How do you tell a good (syrian) show hamster?

[Mollz]

Sue: I might have to borrow you and get you to show me what it is that you look for at Thame then! Thank you for the advice you have given (and everyone else aswell!)

[Moosley]

Mollz, can you wait for me then?? I want to see and hear this too!

Colour and cobby head is something i've now got sorted, its size thats the problem! People have heart attcks when they see the size of some of our hamsters and call them guinea pigs! But they are still half the size of some of most of the show hamsters! Ours get huge to a point then just run to fat, its not fair! We can't make them grow without making them too fat haha!

So?? whats the secret Sue? Our Yellow Black (Costello) was a beast once he grew up!

[Matty Day]

this is somthing i want to listen to. to

[Basia]

Well I thought I was beginning to understand what was required in the standards and colours until I started taking my hamsters to shows. I think it is the only way you can learn really, talking to the successful breeders and looking at the winning hamsters and eavesdropping on the judge. I know I have an awful lot to learn and a long way to go with my own hamsters but I'm having fun along the way.

[Gust0o]

I just got two Reserve placings at Topcliffe, so - by pure chance - I guess I'm looking for some of the right things in selecting my hammies!

I would agree, having just got back from my first show, that experience is key - you need to go; you need to see; and you need to listen; oh, and don't forget to ask!

I've had some great tips given to me today, on turning a good-looking hamster into a show-winner - many thanks all!

[Holly]

Like Basia, I also get confused.

Yesterday Minnie (our SH Sable Satin from Gill) who has never won anything before came first in her class! With 76 points she beat ALL of our others who usually beat her!!!

So there's also the fact that a hamster who does well under one judge won't recessarily do well under another - and vice-versa!!!!!!!!!!

[souffle]

That hamster can also do very well one month under one judge and under the same judge next month do nothing
Hamsters can change so much in a short time, they cast coats and grow new ones, they grow or they age and lose condition. One judge may favour a colour or their interpretation of that colour may be different from anothers so really it is all swings and roundabouts.