SARFC Standards of Excellence

All rats entered into show classes will be judged against these set standards. Marks will be given for each rat depending on how closely he/she conforms to the standard. All rats will be judged on conformation as well as colour and markings. A final mark (given as a percentage) will be given for each rat and the rats with the highest marks will compete for prices within their respective classes. Winners of these classes will compete for Best in Show.

Conformation

The type, condition and temperament of the rat.

Areas to be judged include:

Size – Rats should be of good size and not be too fat or too skinny.

General condition – All rats should be clean and free of any stains. Skin and coat should be in good condition. Skin must not be too dry or too oily and be free of any wounds or scabs. Rats with open wounds will be disqualified. Rats should be in good health, curious and be alert. Sick rats will be disqualified.

Coat – The coat should not be too thin, have bald patches or be moulding. If coat is dyed with the intent to deceive the judge, such a rat will be disqualified.

Eyes – Eyes should be prominent (but not protruding), round and clear. Rats with a malformed eye(s) or a blind eye(s) will be disqualified.

Ears – Ears should be large, well formed and widely spaced, be free of any stains and must not have missing chunks or be torn.

Head - The head of a male rat must be powerful and masculine while the head of a female must be feminine but not be too short or long and pointy. Head size must fit form and size of the body.

Whiskers – Whiskers must be intact and not missing or broken. Harleys may have shorter and bent whiskers.

Tail – Tail must be of good size and be free of any stains. Tail must have a cylindrical form and be thick at the base and gradually taper towards the tip of the tail. Tail must not be too bony or have kinks. Rats with broken tails will be disqualified. See tailless standard for specifications on tailless rats.

Feet and nails – All the toes must be intact and not be malformed or broken. Nails must be clipped short, but not all the way into the part containing blood vessels. Rats with deformed or bumble feet will be disqualified.

Body shape – The body shall be streamlined with a well defined arch to back/loin. Body must not be too long or short or be too feminine for a buck or masculine for a doe. Rats with deformed bodies or with any broken or missing limbs will be disqualified.

Temperament – The rat has to be tame and used to handling. If the rat bites or do not allow any handling by the judge, he/she will be disqualified.