How Many Guinea Pig Breeds Are There?

Guinea pigs are one of the best animals to pet and there are so many different breeds to choose from. Each breed comes in a different shape, size, and color but interestingly all of them share similar behaviors. So how many guinea pig breeds are there?

There are 13 most popular guinea pig breeds out there according to the American Cavy Breeder Association and all of them offer great companionship.

Whether you want to introduce a new guinea pig to your existing group or are planning to own one for the first time, this article will be helpful in making the right choice.

What Are the 13 Breeds of Guinea Pigs?

1. Abyssinian Guinea Pig

You might think that the Abyssinian breed is originally from Ethiopia but that’s not the case. No one knows for certain about the origin of this breed. Whatever the reason for this name, these guinea pigs have cowlicks or rosettes all over their skin.

Guinea pigs belonging to this breed are extremely friendly, and your experience of owning one will be very rewarding. They have a very excitable nature making them a perfect fit for all types of owners.

2. American Guinea Pig

It’s the most commonly found breed of guinea pigs and there are 19 different classifications for their colors. They have a silky and short coat which is much more manageable as compared to Abyssinian guinea pigs.

American guinea pigs are very sweet and docile which is why they are the most popular. It’s also a very good option if you want to own a cavi for the first time.

3. Peruvian Guinea Pig

Peruvian guinea pigs come with long and wavy hair. One interesting fact about their hair is that they can grow up to 2 feet long. That’s why owners need to spend a lot of time cutting and grooming it as necessary.

These guinea pigs make inquisitive and alert pets. However, with time when they start trusting you and feel comfortable in your surroundings, they can become very affectionate.

4. Sheltie/Silkie Guinea Pig

Sheltie guinea pigs also have long hair and it’s also very time-consuming to groom them. So, if you want a low-maintenance pet, then this breed won’t suit you the best. But Sheltie is popular because they are the most gentle ones as compared to any other breed.

If you can spare some time to cut and groom their hair, they’ll make perfect pets, especially if you have small kids.

5. Coronet Guinea Pig

The Coronet breed comes with long and flowing manes that give them a unique appearance. Their hair grows backward and these guinea pigs are extremely lovable and sweet. They also demand attention continuously from their owners to groom their fur.

6. Lunkarya Guinea Pig

Lunkarya is a Swedish breed that has a curly and long coat. They are also known as Lunks and have three different variations:

• Lunkarya Coronet
• Lunkarya Sheltie
• Lunkarya Peruvian

It’s not very easy to find this breed outside of Sweden and they also don’t perform well in warmer climates.

7. Rex Guinea Pig

This breed looks more like a chinchilla and it comes with wool-like short fur which makes it easy to maintain. These guinea pigs like being handled for a longer period of time as compared to other breeds but you must not squeeze them too tightly.

8. Baldwin Guinea Pig

This breed has hair on the head by birth but they shed it gradually and with time only a few whiskers remain. It makes these guinea pigs extremely easy to groom but at the same time they look like a tiny hippo.

The lack of hair also means that you’ll need to keep them in warm climates. The owners of Baldwin guinea pigs also need to be more cautious and that’s why this breed is suited best for experienced owners.

9. Alpaca Guinea Pig

Although the fur of the Alpaca breed isn’t too long it’s extremely coarse and dense. You’ll need to detangle it by brushing every single day which means that the Alpaca breed will need as much grooming as Peruvian and the other long-haired breeds.

10. Texel Guinea Pig

The Texel breed is known to be the mix between Rexes and Shelties and comes with matted and dense fur. It can be very difficult to groom and maintain these piggies and you’ll need to set aside some time daily to do so.

Texel is a British breed and it’s also known as a show guinea pig. Not many people keep them as pets.

11. Teddy Guinea Pig

As the name implies, this breed resembles a teddy bear. These guinea pigs are extremely playful, active, and loving. They come with a short coat and need less maintenance. It’s the best breed to opt for if you want to add a guinea pig to your already owned group.

12. Skinny Guinea Pig (Skinny Pig)

It’s another hairless breed that only has a few fur tufts on its face and back. Skinny guinea pigs also can’t handle extreme temperatures and they are also very prone to skin infections and cuts. That’s why they also need an experienced owner with an extra pair of eyes to take care of them properly.

13. White Crested Guinea Pig

White Crested is a crowd-pleaser, full of fun, and an extremely cute breed. They have a unique appearance and can easily be identified because of their while crown above the head. This breed comes with short and smooth hair and resembles the American breed which means it’s also easy to maintain.

What Is the Rarest Guinea Pig Breed?

The White Crested is considered to be the rarest guinea pigs breed. They come in multiple colors such as black, brown, grey, and a combination of all these. All of them have a white crown above their heads.

Which Guinea Pig Breed Is the Most Common?

The American is known to be the most common guinea pig breed. It’s well-known for getting along with any other breed easily and also has a great temperament. Better yet, their short and silky coat also makes them easy to groom and maintain.

What Type of Guinea Pig Should I Get as a Beginner?

The American or Abyssinian is the best option if you want to get guinea pigs for the first time. The first option is very easy to maintain and the latter one is known as the friendliest of the bunch.

Summary

There you have it. 13 different breeds of guinea pigs and you can choose the one that suits you the best. Choosing a breed is a matter of your personal preference and we hope the characteristics that we have discussed above will allow you to make the right decision.