What is typically considered a fault in a Dutch cavy presentation?

In the context of Dutch cavy presentations, split stops are considered a fault because they disrupt the ideal visual appearance of the color pattern that is characteristic of the breed. The Dutch cavy standard specifies that there should be a clear and distinct color division between the white and color areas on the coat, and a split stop indicates a lack of clarity in this division. This could be seen as a sign of poor breeding or inconsistency in color patterns, which can detract from the overall presentation expected at a show.

In contrast, while poor posture, inconsistent color, and unusual ear shape may also be seen as less desirable traits, they do not specifically undermine the breed standard as directly as split stops do. Poor posture can impact the overall presentation but is often more about the individual animal's behavior during handling. Inconsistent color might apply to other breeds or categories but does not directly relate to the presentation of a Dutch cavy in the same way. Unusual ear shape can impact an overall assessment, but it is less directly connected to the color patterns that define Dutch cavies. Thus, split stops are a notable fault directly linked to the breed's critical visual characteristics.