How can you differentiate between a pet cavy and a show cavy?

Show cavies are distinguished from pet cavies primarily through their adherence to specific breed standards established by governing bodies in cavy competitions. These standards encompass various aspects, including size, coat type, color, and overall physical structure, which are crucial for competitive evaluation. Show cavies are bred selectively to meet these criteria, resulting in an appearance that aligns with what's considered ideal for their respective breeds.

In contrast, pet cavies are not required to meet these rigorous standards and can vary greatly in appearance, size, and temperament. Therefore, anyone can keep a pet cavy that may not exhibit the breed characteristics necessary for showing. The focus for pets is often more on companionship rather than adherence to specific traits.

While there may be some variations in size between individual cavies, it is not accurate to state that pet cavies are always smaller. Additionally, both types of cavies can possess distinct traits; however, show cavies are bred with an emphasis on those traits that align with show criteria. Handling requirements can vary based on the individual animal's temperament rather than its status as a pet or show animal.