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Guinea PigsAmerican Guinea Pig, American Satin Guinea PigFamily: Caviidae Cavia porcellusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Shirley CrosbieLatest Reader Comment - See More thanks nm123 The fabulous docile "Guinea Pig" is neither a pig nor is it from Guinea!American Guinea Pig Contents The Guinea pigs we have as pets today are descendents of the Tschudi Guinea Pig from South America. Guinea pigs make great pets and they very rarely bite. They are inexpensive and have lovable personalities. Guinea Pigs can live 8 to 10 years and are easy to house and feed. They also tend to be hardy little animals and don't contract diseases very easily. These are relatively small animals, though through selective breeding a variety of different strains of have been developed. Guinea pigs come in sizes ranging from pets as small as a rat up to pets as big as a small dog. They also come in a variety of colors and hair styles. The American Guinea Pig is the most common breed of Guinea pig! If you're looking for a pet with a sweet and clownish personality that is easy to care for, the American Guinea Pig fits that description perfectly. Americans are quite entertaining, and they respond well to handling. They also tend to get along well with other Guinea pigs. See Baby Guinea Pigs below!
Background: The American is the oldest breed of Guinea pig. It is believed to have been first domesticated around 5000 BC in the Andes. It wasn't until the 1500s that humans began to selectively breed Guinea pigs, creating several different varieties. The short-haired breed was originally known as the English Guinea Pig, and in some countries it is still called by that name. The American Cavy Breeders Association began calling them Americans in the 1960s. Description: The American has a short, smooth coat. It has no curl and can come in a variety of colors. The American Satin is identical to the American, except its coat is fine, dense and extra shiny. It is a newer breed, only recently having gained recognition from the ACBA. Color differences: The American Guinea Pig can be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and any of the nineteen Guinea pig colors are acceptable for showing. Satins are normally found in Self (single color), although they may also sport various patterns GUINEA PIG CARE
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. Availability/Purchasing your Guinea Pig:
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