Peruvian Guinea Pig

   A most notable Peruvian Guinea Pig can have hair length that reaches 20″ or more!

  The Peruvian Guinea Pig is generally obtained as a show animal. It has long, flowing hair that makes it a favorite of show judges. Its tresses require extra care, but their beauty is beyond compare.

  Peruvian Guinea Pigs have the trademark guinea pig personality: Curious, fun-loving and alert. The biggest concern when keeping them as pets is the extensive grooming required. Those who do not plan to show them often remedy this by keeping their hair trimmed to a length that won’t tangle or get dirty so easily.

   There’s no denying that the Peruvian is harder to care for than its short-haired counterparts, and therefore might not be a good choice for young children. But they make wonderful companions for adults and older, responsible kids. For a first guinea pig, a hardier breed that requires less maintenance would be a better choice.

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

Background:

  Selective breeding of Guinea pigs began around the year 1200. Originally bred for food, the focus shifted to producing suitable pets and show animals around the 15th century. The Peruvian is one of the original three breeds recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association.

Description:

   The Peruvian has long hair all over its body. Its topcoat can grow up to 2 feet long, while its undercoat usually grows no longer than 7 inches. The hair parts naturally straight down the spine. Peruvians that are to be shown must have two rosettes on each side of the rump, and their hair should fan out so that it is difficult to tell the back from the front.
   The Peruvian Satin also has long hair, but its coat is denser and glossier. It is recognized as a separate breed by the ACBA.

Color differences:

   The Peruvian comes in numerous colors. Tricolor is considered by many to be the most desirable, but the bicolor and single color (known as Self) is also quite stunning.

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:

   Peruvian Guinea Pigs are pretty easy to find in most areas. Prices run around $20 to $30.
   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

: Lianne McLeod, DVM, “Guinea Pig Breed Guide- Peruvian Guinea Pig“, About, Inc., Copyright 2008
Holly Nash, DVM, MS, “Guinea Pigs: Breeds and Colors“, Foster and Smith, Inc., Copyright 1997-2008
“Peruvian“, Omlet, Copyright 2004
Sandler, Carol, “Cavy Standard Changes- The First 25 Years“, American Cavy Breeders
“Guinea Pig Breed“,Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
“Guinea Pig“,Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Featured Image Credit: lino9999, Pixabay