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Guinea pigs, also known as cavies (Cavia porcellus), have been domesticated since around 5000 BCE, leading to the development of a diverse array of breeds. These breeds exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics and serve various purposes.
- Abyssinian. Abyssinian guinea pigs are one of the most affectionate and gentle breeds, making them a great pick for first-time piggy parents. They are easy to recognize thanks to their short, messy coat and cowlick-like patterning.
- Alpaca. Alpaca guinea pigs have a unique look with long, curly hair. Because of this, they’re sometimes mistaken for the Texel breed, but they are actually descended from the Peruvian guinea pig.
- American. American guinea pigs are among the most common types. If you’ve ever been in a pet store, chances are you’ve seen an American piggy there. This breed is easy to recognize thanks to its short, smooth coat that has a matte-like appearance.
- Baldwin. Hairless guinea pigs are perhaps the easiest to differentiate due to their lack of hair and plentiful wrinkles. The Baldwin is completely bald, save for some tufts on their feet.
- Abyssinian guinea pig. Abyssinian guinea pigs are one of the more common long-haired breeds. You can easily recognise them by their distinctive hair style that includes natural ‘rosettes’.
- American guinea pig. When people look for guinea pigs, the American guinea pig is one of the most popular choices. This breed is one of the smaller ones in terms of size.
- Baldwin guinea pig. The Baldwin is a hairless variant of the guinea pig. They’re born with hair, which sheds off completely once they reach about 2 months of age.
- Coronet guinea pig. With their great looks and ‘crown’ on their heads, the Coronet guinea pig is an attractive long-haired breed that enjoys adoration and attention from their owners.
Feb 6, 2019 · Guinea pigs are great pets to have and there a several different breeds to choose from. Check out our guide of guinea pig breeds to learn more about physical traits, behavior, and...
- Selena Barrientos
- Entertainment & News Editor
- selena.barrientos@hearst.com
Mar 17, 2024 · They have no idea there are different types of these adorable little rodents, but, in fact, there are 13 different guinea pig breeds in total. Not all 13 of these breeds are commonly kept as pets, so you may have never seen some of the animals mentioned on this list.
Oct 6, 2021 · Updated October 6, 2021. Alexandra Jursova/ Moment via Getty Images. Guinea pigs make wonderful pets because they're adorable, have charming personalities, and don't require a ton of room. They are also far less prone to nipping than similar small pets like hamsters and gerbils.
Explore Guinea Pig Breeds: A comprehensive guide to understanding the various breeds, their characteristics, and care needs for your pet. Guinea pigs come in a variety of breeds, each boasting unique traits and personalities.
