What characterizes a carrying-cage show?

In a carrying-cage show, the key characteristic is that cavies remain in their carrying cages during the competition. This method allows for less stress on the animals, as they do not need to be handled as much compared to shows where they are taken out of their cages for judgement. This setup emphasizes the cavies' natural state and minimizes the risk of injury or undue anxiety caused by frequent handling.

The other choices focus on different aspects of cavy shows but do not accurately define a carrying-cage show. Showing cavies without cages would dramatically differ from the essence of this format, and a show focused exclusively on grooming standards would miss the structural aspect inherent to the carrying cage setup. Additionally, competing based on size alone ignores the wide range of qualities and breeds that are often evaluated in cavy shows, which include aspects such as coat quality, temperament, and overall health.