The standard is the natural colour of the chinchilla. All other colours are mutations from this original. The quality of a good standard surpasses any mutation out there. An essential base to any worthwhile breeding program, the beauty of these animals can not be mistaken. A standard should have a pure white crisp belly, flawless confirmation, strong veiling and a beautiful blue hue. They are usually classed as light, medium, dark and extra dark at the chinchilla shows. A good comparison using one chinchilla as the model can be seen at www.chinsandgliders.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4211.