When we think of a guinea pig, we usually picture the American Guinea Pig – the “classic” or “standard” guinea pig – and also the most common. But there are also several other breeds in addition to the common American Guinea Pig. This article will introduce you to a few of the breeds commonly found in homes today.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a long haired breed. The coat on this animal is quite distinctive because it tends to curl itself into whirls and swirls. These whirls and swirls are called rosettes. The Abyssinian is one of the oldest breeds that can be found today. If you are looking for a low maintenance guinea pig, keep looking. This particular breed requires daily attention to the coat to avoid tangles and keep the pig looking well groomed.
American Guinea Pig
This is the variety that first comes to mind when we think of the words “guinea pig”. It is also sometime called an English guinea pig. This is a short hair breed which makes it suitable for a pet. It does not require grooming and can be handled and petted without messing up its coat.
Peruvian
The Peruvian breed is an extreme long haired breed. Its hair can grow to an amazingly long length of a foot or more. The hair is smooth and straight and tends to part in the middle and hang naturally to either side of the pig. The long hair requires a lot of care; so many owners prefer to keep the coat trimmed to make this task easier.
Silkie
The Silkie is a less common breed and is also referred to as a Sheltie. It has a very long (and, of course silky) coat – similar to the Peruvian. In contrast to the Peruvian, the hair does not tend to part naturally down the center of the back. The hair of the Silkie sweeps backward from the head. The coat of the Silkie is also softer than that of the Peruvian.
Guinea pigs are also categorized according to varieties. Varieties are coat colors or patterns and are also subdivided into three categories.
1. Self colored guinea pigs are a single solid color.
2. Agouti cavies have a coat made up of two colors. Each individual hair of the undercoat has a light colored tip and a darker colored base near the skin. The longer hairs which make up the outer protective layer are the same darker color as the base of the undercoat hairs.
3. Marked guinea pigs have markings, patches or islands of color (often white) in their otherwise solid or agouti coats.
This article has presented a short survey of some of the more common guinea pig breeds. No matter what the breed, variety or color; guinea pigs make great loving pets and can help to brighten a household. Although long haired breeds tend to look more exotic and sometimes make good show animals, the common short haired American breed is a very popular household pet because its coat requires very little care.
Author Resource:
We here at Blue Stone Commerce are pet owners as well as pet cage sellers. Visit Our Website http://www.BlueStoneCages.com for lots more info on guinea pigs and guinea pig cages. Be sure to Claim Your FREE BONUS GIFT available on the front page. Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/guineapig9
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