What might indicate a cavy is not suitable for showing?

The indication that a cavy is not suitable for showing can often be attributed to poor grooming. Grooming is essential not only for the cavy’s appearance but also for its overall health. When a cavy is poorly groomed, it can accumulate dirt, oil, and loose fur, which detracts from its presentation and may signal underlying health issues. Cavy judges look for well-groomed animals as a sign of proper care and experience from the owner. A show-ready cavy should have a clean coat, free of mats, tangles, or excessive debris, which enhances its natural beauty and allows its features to be properly evaluated.

While brighter eye color, being too young, and excessive shedding may be concerns, they do not directly reflect the standard grooming practices essential for show readiness. Bright eye color does not necessarily correlate with show quality, and a young cavy can still be show-worthy depending on its breed characteristics. Excessive shedding may indicate health or stress issues but doesn’t effectively relate to the overall grooming quality. Poor grooming, however, directly impacts first impressions and is a fundamental aspect of presentation at shows.