Meet the Breeds: A Guide to Popular Guinea Pig Breeds

Originally domesticated from an extinct wild species from South America, there are no guinea pigs in the wild today. They are believed to have been first domesticated around 5,000 years B.C.E.. Spanish explorers later brought these animals back to Europe, where they were kept as pets. Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are now a beloved family pet for millions of people around the world.

However, did you know there are different types of guinea pigs? Like many domesticated animals, there are a number of different breeds, each with its own characteristics and personality. If you’re thinking about getting a pet guinea pig, then keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular guinea pig breeds.

How Many Breeds Are There?

The number of breeds depends on which guinea pig experts you ask. The American Cavy Breeders Association only recognizes 13 breeds, while the British Cavy Council recognizes over 50 breeds. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular breeds, including:

• American guinea pig
• Peruvian guinea pig
• Abyssinian guinea pig
• Skinny pig
• Baldwin guinea pig
• Teddy guinea pig
• Rex guinea pig
• Texel guinea pig
• Himalayan guinea pig
• Crested guinea pig

American Guinea Pig

When most people think of guinea pigs, the American guinea pig is likely the breed that comes to mind. They are the most common breed, and with good reason. They are easy to keep, making them a great choice for first-time pet owners. American guinea pigs are also known to be sociable and friendly with their owners and other guinea pigs. Their short coats come in many different color combinations and require very little grooming compared to some of the other breeds on our list. On average, the American guinea pig measures about 8 to 10 inches long and weighs between 2 to 3 pounds.

Peruvian Guinea Pig

The Peruvian guinea pig is one of the most popular long-haired breeds. Their hair is parted down the middle and grows up over their foreheads, giving them a little fringe in the front. These guinea pigs are said to be curious and gentle, as well as affectionate. However, their long hair needs special care to ensure it stays free of tangles and mats. Also, they must be brushed regularly and even trimmed on occasion. Peruvian guinea pigs generally grow to around 10 to 14 inches in length and weigh up to 3 pounds.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

The Abyssinian guinea pig has multicolored swirls of fur like cowlicks all over its body, which are called rosettes. This gives the Abyssinian a messy yet unique appearance. They are known to be very affectionate, active, and playful pets. The Abyssinian guinea pig typically measures about 8 to 12 inches long and weighs up to 3 pounds.

Skinny Guinea Pig

The Skinny pig is entirely hairless except for small patches on its nose, feet, legs, and back. Like most guinea pigs, they are generally docile and affectionate. However, they require more maintenance to ensure they remain healthy. They must be carefully monitored to ensure their skin does not become dry, scratched, or irritated. With no fur to keep them warm, temperature regulation is also important. The average skinny pig measures about 9 to 12 inches long, weighing 1 to 2 pounds.

Baldwin Guinea Pig

Baldwin guinea pigs begin their lives with hair, but lose it over time to become almost completely hairless. They are considered gentle and curious pets that enjoy cuddling. However, like the skinny pig, it is important to check their skin regularly for abrasions, wounds, or dry skin. Temperature regulation is also crucial in this hairless breed. They measure up to 12 inches long and weigh between 1 to 3 pounds on average.

Teddy Guinea Pig

Known for being one of the cuddliest and friendliest breeds, Teddy guinea pigs were named after teddy bear stuffed animals. Their coats are soft and dense, and come in a variety of color combinations. They love to spend time with humans and other guinea pigs. Weekly brushing is the best way to keep their plush hair healthy, though it does not grow longer than medium length. The Teddy guinea pig can reach 10 to 12 inches long and weigh from 1.5 to 3 pounds.

Rex Guinea Pig

The Rex guinea pig has a short, woolly coat that makes it appear fuzzy. They also have droopy ears, which make them even more endearing. These guinea pigs are said to be curious, playful, and affectionate. Rex guinea pigs are relatively low-maintenance, but they need to be brushed occasionally to remove shed fur. Rex guinea pigs are among the largest guinea pig breeds, growing from 8 to 18 inches and weighing up to 3 pounds.

Texel Guinea Pig

A Texel guinea pig is said to be a cross between a Rex and a Silkie. They have long, coarse, curly hair that requires regular brushing to ensure it remains free of tangles and debris. As their hair-care routine can be somewhat difficult, these guinea pigs may not be the best breed for first-time guinea pig owners. Texels are known for being smart, sweet, and social. They measure about 8 to 10 inches long and weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds.

Himalayan Guinea Pig

The Himalayan guinea pig is said to be like a Siamese cat — all white, with brown or black points on their nose, ears, and feet. They are often considered to be albino due to their red eyes and predominantly white coats. They are incredibly friendly and sociable pets. However, these guinea pigs are best for those who live in cooler regions, as they cannot tolerate hot weather or direct sunlight. They grow 8 to 10 inches long and weigh around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

Crested Guinea Pig

As the name indicates, the American and English crested guinea pigs have distinctive crests. The crest of the English crested matches the rest of its hair, while the American crested guinea pig has a white crest. English crested guinea pigs are curious and calm, but they tend to be a bit more reserved and shy at first than other guinea pig breeds. The American crested guinea pig is similar in temperament. Both breeds can reach about 12 inches long and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds.