Guinea Pig Breeds

Did you know that the primary differences between guinea pig breeds comes down to hair length and hair type?

Here are your choices:

Short and smooth – grows head to tail and lies smooth without waves or rosettes. Hair can be many different colors and ranges from solid, to patterned, random appearing patterns, and different colors on tips.

Long- Can be smooth or curly/wavy. Maintenance includes brushing, detangling, and trimming hair.

Other- Rosettes (hair that grows in a swirl pattern, see Abyssinian) crests (sort of like a mohawk, see Crested), and really thick fuzzy coats (see Rex.)

Description of Guinea Pig Breeds

On of the most confusing thing about trying to learn about guinea pig breeds is that people do not always differentiate between actual breeds, and descriptions of fur type/unique coloring. In this listing I will try to make sure this is fairly obvious.

The American Guinea Pig Breed

The American (also called “self” and the “English Cavy”) guinea pig is the most common guinea pig breed. This short haired, smooth fur guinea pig is exactly what most people envision when they think “guinea pig.” Known for being very loving and personable, American guinea pig are also the easiest to care for and ideal for young children due to the fact that their short, smooth coats do not require extensive grooming.

"Hi, I am an american guinea pig - the most common breed of guinea pig!"

The American guinea pig also has a “satin” variation, which is an especially shiny coat.

Details:

Pink Eyed White – Not a true albino. Also has white claws. For show purposes the coat must be kept pristine and cannot be stained. For this reason near show time some breeders avoid feeding carrots.
Black - Solid black guinea pig. Considered ideal if does not have any differently colored hairs or a poor under color. Eyes, ears, claws, etc must be black.
Cream – Eyes should be red and ears/pads pink. Sometimes when grooming it is possible to remove too much hair in some spots and the color will appear patchy.
Pink Eyed Golden – Medium gold coat considered ideal. Like the Cream, over-grooming can cause a patchy appearance. Also bred for dark eyes.
Red – Mahogany in color.
Chocolate – Color of chocolate with dark red eyes.
Beige – Creme caramel in color with pink eyes.
Lilac – Dark lilac to dove grey.
Buff – Like a dark Creme with dark eyes.
Saffron – Medium sand color with pink eyes.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig Breed

The Abyssinian guinea pig (also called the Aby) is known for having a coat covered in rosettes (deep swirls of hair with a single center.) This breed also comes in a variety of colors, listed below. The ideal Abyssinian has “perfect” rosette patterning, which is considered to be four swirls running straight down the saddle, four on the bottom, and one or two on each shoulder. Ridges are formed where rosettes meet and to be considered “perfect” they should run in straight lines down the body. Can be slightly challenging to groom.

Like the Self, the Abyssinian also comes in a satin coated variety.

"Look at me! I can be as crazy as my hair!"

Agouti (Coloring)

Two distinct shades on coat. Comes in golden, silver, cinnamon, lemon, chocolate, and cream.

Argente (Coloring)

Variation on Agouti. Golden/lilac, Golden/Beige, White/Lilac, White/Beige, Lemon/Lilac, Lemon/Beige.

Brindled (Coloring)

Coat is and even mixing of red and black hairs.

Crested Guinea Pig Breed

Has a single rosette on forehead, the rest of the coat is smooth and short. The White Crested Guinea pig (also called American Crested) has a white rosette on the forehead, while the rest of the body is another color. The Self Crested guinea pig breed will have a crest the same color as the rest of the body. Popular colors include Golden and Black.

The Coronet Guinea Pig Breed

The Coronet also has a single rosette on the forehead, but instead of having short hair like the Crested Guinea pig you will find beautiful long hair.

Peruvian Guinea Pig Breed

Longest of the long haired breeds. Hair can reach more than twelve inches in length and falls with a soft wave. You will also notice that the hair naturally parts down the middle of the piggie’s back and falls forward over the forehead so it is hard to see the piggie’s face. The hair must be trimmed, detangled, and groomed to avoid matted spots and tangles. Among people who show their Peruvians, frequently they wrap their piggie’s hair in order to keep it in perfect condition. Many owners end up trimming the hair to a manageable length if they do not plan to enter their piggie in a guinea pig show. Not ideal as a family pet if you are looking for avoid time spent grooming.

The Peruvian also comes in a Satin variety.

Silkie Guinea Pig Breed

Like the Peruvian, the Silkie guinea pig breed also has very long hair but instead of naturally parting down the middle it sweeps straight back, and the face is visible- this gives the Silkie a unique tear dropped shape when viewed from above. The fur of the Silkie is also softer and shinier than the Peruvian. The Silkie also comes in a Satin variety – note for people with young children – this maybe the hardest breed for your young child to handle as it is very slippery!

Teddy Guinea Pig Breed

The teddy guinea pig breed is known for having a wiry, short, dense coat. The texture of the coat, its kinky nature, and the resemblance to the stuffed animal is responsible for the breed name. If you pull on a strand of hair, you can extend it to its full length, but the minute you let go into will spring back into a kinky wave. Teddy guinea pigs also have upturned, “Roman” noses which give their faces an adorable inquisitive appearance.

The teddy guinea pig also comes in “satin” meaning the coat has a satin feel with a glossy appearance.

Texel Guinea Pig Breed

The Texel is one of the least common guinea pig breeds. This type has long curly hair (looks permed) with a small compact body. Like the other long haired piggies, the Texel can be challenging to keep groomed.