The 2026 AGS Virtual Gerbil Show has wrapped up, bringing together gerbils from breeders and exhibitors across the United States. This year's show featured classes for White Belly, Self, Color Point, Other, Spot/Pied/Mottled, Pups, Seniors, Rex, and a separate Photo Contest.
The judging included detailed comments on conformation, body type, head shape, eyes and ears, tails and tufts, coat quality, color, markings, and overall condition. The judges also offered useful observations for breeders and exhibitors, making the show a valuable look at the different strengths and areas for improvement in the entries.
Heavenly Heart Gerbilry
Heavenly Heart Gerbilry had several entries in the 2026 show, with some especially nice results.
Luna — 2nd Place, Self
Luna, a 17-month-old black female, earned Second Place in the Self class. The judge noted her good mature feminine body type, smooth topline, nice head shape, almond eye, and correctly positioned ears. Her white flecking was also noted as potentially useful for breeding toward Roan.
Orphan — Self Class
Orphan, Luna's six-month-old daughter, was also entered in Self. The judge noted her excellent tail tuft, clean shiny coat, and white flecking, while commenting that she needed more weight and development at her young age.
Corey — 2nd Place, Other
Corey, a six-month-old Schimmel male, earned Second Place in the Other class. The judge particularly liked his color, calling it probably the most correct Schimmel color in the group. His small, delicate frame was the main factor holding him back, with the judge noting that he was still young and might gain additional size and mass.
Lucy — 2nd Place, Senior
Lucy, a 30-month-old Agouti Rex female, earned Second Place in the Senior class. The judge praised her gorgeous Rex coat, curled whiskers, textured "pipe cleaner" tail, nice senior body, face shape, and ear carriage. Her white belly and clean color demarcation were also noted.
Merry the Merry — 3rd Place, Rex
Merry, an 18-month-old Agouti Rex male, earned Third Place in the Rex class. The judge noted his wavy coat, furry paws, and handsome overall appearance, along with his good Rex characteristics.
Gandalf the Rex — Rex Class
Gandalf, an 18-month-old Colorpoint Agouti Rex male, received positive comments for being clean and well prepared, with a very nice straight, bristly tail, good tuft, pleasing eye shape, and excellent curled whiskers. The judge would have liked to see a little more curl in his coat and a slightly broader head.
Heavenly Heart Photo Contest Entries
HHG also had Speedy and Rowdy entered in the 2026 Photo Contest. Speedy's photo showed him emerging from a coconut, while Rowdy was photographed coming out of a cardboard tunnel. The judge described both as lovely gerbil photographs, with Speedy's photo noted as sweet and sleepy-looking and Rowdy's as a lovely profile shot.
Highlights From the 2026 Show
The 2026 show produced some memorable class winners. Among them were Estrella, a striking senior Black Roan female who took First Place in Senior; Cardigan, an Agouti Rex female who won the Rex class; Maple, a mature Pied Nutmeg male who won Spot/Pied/Mottled; and Galaxy, a 13-week-old Mottled Black male who won the Pup class.
The Self class was won by Bear, a Black-Eyed White male, with Madelyn taking Best Opposite Sex. Luna represented Heavenly Heart Gerbilry with her Second Place finish.
The Color Point class featured strong entries in both the Siamese/Burmese and AOC divisions, while the Other class included Corey's Second Place Schimmel finish.
The Photo Contest was judged somewhat differently from the conformation classes, with emphasis on focus, composition, lighting, and creativity. Wilder and the Orchid took First Place, Baby Bowl took Second, and Luke took Third.
2026 HHG Results
Heavenly Heart Gerbilry — Diane Nott, Elyria, Ohio
- Luna — 2nd Place, Self
- Orphan — Self
- Corey — 2nd Place, Other / Schimmel
- Lucy — 2nd Place, Senior
- Merry the Merry — 3rd Place, Rex
- Gandalf the Rex — Rex
- Speedy — Photo Contest
- Rowdy — Photo Contest
Congratulations to all of the exhibitors and their gerbils, and a special thank-you to the judges for providing detailed comments throughout the 2026 show. The critiques provide plenty to celebrate, learn from, and work toward in future shows.
See the show pages for pictures and comments.
