How can one evaluate the temperament of a cavy for show purposes?

Evaluating the temperament of a cavy for show purposes is most effectively done by spending time handling the animal to assess its response to touch and handling. This approach allows the handler to directly gauge how manageable and calm the cavy is when being held or handled, which is crucial in a show setting where the animal will be frequently handled by judges and observed by the public. A cavy that is tolerant of handling and remains calm can be considered suitable for showing, as it demonstrates good temperament characteristics.

While observing the cavy in its cage can provide some insight into its general behavior, it usually does not reflect how the animal will react when being handled by people. Watching how a cavy interacts with other cavies could give some clues about social behaviors, but it doesn't necessarily inform how it will perform in a show context where it may be more isolated and handled by humans. Similarly, noting behavior during feeding time may indicate hunger preferences or food-related behaviors, but it doesn’t specifically address the animal’s temperament concerning handling and interaction with humans, which is critical for a show environment.