Cavy Glossary

Cavy Glossary

This glossary i a definition of word or terms as applied to cavies and is not necessarily the dictionary definition. All of the following are applicable to cavies.

Agouti - A group of varieties which have a distinct Ticking Color Pattern over the entire animal, except the belly. The belly hair matches the tip color and should be clean colored and devoid of ticking.

Angel Wings - Ridge of hair standing out sideways along the back or side of a cavy. A Disqualification from competition in the American, American satin, Coronet, Silkie, Silkie Satin, Teddy, Teddy Satin, Texel, or White Crested breed.

Back Ridge - The erect ridge of hair running down the back of an Abyssinian or Abyssinian Satin, from shoulder to rump, including the mane.

Balance - 

1. Type: Shape of Conformation. An orderly and pleasing arrangement of physical characteristics so as to present a harmonious appearance.

2. Marking: Equal distribution of corresponding markings, such of color divisions in the TS/W variety and also the distribution of patches in B/C and other marked varieties.

Banded - A term referring to the color pattern on a cavy, where one color may entirely circle the body, thus forming a "band of color"

Bare Spot - A section of the cavy entirely denuded of hair.

Base Color - The color found at the base of the hair shaft -> next to the skin on agouti and solid ticked varieties.

Belly Band - Narrow belly band of the agouti cavy -> the area of the belly which has a red, orange, cream, or white surface color -> without ticking.

Also refers to the wide belly band of the Tan Cavies -> the area of the belly which has a red or orange surface color -> without ticking.

Blaze - The head marking on a Dutch cavy. The white portion of the head, covering the nose, whisker beds, and running along the jaw line. The shape is that of a wedge, tapering to the ears, between the check markings.

Bleeding - A light band of color extending under the chin. Found on Agouti and Dutch marked cavies.

Blue - Color is to be a deep gray with an even slate cast, carried to the skin; ears and foot pads to match. Eyes: Dark with Ruby cast. This refers to the Tan pattern varieties only.

Boar - A male cavy.

Bonnet Strings - Streaks of tipping color running along the jaw line in the area between the chin and ear.

Brassy - Term applied to Creams when the color is too dark and too harsh rather than the pale, delicate shade called for in the color description.

Breed - A class of domestic cavy which reproduces distinctive characteristic of markings, texture, type, size, coat pattern, etc.

Broken Coat - Guard hair that is broken or missing in spot, exposing the undercoat. Areas where the coat is affected by molt, exposing the undercoat.