Cavy Info

Abyssinian- Abyssinians are are easily recognized by their rosettes.  Abys as they are often called, have four saddle rosettes, two hip rosettes, two rump rosettes, and two shoulder rosettes.  The shoulder rosettes are not required for an Aby to be shown.  Other rosettes may be present as long as they do not disrupt the normal pattern of the other rosettes and the ridges.  Each rosette is seperated from the others by a ridge of hair.  The ridges on an Abyssinian should include the collar (running across the shoulders), the back ridge (running down the center of the spine), and the rump ridge (running across the hips).  Abyssinians are recognized in all varieties, except Tan.

Abyssinian Satin- Abyssinian Satins should have the same pattern of rosettes and ridges as Abyssinians.  Unlike the Abyssinians, they should have a glowing sheen, which accents the pattern of the ridges and rosettes.  Abyssinian Satins are recognized in all varieties except Tan.

American- Americans are to have short silky coats, which lie flat on the cavy's body.  The body shape (type) and color are important on Americans.  They should have a medium length body with broad shoulders, a Roman nose, and a high, full crown.  Americans are accepted in all color varieties. 

American Satin- American Satins are to have short, even coats, which are silky soft.  They are to have a glowing sheen.  The coat, type, and color are all very important on an American Satin.  Like the Americans, American Satins are to have medium body length with broad shoulders, a Roman nose, and a high, full crown.  American Satins are accepted in all color varieties, except Tan.

Teddy- Teddy cavies are to have short, dense coats, which stand straight out from their bodies.  Each hair shaft should be "kinky".  The coat should show resilliency when touched with the palm of the hand.  The ideal coat length for a Teddy is 3/4 of an inch.  Although the coat is most important on a Teddy, their type should also be given a considerable amount of attention.  Teddies are to have medium body length with broad shoulders, a Roman nose, and a high, full crown.  The Teddy is accepted in all varieties besides Tan.

Teddy Satin- Teddy Satins' coats (my favorite breed!!!) are judged on the same criteria as Teddies, except that their coat should impart a glowing sheen.  The type standard for Teddy Satins is much more descriptive than most of the other breeds.  They are to have medium body length with broad shoulders, a Roman nose, and a high, full crown.  Their ears are to be shapely and slightly drooping, but not fallen.  Ear color is to match the variety description.  Eyes ar to be large, full, and bright, with the color matching the variety description.  Teddy Satins are accepted in all varieties except Tan.

White Crested- The White Crested cavy has a coat similar to the American cavy.  The difference is that White Crested cavies have a rosette or crest on their forehead.  The crest is to radiate in an even circle and be a bright, clean white.  It is to be centered in the middle of the nose, between the back of the eyes and the front of the ears.  In addition to the crest, the type and color are also important on a white crested.  White Cresteds are to have medium body length with broad shoulders, a Roman nose and a high full crown.  They are recognized in all varieties besides White, Roan, Dalmatian, Dutch, Tortoise Shell & White, and Tan.

breed pictures (aside from Teddy) are from the ACBA website

Coronet- Coronet cavies have long hair and one rosette on their forehead.  Their sweeps should be as even as possible.  There are no points alloted for length in a coronet cavy.  The coat should be as dense as possible.  Coronet cavies are accepted in all varieties except Tan.

Peruvian- Peruvian cavies have four sweeps (one front, one rear, and one on each side) that should be as long and even as possible.  The pattern of the hair is formed by rosettes.  On a good peruvian you will not be able to tell the front of the cavy from the back aside from the movement of the head.  Peruvian cavies are accepted in all varieties except Tan.

Peruvian Satin- Peruvian Satin cavies have the same sweep and rosette patterns as Peruvians.  The difference between a Peruvian and a Peruvian Satin cavy is that she Peruvian Satin has a glowing sheen over the entire coat.  Peruvian Satins, like Peruvians are accepted in all varieties except Tan.

Silkie- Silkie cavies have long hair that grows into two side sweeps, one back sweep, and a mane which grows in a tear drop shape over the shoulders.  Silkie cavies should have a coat that is as long and dense as possible.  They are accepted in all varieties except Tan.

Silkie Satin- Silkie Satin Cavies are identical to Silkie cavies aside from the glowing sheen that is apparent over the whole coat.  Silkie Satins are also accepted in all varieties except Tan.

Texel- Texel cavies have long curly hair that grows over the back and sides.  Their faces have short kinky hair, like that found on Teddy cavies.  Texel cavies are judged mostly on the density of the coat as well as the tightness and volume of their curls.  Texel cavies are accepted in all varieties except Tan.