guinea pig breeds abyssinian
Welcome back! Have you visited our new forum?
Guinea Pig Breeds Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is one of the oldest guinea pig breeds and today, one of the most commonly entered for competition at guinea pig breeder shows. The Abyssinian is known for having a crazy coat of fur! Unlike other guinea pig breeds which can have smooth short hair, straight or wavy long hair, or even curly hair – the Abyssinian has hair that grows in swirls. Each swirl is called a “rosette” by breeders, and the most perfect rosette is one with a single pin sized center. The ideal coat for an Abyssinian is short with anywhere between eight and ten rosettes – preferably with ridges where the edges of each rosette meet running in straight lines, without any portion of flat hair. Finally, the ideal Abyssinian is not complete without an adorable little mustache.
If you are interested in showing your guinea pig, know that judges are looking for breed standard perfection. In this case that means prefect single centered rosettes, well pronounced ridges, fur that does not lie flat, is not long, and preferably coats that are not single colored (because single colored coats tend to be too soft and this affects the over all effect of the swirly rosettes.)
Abyssinians do not have a tendency towards health or behavioral problems, so rest assured if you have your heart set on one. The only factor to consider with an Abyssinian is that their swirly hair can require a little more grooming compared to smooth haired piggies as it just does not naturally lie neatly. All you will need to groom your Abyssinian is a soft bristled baby brush. This will work to gently groom and untangle his or her coat. Also, if you have any intention of showing your guinea pig – do not bathe him or her right before the show as this will cause his or her fur to fall flat – not a look judges are going for!
