Guinea Pig Breeds

Whilst they all have wonderful affectionate natures the amount of time and care that individual cavy breeds require does vary hugely.

Guinea pig breeds. There are many different types breeds of guinea pig each with their own characteristics colouring and markings. Though there are many different breeds of guinea pigs there are only a few breeds that are commonly used as for pets. The guinea pig was first domesticated as early as 5000 bc for food by tribes in the andean region of south america the present day southern part of colombia ecuador peru and bolivia some thousands of years after the domestication of the south american camelids. Specifically there are 10 popular breeds.

The short haired guinea pig is often called the american or english guinea pig. Types of guinea pig breeds 1. The american guinea pig is the most common breed among the guinea pigs. Pick a type of guinea pig.

They are very loveable and friendly towards children as well. Check out the various guinea pig breeds. Short haired guinea pig pets4homes co uk. Breeds vary widely in appearance and purpose ranging from show breeds with long flowing hair to laboratory breeds being used as model organisms for science from roughly 1200 to 1532 ce the spanish conquest of the inca empire selective breeding by indigenous south american people.

It is the breed that anyone would imagine when the name guinea pig is referred to. Many guinea pigs which you find in the pet shops or rescue centres are a mixture of various breeds. By now you ve probably learned that there are actually several guinea pig breeds to choose from. There are many breeds of guinea pig or cavy which have been developed since its domestication circa 5000 bce.

Guinea pigs are great pets to have and there a several different breeds to choose from. Some guinea pig breeds are typically healthier and less susceptible to illness than others. Guinea pigs that a breeded as pets are found desirable and to be good companions. Breeders have created a lot of different types of guinea pigs by selective breeding to emerge some characteristics or even to avoid it.

Unlike dogs the choice is easier since there are only a few main guinea pig breeds. This isn t a very big problem for experienced keepers but if you are new to guinea pigs you ll certainly want to pick a breed that usually remains healthy and vigorous. Statues dating from circa 500 bc to 500 ad that depict guinea pigs have been unearthed in archaeological digs in peru and ecuador. Some are more common than others such as the abyssinian which is quite a common type of cavy and some like the merino are rarer.

Check out our guide of guinea pig breeds to learn more about physical traits behavior and grooming needs. Guinea pig breeds december 29 2015 in guinea pig genetics auto translated cavies come along in very difficult appearance and behaviour.