Show Qualities of a Chinchilla
Conformation is one of the only two attributes (the other Size) of a chinchilla which don't relate to the fur qualities. The conformation is nothing to do with size, referring solely to the shape or plan view (looking down) of the chinchilla. A chinchilla can have good conformation and still be small!
Looking from above, the animal should be blocky and shapely, being broad through the shoulders and hips (without the hips protruding outwards) and also have a full neck. From the side (in profile) there should be no 'dip' in the neck. There should be a straight line of the tips of the fur from the head across to the grotzen (centre of the back) with no dip or lump.
Conformation, or Shape
Conformation, or shape is described in the NCS Appraisal Sheet as follows;
Blocky with full neck - This conformation is as described above, being rounded, blocky and strong in shape. These are often referred to as being Brevi-type chinchillas, which, rather than referring the Brevicaudata subspecies of the chinchilla, refers to this blocky shape.
Good General - This grade of conformation describes a chinchilla which is generally of good build and blocky shape, with a slight narrowing throughout compared to a grade 1.
Narrow at Shoulder - This grade is a wedge shaped chinchilla, which is still broad at the hips, but where a decided narrowing through the shoulders and neck gives a wedge shaped appearance in plan view (from the top).
Narrow Throughout - This describes a chinchilla which is narrow throughout it's entire body, resembling a costina type chinchilla.
From a show perspective, again, in order to win 1st and 2nd ribbons, grades 1 or 2 are necessary.