Excellent/Good Type

Cavies with good type resemble 'a brick with the corners cut off' when viewed from above. Type is very important in all breeds, and a cavy with good type with have a large crown, shoulders as wide or wider than the hips, a good head, and firm flesh.

OK/Fair Type

These cavies are a bit 'flatter' on the top (crown), and don't have as good a head as the good/excellent cavies do. They still exhibit fair type, but are a little 'thinner'.

Poor Type

This cavy displays what some breeders call a more 'ratty' nose than the others. It doesn't have the roman effect like the others do, it is straight and long. Also his body type is funny (it's the way he's standing, too). He has a little crown, but his hips are just as high, making him look sway-backed. A cavy with poor type has small eyes, a long nose, and thin shoulders.

What to look out for

Look out for thin cavies or cavies who have narrow shoulders. This is especially a problem in breeds other than Americans where there is more emphasis placed on coat. It is only a fault in showing, but usually carries down in generations. As with all things, it must be balanced against the good qualities of the animal, as it is still only a fault.