country shows but also traveling to our home base venue in Dandenong North," he said. He added that many new members have joined the club in the past two years, with a majority coming from regional areas.

The surge in interest can be attributed to the pet boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to vice-president Michael Carter. "In the last five years, there has been a larger interest — there was an uptick after the COVID pandemic," he explained. He pointed out that guinea pigs are relatively affordable compared to other pets, making them an attractive option for many families.

Carter's own journey into guinea pig showing began when his son, Ben, expressed a desire for a pet. "My son showed an interest in guinea pigs and said he wanted to start showing," he recalled. Now 14, Ben is an enthusiastic guinea pig owner and competitor. He showcased his three-year-old guinea pig, Popcorn, at the event, describing him as "very cute" with "hair on point."

Sharron Wakely, a long-time member of the community, shared her experience of growing her guinea pig collection. "Four years ago, I had five guinea pigs, then after competing in our first show, we got addicted," she said. Now, she owns 120 guinea pigs, housed in a custom shed. Some competitors have even larger collections, with over 300 guinea pigs.

Each guinea pig has its own name and personality, according to Wakely. Her top show pig, Starry Night, competed in several categories. Kelly Wilson, another competitor, entered her two-year-old long-haired guinea pig, Freddie, along with Barry, a rescue guinea pig. "Barry didn’t know how to be a guinea pig, and Freddie taught him how," Wilson said, noting that Barry has won more prizes than Freddie.

For many participants, the guinea pig showing community has become an essential part of their lives. Wilson expressed her joy in finding a supportive group, saying, "Everyone used to think I was crazy, and then I came and met my crazy people — it was fantastic." The camaraderie among competitors highlights the growing popularity of guinea pig showing in regional Victoria.