First, General Principles are described for the use of Breed Standards by judges in particular, but these should also be understood by breeders and exhibitors.
After this, Faults that apply to all breeds or specified groupings of breeds are specified.
These are divided into Faults that are so serious that Disqualification is appropriate, and Faults that are significant but not so serious as to warrant Disqualification of the exhibit.
Finally, Individual Breed Standards for each Full Standard and Guide Standard variety of cavy are described. These are laid out in a consistent format as:
1. The Standard itself: A statement of the key features of the Breed, under the major headings described above, with (for Fully Standardised Varieties) points showing the relative importance of major features and how these might be broken down into more detailed features. These describe the ideal of the breed.
2. Specific Requirements Applying to the Breed (for example the way in which Longhairs must be shown).
3. Definitions of Colours within the Breed.
4. Guidance Notes, aimed to give the breeder, exhibitor or judge additional information to help them better understand the breed. These will contain a general description of the breeds characteristics; may also give further information on particular features of the breed; and are likely to indicate any allowances that should be made when assessing exhibits.
5. Specific Disqualifications, these being faults applying to the given breed specifically, which are of such seriousness that they warrant the disqualification of the exhibit.
6. Specific Faults, these being faults applying to the given breed specifically, which are not of such seriousness that they warrant the disqualification of the exhibit.
Wash 2: Designed by Simon Neesam for the British Cavy Council © 2020