ARBA Cavy Standards Committee Chair
Travis Finkle
P.O. Box 153 Marbury, Maryland 20658
Travis856@gmail.com
Cavy Standards Committee
Dear ARBA Members,
The following information outlines the processes and requirements for filing Certificates of Development (COD) for proposed new cavy breeds or varieties. This is intended to establish realistic expectations, clarify misconceptions, and guide you through the initial steps.
As noted in the ARBA Cavy Standard of Perfection, page 5, “A proposed new cavy breed must possess qualifications of individual merit, unique to itself, identifying it as a separate and distinct breed.”
Presenting a new breed or variety is a significant commitment. Before proceeding, please carefully read pages 5 through 13 of your 2026-2030 ARBA Cavy Standard of Perfection.
General Notes for All Certificates of Development (CODs)
– Applicants: Up to five individuals may be listed on a COD, but it is highly recommended to have more than one. One person must be designated as the spokesperson. Past successful presenters recommend dedicating a minimum of 30-60 cages to the new breed or variety.
– Membership Requirements: All breeders/sponsors must be adult ARBA members and must have maintained continuous ARBA membership in good standing for a minimum of five years. They must also be members of the National Specialty Club and maintain all memberships for the duration of the COD process.
– Pedigrees: Three-generation pedigrees are no longer required.
– Approval Process: After ARBA Cavy Standards Committee approval, a vote of the general membership from the National Specialty Club is required for a COD to proceed.
– Commitment: All sponsors must commit to raising the new breed or variety for the duration of the COD and be able to prove this if necessary.
– Presentation Timeline: After the two-year waiting period is completed, presentations must be initiated at the next ARBA Convention. Failure to make a presentation will result in one failed showing assessment.
Filing a COD for a New Breed or New Group/Variety
CODs should only be pursued when the breed or variety has been raised for several years, breeds true with consistency, and has adapted to your climate and management practices. If your herd is still in the early cross stages (F2 or F3) or requires importing animals, it is too early to file.
– New Breeds: You must have a quality herd that can consistently replicate the characteristics of the breed generation after generation. There is no requirement to name specific varieties on the application, and the use of Broken Color cavies in presentations is permitted.
– New Groups/Varieties: The variety must consistently produce the desired color, and all potential problems (e.g., eye color, toenail color) should be worked out. These animals must also be good to excellent examples of the existing breed standard.
Steps to File a COD
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the New Breed or New Variety Application Form, with the primary breeder/sponsor entering their information.
- Complete Additional Form: Fill out the Additional Breeder/Sponsor Form, if necessary.
- Attach Proposed Standard:
– New Breed: Standard must be in English and include a Schedule of Points, showroom classes/weights, full descriptions for type, coat, color, etc., including faults and disqualifications. Condition must be 10 points.
– New Group/Variety: Standard must include a complete color description with all faults and disqualifications.
- Mail to ARBA Office: Send a copy of the Application Form, Additional Breeder/Sponsor Form (if used), proposed standard, and a check or money order for $100 by certified mail to:
ARBA
P.O. Box 400
Knox, PA 16232
- Mail to Committee Chair: Send a copy of the Application Form, Additional Breeder/Sponsor Form (if used), and proposed standard by certified mail to:
Travis Finkle, ARBA Cavy Standards Committee Chair
P.O. Box 153
Marbury, Maryland 20658
Once payment is processed and membership(s) are verified, the ARBA Office will notify the Cavy Standards Committee Chair for submission and approval. Approved CODs will be mailed with detailed instructions, and Working Standards will be published on the ARBA website. The two-year wait period will begin once the COD is approved.
If you have any further questions, please read over your ARBA Cavy Standard of Perfection or contact me directly:
Travis Finkle
P.O. Box 153
Marbury, Maryland 20658
Best,
Travis Finkle
ARBA Cavy Standards Committee Chair
