16 ADORABLE GUINEA PIG BREEDS YOU SHOULD KNOW

When most people think of guinea pigs, they think of…guinea pigs. 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 16 of these breeds are commonly kept as pets, so you may have never seen some of the animals mentioned on this list. Still, if you’d like to be introduced to every different type of guinea pig there is, the following list will help you meet each member of this rodent family.

(1) ABYSSINIAN GUINEA PIG

The Abyssinian gets its name from…who knows, really? You’d think it would mean that the breed originally came from Ethiopia, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Whatever the reason for their name, these rodents are known for having “rosettes,” or cowlicks, all over their fur, giving them a perpetual case of bedhead. Keeping an Abyssinian can be extremely rewarding for experienced owners, but the breed’s excitable nature makes them a poor fit for first-time owners.

(2) AMERICAN GUINEA PIG

The American is the most commonly-owned type of guinea pig, and they come in 19 different color classifications. Their coats are short and silky (and much more manageable than the Abyssinians’ coats).

These guinea pigs are very sweet and docile, which explains their popularity. If you’re just starting out as an owner, the American is a good breed to learn on.

(3) PERUVIAN GUINEA PIG

Peruvians have long, wavy hair that makes them look like they spend their spare time fronting a “Flock of Seagulls” cover band. The hair can grow up to 2 feet long, so you’ll need to spend a lot of time grooming it and cutting it as necessary.

These animals make alert and inquisitive pets, but they can become quite affectionate once they learn to trust you.

(4) SHELTIE/ SILKIE GUINEA PIG

Like Peruvians, Shelties also have long hair, except theirs only grows backward. They are a pain to the groom as a result, so they’re not ideal for anyone wanting a low-maintenance pet.

However, they’re also generally considered the most gentle and easygoing of all the guinea pig breeds, making them an excellent option for families with small children.

(5) SHEBA GUINEA PIG

Shebas take the crown for best facial hair, as they have long muttonchops that frame their faces, giving them the appearance of a Civil War general having a bad hair day. However, unlike some of the other long-haired breeds on this list, their fur grows slowly and requires little maintenance.

This breed originated in Australia and is believed to be a mix of the Abyssinian and Peruvian. However, they’re generally not recognized by official boards like the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

(6) CORONET GUINEA PIG

Coronets have long, flowing manes that grow backward down their bodies. These rodents are extremely sweet and lovable, and they will constantly demand attention from their owners (which gives you plenty of opportunities to groom that fur).

(7) LUNKARYA GUINEA PIG

This Swedish breed boasts a long, curly coat that gives it a mop-like appearance (and you can set it loose on your wood floors to have your very own low-tech Roomba). Lunkaryas, or “Lunks,” has three different variations within the breed: Lunkarya Peruvian, Lunkarya Sheltie, and Lunkarya Coronet.

These animals aren’t normally found outside of Sweden, and they fare poorly in warmer climates due to all that hair.

(8) HIMALAYAN GUINEA PIG

The Himalayan Guinea Pig is a short-haired guinea pig. By far this breed’s most distinct feature is its red eyes and white coat, giving it a very unique appearance. These cavies have a short, smooth coat that’s quite easy to groom.

The name “Himalayan” suggests that this breed hails from the Himalayas mountain range, but that’s not actually the case. Just like other breeds, their ancestors are from the Andes mountains in South America.

The Himalayan Guinea Pig’s temperament is affectionate. They’re very receptive to touch and love being handled, petted, and trained. They also get along well with other piggies. They have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

(9) REX GUINEA PIG

The Rex looks more like a chinchilla than a guinea pig, as it has short, wool-like fur that’s much easier to manage than some of the long-haired breeds shown here.

This breed enjoys being handled, so if you like being affectionate towards your pets, it’s one of the better guinea pig options. Just resist the urge to squeeze them too tightly.

(10) ALPACA GUINEA PIG

The Alpaca’s fur isn’t long, but it’s extremely dense and coarse. You’ll need to brush it every day and de-tangle it regularly, so this breed requires just about as much grooming as long-haired breeds like the Peruvian.

These rodents can live up to 8 years, which gives you lots of time with your pet—but also means you’ll be spending a considerable amount of your life brushing a guinea pig.

(11) TEXEL GUINEA PIG

Texels are a mix between Shelties and Rexes, and they have dense, matted fur that can be a beast to maintain. Tangles are common, so expect to carve out some time every day to brush out their coats.

This British breed is known for its dominance as a show guinea pig, but they’re less commonly kept as pets.

(12) MERINO GUINEA PIG

The Merino guinea pig is a close relative to the Texel Guinea Pig. They both have a long, curly coat, but the Merino is characterized by a crest on its head, giving them a distinct appearance.

The name “Merino” most likely comes from a sheep breed in Northern Africa. It’s easy to see why, their curly coat kind of make them resemble sheep!

These piggies are often described as being calm and loving. They can form strong bonds with their owners and are easygoing. Like other long-haired breeds, the Merino does require quite a bit of grooming.

(13) TEDDY GUINEA PIG

The Teddy gets its name due to the fact it resembles a teddy bear, and these plush guinea pigs are extremely loving and playful. They have short coats that only require periodic maintenance, and they tend to be social towards other guinea pigs.

(14) CRESTED GUINEA PIG

There are 3 types of Crested Guinea Pigs: The White Crested, American Crested, and English Crested. These 3 types have much in common, the only differences between them are in their crown and markings. They’re all characterized by the interesting-looking coronet on their head.

The Crested Guinea pig is a short-haired breed, making them ideal for people who do not want to spend too much time grooming.

These little critters are very friendly and are often described as docile and calm. However, they can also be a little bit shy, especially when you first get them. With enough time and love, they’ll come out of their shell and show their highly affectionate true nature.

(15) BALDWIN GUINEA PIG

The Baldwin is born with a full head of hair, but they gradually shed it over time until just a few whiskers on their face remain. That makes them very easy to groom, but it also gives them the appearance of a tiny hippopotamus.

Their lack of hair means they need to be kept warm, as they don’t have much natural insulation, but they should also be kept out of direct sunlight. All in all, the Baldwin is probably best left to experienced guinea pig owners only.

(16) SKINNY GUINEA PIG

Another hairless variety, the Skinny has a few tufts of fur on its back and face. All that exposed skin needs lots of TLC, as they can’t handle extreme temperatures, and they’re very prone to cuts and skin infections.

You’ll save time on grooming, of course, but some of that will need to be spent finding them a suitable blanket.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you’re in the market for a new pet, a guinea pig makes an excellent choice—but which of the 16 breeds should you choose? They’re all fantastic animals, and many have distinctive looks and behaviors, so ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Still, it’s hard to resist bringing home a Baldwin and telling your kids you bought them a baby hippo, isn’t it?