Guinea Pig Breeds
Guinea Pig Breeds and Recognized Colors
This might come as a surprise to some, but all Guinea pig breeds are not alike. While all related, the various types of Guinea pigs actually look much different. Read below to learn a bit about some of breeds and see which one is best for you.
American
The American Guinea pig is often called the English cavy. This is among the most common of the breeds. The fur is short and straight. A variety of colors are available.
Coronet
The Coronet is one of several Guinea pig breeds for those who prefer long hair. While the hair on the face is short, the rest of the hair is quite long.
Silkie
The Silkie, also called the Sheltie, is another of the long haired Guinea pig breeds. While some of the long hair breeds have hair that covers the face, the long hair of the Silkie goes back along the forehead toward the back of the body. When kept as a pet, this type of Guinea pig requires constant grooming.
Texel
This is one of the most interesting of the Guinea pig breeds. The long hair is thick and very curly. It looks as if the Guinea pig were covered in ringlets. Because of the long and curly coat, the Texel requires the most work to maintain proper grooming.
White Crested
A White Crested Guinea pig has a solid colored body and looks as if he is wearing a small white beret. The “beret” is actually a shock of white hair on the top of the head.
Other breeds include Peruvian, Peruvian Satin, Silkie Satin and Abyssinian. In addition to the differences in coats, some people choose the Guinea pig that they like best based on color. Below are descriptions of some of the colors and patterns that are recognized by Guinea pig groups.
Self
Self refers to a solid color Guinea pig. Colors include white, blue, black, red and brown.
Dutch
Dutch refers to a Guinea pig on which the front and back portion of the body are the same color while the middle is a different color.
Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell refers to blocks of color in rectangle shapes on the body. It looks as if the Guinea pig had been patched together by four pieces of fur. The colors do not blend, but each is well defined and independent of each other.
Albino
An Albino Guinea pig is snowy white and the eyes are pink.
Dalmatian
As the name suggests, the Dalmatian Guinea pig has a white body that is dotted with dark colored spots.
A Himalayan Guinea pig features a white body, but the nose, ears and feet are either black or brown. A Himalayan also features red eyes.
No matter which breed or color of Guinea pig that you choose, keep in mind that these are social animals that very much enjoy interacting with their owners. While they must be kept in a hutch or cage, the also enjoy being let out for regular “floor time” where they can play and explore outside of the cage.
Most Guinea pig breeds make wonderful pets. They are friendly and most are easy to care for once you learn their routine. Consider adopting one today and see just how much joy they can add to your home.