Guinea Pig Breeds

Guinea Pig Breeds are among the most popular breed types among owners of small pets. From the hairless guinea pig (which is the rarest house-hold variety) to the English Cavy (which is the most common house-hold type), there is sure to be a breed for any personality or household. Only two main categories exist though: the short-haired and the long-haired.

The long-haired varieties take more effort to care for though, since more brushing and washing is needed. Examples of long-haired piggies include the Satin Abyssinian, the Peruvian, and the Silkie. Long-haireds usually need grooming on a daily basis, and regular washings.

Short-haired Guinea Pig Breeds, on the other hand, require much less maintenance. My little brother has had one for about four months, and the pig hasn’t been washed or groomed yet… He’s still healthy though!

Some of the more well-known breeds are quite easily identifiable as well! The standard American (or English Cavy) has a smooth short coat that lies flat on the body. This breed of guinea pig is the most commonly seen, and quite popular. The Abyssinian is also quite popular, with a rough coat made up of small rosettes, or swirl-like patterns in the coat. The are usually quite fuzzy as well!

The Teddy looks just like a teddy bear! This short-haired guinea pig is recognized by his short, thick coat with kinked hair, which makes him look very fuzzy, like a…. teddy bear!

Guinea pig breeds are not only comprised of short-haired ones though! Long-haired pigs require more grooming though, which means they should probably be saved for more experianced pet owners.

The Peruvian is a walking fur-ball! They have a smooth and straight coat… The coat can grow to several inches long though! The fur grows so long that it can even cover parts of the head, and extensive washings and groomings needed require constant attention. Some owners keep the hair trimmed so as to avoid unmanageable fur. Similar to the Peruvian is the Silkie, or Sheltie. They also have a long, silky coat, but it grows backwards from the head.

Want yet another long-haired piggy? Take a look at the Coronet! This breed has more hair than other long-haired guinea pig breeds, and has a single rosette at the center of its forehead. If you dont like the rosette, or want a slightly less long, but curly coat, then take a look at the Texel Guinea Pig.

But wait, there’s more! We havent even covered color types! Want a very shiny, sleek coat? Then take a look at the Satin American! Or maybe you prefer the Abyssinian look? Go for a Satin Abyssinian! Both breeds are recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association (ACBA). Other color schemes recognized by the ACBA is the Peruvian Satin, Satin Teddy, Coronet Guinea Pig.

But maybe these are too plain? Take a look at the less-often seen breeds, such as the Merino or the Alpaca.

And then… among the most bizarre of all guinea pig breeds, is the Baldwin Guinea Pig. Of course, you will seldomly see a bald win a competition (okay, bad pun!), but they require very little grooming! None at all actually, since they are… you know…. bald….

This wraps up a basic summary of the different guinea pig breeds.  As you can see, there are many to choose from.