There are 3 main types of chinchillas:
Brevicaudata chinchillas were located at higher elevations. They were larger in size with shorter tails and ears and a calmer disposition. The brevi influence can be seen in the black velvet mutation.
Costina (C. Lanigera) chinchillas were located closer to the sea level. They had a pointy, mousier head with longer ears and tails
Their dispostion is a little more high strung. The hint of blue in the different color mutations comes from the costina influence.
Lanigera chinchillas were located at moderate elevations and have characteristics that fall somewhere in between the brevicaudata and costina chinchillas.
The domestic chinchillas are classified as Lanigera, but have traits from all 3 breeds. Some show more of a brevi influence and some more of the costina.