CHINCHILLA - Guide Standard
Update January 2018
Head, Eyes & Ears
Head to be short and broad, with a gently curving profile. Muzzle to be of good width and gently rounded at the nostrils. Eyes to be large, bright and bold and set with good width between. Ears to be large and drooping, with lower rim parallel to the ground & set with good width between.
Body Shape
To have short, cobby body with deep, broad shoulders. To be fit and of good substance, with plenty of firm flesh. To have good size appropriate to age.
Body Colour
The Body colour is created by individual hairs consisting of: (1) a base colour that is wider and paler nearest to the skin, followed by (2) a band of darker base colour; (3) a white or cream band narrower than the two bands of base colour; (4) a very small tip of dark base colour. The desired hair characteristics should give Body Colour consisting of a muted pastel shade and an even, long-ticked appearance. Belly should be white or cream with no base colour showing through. Base colour should be paler than on the corresponding Agouti without losing clarity of markings and the desired pigmentation of eyes, ears and pads.
Markings
To have pronounced and clearly defined white or cream markings as eye circles; around the nostril area; on the jowls, chest, belly and an area around the forelimbs extending from the belly. Belly should be wide enough that it is just visible when viewed from the side. Feet to be ticked and should match the body colour.
Coat
To be soft and silky, clean and short, groomed free of guard hairs.
Description of Colours
Silver : White/Grey
Medium grey base with a darker band, then a white band with darker (grey) tipping. White markings. Eyes dark with a hint of ruby. Ears and Pads grey.
Lemon : Cream/Grey
Medium grey base with a darker band, then a cream band with darker (grey) tipping. Cream markings. Eyes dark with a hint of ruby. Ears and Pads grey.
Cinnamon : White/Chocolate
Light chocolate base with a darker band, then a white band with darker (chocolate) tipping. White markings. Eyes ruby. Ears and Pads pink / light chocolate.
Cream : Cream/Chocolate Light chocolate base with a darker band, then a cream band with darker (chocolate) tipping. Cream markings. Eyes ruby. Ears and Pads pink / light chocolate.
GUIDANCE NOTES: U/5 exhibits may be paler in colour than adult exhibits, but must still retain the markings described. This should not be unduly penalized since it may well clear as the cavy matures. Size is very desirable, but not at the expense of quality or cobbyness. Grooming is essential to produce the effect of even long-ticking on the body and sides of the cavy.
SPECIFIC FAULTS: Too dark a shade of body colour. Patches of solid white or cream hairs, except where specified. Uneven ticking. Inappropriate toenail pigmentation.
Update January 2018
Head, Eyes & Ears
Head to be short and broad, with a gently curving profile. Muzzle to be of good width and gently rounded at the nostrils. Eyes to be large, bright and bold and set with good width between. Ears to be large and drooping, with lower rim parallel to the ground & set with good width between.
Body Shape
To have short, cobby body with deep, broad shoulders. To be fit and of good substance, with plenty of firm flesh. To have good size appropriate to age.
Body Colour
The Body colour is created by individual hairs consisting of: (1) a base colour that is wider and paler nearest to the skin, followed by (2) a band of darker base colour; (3) a white or cream band narrower than the two bands of base colour; (4) a very small tip of dark base colour. The desired hair characteristics should give Body Colour consisting of a muted pastel shade and an even, long-ticked appearance. Belly should be white or cream with no base colour showing through. Base colour should be paler than on the corresponding Agouti without losing clarity of markings and the desired pigmentation of eyes, ears and pads.
Markings
To have pronounced and clearly defined white or cream markings as eye circles; around the nostril area; on the jowls, chest, belly and an area around the forelimbs extending from the belly. Belly should be wide enough that it is just visible when viewed from the side. Feet to be ticked and should match the body colour.
Coat
To be soft and silky, clean and short, groomed free of guard hairs.
Description of Colours
Silver : White/Grey
Medium grey base with a darker band, then a white band with darker (grey) tipping. White markings. Eyes dark with a hint of ruby. Ears and Pads grey.
Lemon : Cream/Grey
Medium grey base with a darker band, then a cream band with darker (grey) tipping. Cream markings. Eyes dark with a hint of ruby. Ears and Pads grey.
Cinnamon : White/Chocolate
Light chocolate base with a darker band, then a white band with darker (chocolate) tipping. White markings. Eyes ruby. Ears and Pads pink / light chocolate.
Cream : Cream/Chocolate Light chocolate base with a darker band, then a cream band with darker (chocolate) tipping. Cream markings. Eyes ruby. Ears and Pads pink / light chocolate.
GUIDANCE NOTES: U/5 exhibits may be paler in colour than adult exhibits, but must still retain the markings described. This should not be unduly penalized since it may well clear as the cavy matures. Size is very desirable, but not at the expense of quality or cobbyness. Grooming is essential to produce the effect of even long-ticking on the body and sides of the cavy.
SPECIFIC FAULTS: Too dark a shade of body colour. Patches of solid white or cream hairs, except where specified. Uneven ticking. Inappropriate toenail pigmentation.