Guinea Pig Species Information

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Do you have a guinea pig, or are you thinking about getting one? You may not be aware that there are 13 different species of guinea pigs, each with its own set of features. Learn more about each type of guinea pig below, and make sure you know which one you want before getting one.

American Guinea Pig

The English Cavy is another name for this breed. The coat is short, silky, and rests flat against the body. This is the most prevalent and well-known breed.

The American Cavy Breeders Association(ACBA) also recognizes the Satin American. The coat’s shine is satin, and satin breeds have highly shiny, smooth coats.

Peruvian Guinea Pig

Peruvian coats are silky and straight, and they can grow to be several inches long. Hair grows forward over the head and naturally parts down the back center.

The Peruvian’s dense, velvety coat necessitates a lot of grooming, and many Peruvian guinea pig owners end up cutting the hair to keep it manageable. In addition, wraps can keep the guinea pig’s hair from becoming tangled or filthy if it is to be shown. The ACBA also recognizes the Peruvian Satin.

The Crested Guinea Pig

This is a guinea pig with short hair and a single rosette (swirl) on the forehead. The White Crested Guinea Pig (also known as the American Crested Guinea Pig) has a white crest that contrasts with the rest of the coat (there is no white on the body). The other is a “self” crested guinea pig (also known as an English crested guinea pig), with the same color crest as the rest of the coat.

Texel Guinea Pig

This unusual guinea pig has a long, curly coat that stands out. The Texel guinea pig is a high-maintenance pet that requires attention.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Its look distinguishes the Abyssinian. Rosettes, which are many swirls of hair, make up the coat. Their hair is dense and coarse, and it radiates in a series of whirls and ridges in circles from several spots on the body. Abyssinian must have a minimum of eight rosettes in asymmetrical design for exhibition purposes. These guinea pigs are always a little worn. The ACBA also recognizes the Satin Abyssinian, which has a lustrous coat.

Silkie Guinea Pig

The Silkie, commonly known as the Sheltie, is a long, silky coat dog. The Silkie’s smooth coat does not naturally separate down the back, and it grows rearward from the head, unlike the Peruvian. The ACBA also recognizes a Silkie, Satin.

The Teddy Guinea Pig

This short-haired guinea pig’s short, dense coat is characterized by twisted or kinked hair shafts that cause the coat to stand on end, giving it a fuzzy appearance. There’s also a Satin Teddy with a deep gloss on his coat.

Coronet Guinea Pig

The Coronet is a title given to a person with long-haired Guinea Pigs who have a single rosette (coronet) in the center of their forehead. Like other long-haired guinea pigs, Coronets require a great deal of grooming.

Other Varieties of Guinea Pigs

Other less popular guinea pig breeds with varied hair types are the Merino (length curly hair with a crest on the head) and the Alpaca (long curly hair that grows forward over the head). In addition, guinea pigs come in various colors, which are used to describe them and their breed.

Hairless guinea pigs come in two varieties. The Baldwin Guinea Pig is completely hairless, though it may have some hair at birth that is shed as the guinea pig grows older. “Skinny Pigs” are also hairless, though patches of hair on the face and paws and fine hair on other regions of the body are common. See “Hairless Guinea Pigs” for further details.

User Questions

How many species of guinea pigs are there?

According to ADW, there are 13 frequently recognized types or breeds of guinea pigs: American, American satin, Abyssinian, Abyssinian Satin, Peruvian, Peruvian satin, silkie, silkie satin, teddy, teddy satin, texel, coronet, and white-crested.

Is it possible for guinea pigs to swim?

Although guinea pigs can swim, they do not love it. Swimming will allow them to escape predators if they have no other natural habitat options. If there is a food supply nearby, they may also choose to get their paws. Their desire to go in the water, however, ends there.

Are male guinea pigs nicer than females?

Males and females have similar temperaments, yet males have a more assertive disposition, making them simpler to manage. On the other hand, female guinea pigs are frequently easier to find compatible companions since they are more tolerant of their guinea pig companions.

Will 2 male guinea pigs fight?

Will a fight break out between two male guinea pigs? Of course, they shouldn’t fight if you have two guinea pigs, both males. But, of course, if the cage is too tiny or boredom is a problem, there will be stand-offs. A fight may also erupt if one is injured or ill.

Do guinea pigs require vaccinations?

While guinea pigs do not require vaccines, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about guinea pigs for a basic checkup at least once a year.

Conclusion

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