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Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Abyssinian Satin Guinea Pig

Family: CaviidaeCavia porcellusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Pig Podge

   You may think the Abyssinian Guinea Pig is having a 'bad hair day', but it is the unique coat that makes this guinea pig stand out!

   The Abyssinian Guinea Pig has quite the distinctive look. They have a fur pattern consisting of 8 to 10 hair whorls, called rosettes. You could say that they always look like they're having a bad hair day, but that is just part of their charm.

   Despite the wild patterning of their coat they tend to keep themselves clean, and they require minimal care. The Abyssinian is often kept as a pet. Many become pets due to the difficulty of finding ones that are suitable for showing.

   Abyssinians are great pets for children, or adults who are first-time guinea pig owners. This breed is known for being rather mischievous. But its friendly personality and tendency to clown around more than make up for any trouble it gets into. They can learn to come when called and get into their cages unassisted. Some can even learn to sit on command.

Guinea Pig Information - Guinea Pig Care
Guide to a Happy Healthy Guinea Pig

Geographic Distribution Cavia porcellus Data provided by GBIF.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Caviidae

Background:    It is believed that Guinea Pigs were first domesticated as early as 5000 BC to be used as food. Selective breeding began around 1200 AD. They subsequently became coveted as pets by the upper classes and eventually made their way into the homes of the common man.
   Abyssinian Guinea Pigs were among the first breeds to be recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association. The breed has since improved significantly.

Description:    The most recognizable trait of the Abyssinian Guinea Pig is its rosettes. These are cowlicked patches of hair that cover most of the animal's body. Ideally, the Abyssinian should have one rosette on each shoulder, four across its back, one on each hip, and two on the rump, for a total of ten. However, Abyssinians with at least eight rosettes are eligible for showing as long as the pattern is symmetrical.
   The Abyssinian Satin Guinea Pig has particularly silky, shiny hair. It is very fine and dense, and enhances the entensity of their colors.

Color differences:    The Abyssinian Guinea Pig can be found in a wide variety of colors. The agouti coloring is particularly stunning on this breed due to its rosettes.

Keeping Guinea Pigs:

   Be sure to provide your guinea pig with a good home and a proper diet. This will keep it happy and healthy and ensure a great pet for a long time.

   Guinea pigs need plenty of exercise and they also love to play. You can let them outside or run around in the house for short periods of time under supervision. They love to explore and need at least one hour of supervised 'floor time' every day.

   When picking up a guinea pig make sure you do not grab it only by its shoulders. Just keep in mind when picking your pet up to do it evenly. With your hands, support it's entire body, and be careful not to drop it.

   Guinea pigs are social creatures and will like to have a companion. They are great companions for children.

   Take time to learn what your guinea pig needs, including:

• housing
• care and feeding
• social behaviors
• activies
• handling and training
• breeding guinea pigs
• baby guinea pigs.

Availability:    Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are fairly common among breeders, and may be found in pet stores. Prices vary.
   Guinea Pigs come in many varieties and are readily available at pet stores, shelters, and rescues. When looking to acquire a pet guinea pig make sure it is a healthy animal. A healthy guinea pig will have brilliant eyes, good sound teeth, and a healthy coat. Any age and either sex will make a good pet, however you should plan to get more than one as they are very social and do best with a companion. Get a same sex pair or you could end up having babies.

References "Guinea Pig Breed Guide- Abyssinian Guinea Pig", About, Inc., Copyright 2008
Sherwood, Rena, "All About Abyssinian Guinea Pigs", Hubpages Inc., Copyright 2008
Sadler, Carol, "A March Through ACBA History", Copyright JACBA
"Abyssinian", Omlet, Copyright 2004
"Guinea Pig Breed",Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Guinea Pig",Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Lastest Comments on Abyssinian Guinea Pig View all 23 comments on Abyssinian Guinea Pig Add Your Comment

Robin - 2011-08-28 Not that I care but What breed of Guinea Pigs have the least or fewest health concerns? Click For Replies (2) Toby Jungle - 2011-08-29 Given reliable breeder and good care they are all pretty hardy little things. Anonymous - 2011-11-25 American Breeds are really good. Reply

Treyton - 2011-01-01 Hi there I got an Abyssinian guinea pig thursday and love him! He is very talkative and loves to play but how do I know if he likes me or is ok to me? Please answer my question! Click For Replies (2) Lydia Weltha - 2011-06-30 He Likes You And Your Habitat. If He's Not Very Active He Might Be Sick. carmelo - 2011-09-18 If your guinea pig likes you when you're trying to handle him he`ll not run away and if you want him to like you put him in your lap and feed him....... Reply

Robin - 2011-08-28 Am getting a GUINEA PIG SOON! But am not sure what breed to buy.....HELP PLEASE! Click For Replies (1) Toby Jungle - 2011-08-29 Every owner will tell you the one they have if they love it. You will know - the little guy will pick you. He will be the one that chews gently on your chin or finger. He wil be the one that comes on over. He will be the one that fits just so under your neck and will look you straight in the eyes and say "take me home " in guinea pig talk. Get the one that picks you. If you have to start the ball rolling somehow. start with what your moved by in the photos on Animal World on Guinea Pigs and then find one and let him pick you. Reply

bubblesg - 2011-08-26 Me and my husband adopted our first AB piggy, from my aunt, about a month ago. He named him Choyi. Choyi is the sweetest pet I could've asked for. He's increadibly talkative.. he gives kisses when he's really happy, he'll beg to be picked up n then starts purring. He is soo affectionate and active. He loves to roam around our living room and jump on my niece and I could watch him forever. And it's so sweet sometimes he likes to be hand fed, especially carrots and timothy hay. i just love him. Click For Replies (1) Toby Jungle - 2011-08-26 Glad you're having fun with him Reply

Annie - 2010-07-28 I have two guinea pigs Reeses and Pumpkin and they are the most adorable pets ever! Reees is a Abyssinian and definitely likes to get herself into things while Pumpkin is a Peruvian and much more laid back and likes to be brushed! Overall they are my girls and I could not ask for better pets! Click For Replies (1) Lydia Weltha - 2011-06-30 Well the Peruvian Pumpkin might be sick. Reply

ayien - 2010-06-16 Hi. I just got a new AB after my first died. And now I'm very careful in taking care of it because I'm so scared that it will also die like my old piggie (until today I don't know why) I just got it for a month and it die, then I buy this little cutie again and I don't want same things happen to her. I've ask my friends that also adopt a piggie, but they also can't explain it. I need a really helpful tips to make sure I will successful on taking care of my new piggie baby. tq Click For Replies (2) daniel williams - 2010-12-21 How old was your piggie? They can all die of old age they are just rodents they usually have a life span of anywhere between 7 to ten years it is very smart to have another little piggie in the same cage. Guinea pigs are very social and can be stressed or lonely and maybe die it might have been the food they need lots of vitamian c. It probably did not die from the cage but it is also smart to have a large cage with lots of running room with a shelter like one made of plastic that can be bought at a local pet store. They also need toys to chew on like wooden ones also bought at a pet store because you would want the small pet prefered kind so that you will know the wood will be clean because usually people will think to just throw pencil in there but a wooden pencil has lead which could kill your next pig. Hope you have a fun time with your new one. Lydia Weltha - 2011-06-30 Observe them and see if they are active the more active that means it is very healthy. Reply

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