Guinea Pigs
Ultimate List of All Guinea Pig Breeds
Jan
Are you thinking about bringing some adorable pets into your home? Consider adding a couple of fluffy guinea pigs to your family! These charming creatures come in various breeds, each with its unique colours, sizes, and temperaments.
Let’s explore some popular guinea pig breeds to help you choose the perfect one for you.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian guinea pigs are known for their unique, eye-catching coats that make them stand out. With their playful and curious nature, they make wonderful companions for those who appreciate a bit of flair in their pets
Key Features:
Distinctive Coat: Features eight symmetrically arranged rosettes.
Fur Texture: Rough-textured fur, typically 4 cm in length.
Colour Variety: Available in black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, golden, and slate.
Patterns: Brindle, roan, tortoiseshell, and agouti.
Show vs. Pet: Only perfectly arranged rosettes are suitable for show competitions, but all make great pets.
Agouti
Agouti guinea pigs resemble their wild ancestors, with a sleek and natural appearance. Their beautiful, banded coats and low-maintenance nature make them a favourite among guinea pig enthusiasts.
Key Features:
Coat Appearance: Smooth coat with banded hair, creating a flecked, textured look.
Wild Resemblance: Resembles wild guinea pigs from South America.
Colour: Each hair is banded with two shades of the same colour.
Guard Hairs: Solid black hairs scattered throughout the coat.
Alpaca
The Alpaca guinea pig is a rare breed with a luxurious, curly coat that makes it highly sought after, especially by those looking to participate in shows. Their endearing appearance and unique grooming needs set them apart.
Key Features:
Curly Coat: Curly fur with a distinctive forelock, resembling a Merino sheep.
Rare Breed: Especially sought after for shows due to unique appearance.
Grooming Needs: Requires regular grooming; avoid over-bathing to prevent dry skin.
Other Names: Also known as Boucle, Merino Peruvian, or Curly Coated Coronet.
American Guinea Pig
The American Guinea Pig is one of the most popular breeds, known for its friendly nature and low-maintenance care. These short-haired guinea pigs are perfect for first-time pet owners and families alike.
Key Features:
Origin: Native to the Peruvian Andes.
Size & Lifespan: Typically 8-9 inches in height, with a lifespan of about 7 years.
Coat: Short-haired with a smooth texture and no rosettes.
Personality: Active, friendly, and great for families.
Physical Traits: Prominent ears and a round nose.
American Crested
American Crested guinea pigs are easily recognized by the unique white crest on their foreheads. Their gentle and affectionate nature, along with their striking appearance, makes them a great choice for guinea pig lovers.
Key Features:
Unique Appearance: Single white crest on the forehead with a smooth, solid-coloured body.
Temperament: Friendly and gentle, ideal for beginner pet owners.
Grooming: Low-maintenance coat care, requiring minimal grooming.
Popularity: Favoured for their unique look and affectionate nature.
Coronet
Coronet guinea pigs stand out with their long, silky fur and a cute little “crown” of hair on their head, giving them a charming, royal look.
Key Features:
Similar to Silkies: Smooth coat growing backward over the body.
Forehead Crest: Symmetrical crest with neatly arranged hairs.
Grooming Needs: Regular grooming required to maintain their long coat.
Himalayan
Himalayan guinea pigs are often compared to Siamese cats due to their striking colour patterns. They are a unique breed that changes in appearance depending on their environment and mood, making them a fascinating pet.
Key Features:
Colouration: White coat with dark highlights on ears, feet, and nose.
Sunlight Sensitivity: Darker highlights may fade in bright sunlight or when the guinea pig is stressed.
Unique Look: Often compared to Siamese cats for their colouration.
Development: Born white, with dark highlights appearing after a few weeks.
Lunkarya
Lunkarya guinea pigs are known for their dense, curly coats and are a relatively new breed, especially popular in Nordic countries. Their distinctive fur and charming personality make them a delightful pet for those who enjoy grooming.
Key Features:
Coat Type: Rough, long, and curly coat that grows dense and dull.
Variations: Includes Lunkarya Sheltie, Lunkarya Peruvian, and Lunkarya Coronet.
Origin: Developed in Sweden in 1986, commonly found in Nordic countries.
Name Origin: Named after the developer Lundqvist.
Merino
Merino guinea pigs are adored for their sweet temperament and distinctive curly hair. Their soft, manageable coat and gentle nature make them a favourite among pet owners looking for a unique and affectionate companion.
Key Features:
Single Rosette: A distinctive single rosette or crown of hair on top of the head.
Silky Fur: Long, smooth, and silky fur that falls naturally to the sides.
Flowing Coat: The coat is designed to flow down the sides, giving a sleek appearance.
Regular Grooming: Requires regular grooming to maintain its smooth and shiny look.
Elegant Appearance: Known for its elegant and refined look, with a well-defined rosette and flowing coat.
Peruvian
Peruvian guinea pigs are known for their incredibly long hair, which can grow up to 20 inches! These high-maintenance pets require regular grooming but reward their owners with stunning looks and a charming personality.
Key Features:
Oldest Breeds: Believed to have originated in South America.
Long Hair: Can grow up to 20 inches, often covering their eyes.
High Maintenance: Requires regular trimming and grooming to keep their long hair manageable.
Double Rosettes: Has two rosettes, adding to their distinctive look.
Rex
Rex guinea pigs are easily recognised by their short, woolly coat that gives them a unique texture. Their soft, dense fur and distinctive features, such as droopy ears and a broad head, make them an adorable choice for pet lovers.
Key Features:
Coat Texture: Rough, woolly coat with no guard hairs.
Unique Appearance: Dense, curly underbelly fur with a broad head and droopy ears.
Short Hair: Hairs are about 1 cm tall at their longest.
Ridgeback
Ridgeback guinea pigs stand out with their smooth coat and the characteristic ridge of hair along their back. This unique breed is recognized in the UK and is ideal for those who appreciate a pet with a distinctive look.
Key Features:
Distinctive Ridge: Smooth coat with a ridge of hair along the back.
Tufty Feet: Similar to non-ridged types, with upward-growing foot hair.
Grooming: Ridge should stand up naturally without trimming.
Satin
Satin guinea pigs are named for their shiny, reflective coats that set them apart from other breeds. Their silky, glossy fur adds a touch of elegance to their appearance, making them a popular choice for those who value aesthetics.
Key Features:
Glossy Coat: Reflective, silky coat with a hollow hair shaft that allows light to pass through.
Unique Texture: Fine and silky, with a shine not found in other guinea pigs.
Sheba
Sheba guinea pigs are a unique Australian breed with a long, tousled coat that always looks a bit wild. Their distinctive appearance, combined with their playful nature, makes them a charming addition to any household.
Key Features:
Long-Haired: Recognized for their rosette and mutton chop whiskers.
Tousled Look: Always appears tousled, adding to their charm.
Australian Breed: Developed in New South Wales, Sydney in the 1970s.
Alternative Name: Also known as Sheba Mini Yak.
Silkie
Silkie guinea pigs are known for their smooth, flowing coats that give them a sleek and elegant appearance. Their gentle nature and beautiful fur make them a favourite among guinea pig enthusiasts who enjoy grooming.
Key Features:
Smooth Coat: Long, smooth coat without rosettes or upward-growing hair.
Teardrop Shape: Coat should be whole and unparted, giving them a distinctive shape.
Grooming Needs: Requires regular grooming to keep the coat looking its best.
Other Names: Also known as Sheltie.
Teddy
Teddy guinea pigs have a unique, springy coat that gives them a plush, toy-like appearance. Their dense, short fur and playful personality make them a great choice for families and first-time guinea pig owners.
Key Features:
Coat Texture: Teddy guinea pigs have a short, dense, and fuzzy coat that stands upright, giving them a tousled, teddy bear-like appearance.
Face Shape: They have a broad, rounded face with a slightly upturned nose, which adds to their cute and cuddly appearance.
Low Shedding: Teddies shed less than other breeds due to their shorter coat, which is ideal for those concerned about pet hair.
More Info
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What was the completely bald guinea pig that is similar to skinny guinea pig but it doesn’t have hair at all. Please email me at least today I need it .
it is possible that the american guinea pig have a white color at same american mother and father will have different colors
I still don’t know what my guinea pig breed is, my guinea is almost white, it had black eyes, one black ear and a patch of black around it’s eyes, and it’s short haired, plz help me with this!!!
I have an American, a Silkie, and a, Abyssinian. And I love them so much guinea pigs are the absolute best pets in the world to have I’ll never own another pet other than my fish!