Show Qualities of a Chinchilla
Once the fur type and fur length have been established, we must consider fur density. The density is the attribute which assists fur strength, in that if the density of the fur is high, the fur fibres have a tendency to stand up straight since they are being supported by fur fibres around them. The greater the density, the less likely the fur will lie backwards, or along the animals body, since there is no room for it to do so.
Checking for Density
There are several ways in which you can check your chinchillas fur density.
If you lay the palm of your hand on the chinchillas back, you should feel 'cushion' or 'bounce' to the fur if it is extra-heavy (or dense). The fur will spring back into position since it has nowhere else to go - it's very dense! A brand-new, high quality carpet feels like this!
Groom the animal for show. When the chinchilla brushes itself against the sides of it's cage, the fur should spring back into position. If it stays pushed back, there is a lack of density.
Blow gently into the fur of the chinchilla. If you can easily see the skin underneath the fur, and the fur doesn't spring back into position after you have blown into it, there is a lack of density.
Fur Density
Fur Density is described in the NCS Appraisal Sheet as follows;
Extra Heavy.
Heavy.
Medium.
Flat
When a judge comments on fur Density, they often refer to the best chinchillas as having 'tight fur'. By this they mean that there is a mass of fur, packed tightly together (dense, or extra-heavy). Show Champions at NCS shows will have grades 1 or 2 for fur density. A grade 3 for density will prevent high awards such as 1st and 2nd being awarded.