Guinea Pig Breeds

One of the most popular pets are guinea pigs. You can find them either in bird markets or in pet stores. However, these animals will be outbred. And for those who want to breed them, this is unacceptable, because the offspring can be unpredictable.

Therefore, it is best to buy pigs from breeders who have all the documents confirming their origin. Today, there are many specialized clubs where you can buy guinea pigs with good pedigrees. There are more than 80 species of breeds, which differ both in the length of the fur and in its structure.

Unusual and beautiful guinea pigs with long hair are completely different, and with the most unusual names. At first glance, it is very difficult to understand what kind of animal is in front of your eyes: a shaggy dog ​​or a fluffy rabbit. These thoroughbred "hippies" appeared thanks to the incredible efforts of breeders. Almost all rodents have thick and long hair, which in some breeds can exceed 45 centimeters.

These guinea pigs are very pleasant to touch, as they are quite soft to the touch. Their fur, unlike other relatives, has no parting, but simply falls back. The hair on the head is thicker and a bit like a mane. Like other long-haired animals, shelties are friendly and calm.

These are the most active representatives among all guinea pigs with long hair. Their characteristic feature is a single outlet on the head. The long fur streams on both sides, at the same time does not close their attractive face.

This beauty has a very long and curly hair. It is a bit like fleece. In addition, it grows toward the head. On the sacrum there are 2 sockets, another one is located on the head, and looks like a fringe.

On the attractive face, the coat is slightly tougher than on the rest of the body. Alpaca guinea pigs are quite compact, with small and neat ears. Their color is very different - from black to golden. In rare cases, even two-colored or three-colored alpacas can be found.

This is the most beautiful breed of long-haired guinea pigs, and it appeared as a result of the crossing of two breeds: sheltie and royal (Rex). Their curly hair grows away from the head. In addition, she cascades all over her back from the parting, framing her head without long hair. Length of hairs can be up to 15 centimeters.

This breed of pigs is a bit like fluffy lumps that you want to pick up. They have beautiful big eyes and small ears in the shape of rose petals. Texel color is quite diverse. Among them, you can even find white guinea pigs.

Such guinea pigs are also called royal in a different way, and all thanks to their beautiful and curly hair. Their head is decorated with a rosette that resembles a crown. The fur is very long, so the owners often have to cut pets in the summer. Their color can be white and gray, as well as combine several shades at the same time.

This breed of pigs has become quite popular due to its appeasable nature, as well as its beautiful appearance. Their wool is very soft and long, therefore it requires constant care. On the sacrum, and also on the nose there are sockets. The muzzle of animals is closed by a long bang.

Peruvian guinea pigs can be one-color and multi-color, but most often their color is silver-gray. They live no more than 6 years and weigh up to 1.5 kilograms.

This is the largest breed of guinea pigs, their weight sometimes reaches 4 kilograms. Most often they are grown for meat. Kui are considered more smooth-haired breeds of pigs, but among them it is worth noting Peruvian animals that are bred as decorative creatures.

This species reproduces poorly, and also has a tendency to various diseases. In addition, they are very aggressive. Almost all Kui have 5 or 6 fingers on their paws, however, this does not bother them at all. Most of them live not very long, within 3 years.

Such animals are characterized by short hair, the length of which does not exceed 3 centimeters.

The fur of these pigs is silky and pleasant to the touch. She fits snugly to her skin. The color of them is quite diverse and can be either monophonic or two-color.

This breed of pigs is different in that it has a tuft on its head. It is located between her ears and eyes. They can be divided into 2 subspecies: English and American. They differ only in color. American guinea pigs are completely monophonic, and on their heads they have a crest of white. English subspecies only monophonic.

This breed of pigs is considered to be smooth coat. However, her fur is not located in one direction, but is collected in separate bunches. On the animal there is no more than 8, but they are all evenly placed on the sides.

Their bodies are muscular and long, but the legs are short and straight. The hair of the Abyssinians is very hard, and does not exceed 3.5 centimeters. It often happens that they suffer from obesity or various heart diseases.

A characteristic feature of this breed of pigs is considered to be a very tough and wavy fur. It all stands upright and looks like a fluff. Rex come in a variety of colors. In addition, they are very fond of small children.

This breed name was due to the incredible similarity with the little cubs. Teddy fur is very soft to the touch. Its length does not exceed 2 centimeters, so it always stands up. Their eyes are large and very expressive. Color teddy pretty diverse. It can be monophonic or two-color, for example, white pig, with black or brown specks.

Despite their similarity to the clumsy bears, these pets are distinguished by their vigor. They love to run and play. At the same time, they do not bite, and show their discontent only with a formidable look. Such handsome men live up to 7 years.

If we talk about English self, this type of pig is considered the oldest of all existing breeds. They differ from their relatives monochromatic color, for example, they can be completely cream or black, lilac or any other color.

Such beauties appeared back in the 20s of the last century in England. If we talk about their description, they have a very short fur and a small compact body. Most often, the color of the eyes and even the paws completely coincides with the color of their body, but also selfies with red eyes are found. In addition, their eyes and ears are very large.

These pigs grow very slowly, and only after 2 years reach the size of an adult animal. Their weight does not exceed 2 kilograms. Such pets are non-aggressive not only towards others, but also among themselves.

Today in the world there are several fairly original breeds of guinea pigs, which are not widely spread.

• Lankaria. This is the youngest species of pigs, which is considered incredibly beautiful, and even exotic. Their fur is curly and uneven, however, if the animal is washed and combed, it will look elegant. Wavy curls are located all over the body, only the muzzle of the pig remains open. Funkyaria may have a different color. They are calm and friendly, live up to 6 years.

• Another not very common type is curly. It is very similar to previous pigs. The only thing is, his fur is a bit shorter and not so shaggy.

• Mini yak. This breed of guinea pigs was born thanks to the crossing of Peruvian and Abyssinian pigs. The result was animals whose hair resembles yak hair a bit. It is tough to the touch, besides it grows to a certain length. On the head of each pig is placed outlet, like a parrot. They can have any color.

• Ridgeback. This breed of pigs appeared quite recently. Their distinguishing feature is the presence of a low ridge on the back, which gives them some aggressiveness. However, by themselves they are friendly and peaceful.

• Himalayans. This breed, like the previous one, is not yet very well known, since it was bred not so long ago. Differs in a white color, with small black or gray specks.

• "Cakes". This affectionate name for mumps received due to its unusual color. The back of the animal is a bit like a chessboard, which consists of white, black and red.

You can not leave aside and these unusual animals. This breed was bred artificially, and has already become very popular, especially among people suffering from allergies. After all, their little body has no wool. To date, there are two breeds of bald pigs: baldweins and skinny.

• Skinny They were born in the 80s of the last century. They do not have hair, only a few hairs on the nose, as well as on the legs. Accordingly, the skin of this breed of pigs is very delicate and velvety. Skinny distinguishes silver, black or even purple. These animals have a great appetite, so they need to be well fed.

• Baldwins. Unlike skinny, this breed of pigs is completely bald. Their skin feels like rubber. At birth, they are covered with hair, but after 2 weeks they become bald.

Before buying these interesting rodents, you need to know everything about them. It is very important to take into account their character, what they eat, how to take care of them. And only after that to determine for itself the most acceptable option.

Quite popular are bald breeds of pigs. But, buying them, it is necessary to take into account the fact that they are very sensitive to temperature extremes, and also require increased attention. In addition, their price will be high. Most often they are chosen by people with allergies or those families that have small children.

Not less rare breeds will be no less beautiful and popular. For example, when buying sleek-haired gilts, a person makes it easier to care for them. Even in these animals more developed immune system. But those who decided to get a long-haired pet should know that they will need to be combed as well, and this takes more time. Yes, and they cost a little more.

Summarizing, we can say that the breeds of guinea pigs are quite diverse. Therefore, you can choose an animal for every taste. But, choosing an animal for yourself, it is also necessary to remember that this pet will require constant attention and care from the person. Only in this case the pet will love and understand its owner, and the owner himself will receive many happy moments, because the guinea pigs are incredibly funny and interesting.

About what a newbie needs to know about guinea pigs, see the next video.