Guinea Pig Breeds - WikiNormals
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Overview
The breeds described below have been derived from the 'American Cavy Breeders Association' which provided the most comprehensive lsit of breeds. Please see http://www.acbaonline.com/breeds.html for further information.
To make the process of breed identification easier, each breed has several examples and includes a small narrative of the breed characteristic. The various colours and their descriptions can also be found at the bottom of the page.
Abyssinian
- The Abyssinian has a rough short coat defined by a symmetrical pattern of rosettes and ridges (similar to whorls in horses). The coat is often able to stand on end to accentuate the ridges. Variety of colours.
Abyssinian
WikiCommons
Abyssinian
WikiCommons
Abyssinian
WikiCommons
Abyssinian
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Abyssinian Satin
- Same as above except rough feeling coat has a more satin feel and is generally softer.
Satin Abyssinian
freewebs.com
Satin Abyssinian
acbaonline.com
Crested
- Short haired smooth coat with a distinctive crest in a different colour to that of the body. A self-colour with a white crest and no other white marks on the body is usually referred to as "White Crested". Therefore types of guinea pig with white body markings cannot usually be classed as Crested. Various self-colours and various crest colours.
Crested
WikiCommons
Crested
acbaonline.com
Coronet
- Usually have a long, dense coat and a crest/coronet on top of the head. Various colours.
Coronet
animal-world.com
Coronet
acbaonline.com
Peruvian
- Most have continuously growing long hair that can reach up to 50cm. They usually have a top and under coat. Most also have a frontal hair sweep which can completely cover the head. Various colours.
Peruvian
(With white hair wraps)
WikiCommons
Peruvian
freewebs.com
Peruvian Satin
- Same as above but softer more shiney coat.
Satin Peruvian
WikiCommons
Rex
- Coat stands on end in a similar fashion to the Teddy (see below) but the hair length is shorter, approximately 1cm. Various colours.
Rex
geocities.com
Rex
flickr.com
Short Haired
- Often also called "English" or "American". Has a smooth, consistently short coat and is sleek with a Roman nose. The hair does not usually have a parting. Variety of colours.
Short Haired
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Short Haired
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Short Haired
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Short Haired Satin
- Same as above except that coat has a softer, satin finish.
Satin Short Haired
acbaonline.com
Silkie
- Also referred to as Sheltie. Has long hair that flows backwards and never covers the head (as in Peruvian). Rear facing hairs are generally longer in Silkies than Peruvians. There is also no parting along the back in Silkies. Various colours.
Silkie
WikiCommons
Silkie
cavyhaven.org
Silkie Satin
- Same as above but with a softer satin coat.
Satin Silkie
geocities.com
Teddy
- Coat should be a consistent length and hairs should be kinked so that they appear to stand on end. Coat should be resiliant and return to upright position immediately after being disturbed. Medium body length and Roman nose. Various colours.
Teddy
WikiCommons
Teddy
acbaonline.com
Teddy Satin
- Same as above but with softer satin coat.
Satin Teddy
acbaonline.com
Texel
- The Texel is similar to the Silkie but with ringlets or curls. The curls are found throughout the coat including the belly. Texels do have a central parting. They have a broad well rounded head. Various colours.
Texel
WikiCommons
Texel
freewebs.com
Texel
acbaonline.com
Other
- Below are a few examples of currently uncommon breeds that are increasing in popularity.
Skinny Pig
- Almost hairless with a small amount on the muzzle and legs.
Skinny Pig
WikiCommons
Skinny Pig
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Ridgeback
- Very similar to an Abyssinian but with a slightly smoother coat and a ridge of hair running along the back.
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Image:Ridgeback2.gif|Ridgeback
flickr.com