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Animal-World > Small Animal Pets > Guinea Pig Breeds > Silkie Guinea Pig
Silkie Guinea Pig
Care Parameters
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Guinea Pig Breeds Index

Silkie Guinea Pig

Sheltie Guinea Pig ~ Silkie Satin Guinea Pig

Family: Caviidae Silkie (Sheltie) Guinea Pig, Guinea Pig PicturesCavia porcellusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Pig Podge
Latest Reader Comment - See More
how long do they live?  hannah

   The coat of the beautiful Silkie Guinea Pig sweeps back over its body like a cloak!

Contents

  The Silkie is an attractive long-haired Guinea pig. It is popular as a pet, and even more popular on the show table. Silkies have lovely locks unlike any other guinea pig.

  Their hair is very soft and shiny. Show Silkies are a sight to behold. It's hard to resist petting a Silkie!

This breed is rather high-maintenance, so it is probably not the best choice for a young child. Even adults who keep Silkies as pets will often trim their hair to keep from having to groom constantly. With their good looks and sparkling guinea pig personalities, they make a fine choice for a dedicated owner.

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


Scientific Classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Rodentia
  • Family: Caviidae
  • Genus: Cavia
  • Species: porcellus

Background:

  The Silkie Guinea Pig is a rather new variety of Guinea pig. Developed in the 1970s, it is the result of crossing between the Peruvian and the Self Black Guinea Pig. Its unique look caused it to gain popularity quickly, and today it is a fairly common breed.
   It was recognized in Great Britian in 1973, where it is known by the name of Sheltie Guinea Pig. In the United States it is known as the Silkie.

Description:

  To the casual observer, the Silkie Guinea Pig is often confused with the Peruvian. While both breeds have long hair, there are many differences between the two.
   The Silkie's hair is slightly shorter than that of the Peruvian, and it falls in a different pattern. The hair grows back from the neck, resembling a mane and leaving the face uncovered. The hair is usually slightly longer at the rear. From above, the Silkie appears to have a teardrop shape.
   Silkies can also be found in Satin coats, which are the same as the regular Silkie coat only denser and shinier. Silkie Satins are recognized by the ACBA.

Color differences:

  Like the other breeds of guinea pigs, Silkie Guinea Pigs come in a variety of colors. Any color except tan are acceptable for showing.

Keeping Guinea Pigs:

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.

   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:

   Silkies may be somewhat harder to find than some other breeds. But they can often be located in pet stores, and breeders may be found online. Prices are usually $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

Lastest Animal Stories on Silkie Guinea Pig


hannah - 2016-06-01
how long do they live?

Reply
Emma - 2016-05-18
Where did you find this picture? it looks EXACTLY like my guinea pig. I'm not mad. Just curious.

  • Clarice Brough - 2016-05-25
    Well, this picture was contributed to us by Pig Podge way back in 2007. Here name is Latte, and unfortunately guinea pigs have short lifespan of only 4 - 8 years. Here's what Pig Podge told us about Latte, 'This is Latte the abyssinian guinea pig. She is very skittish but sweet. She can be nippy but i love her anyways! She is about 8 months old and lives with Mocha the Silky.shelty.'
Reply
connie - 2016-05-15
I'm looking for a female silkie or sheltie guinea pig. I have another female and want a companion for her.

Reply
victoria - 2015-07-02
My guinea pig olive is also a silkie. She is calico and very shy and sweet.she is very shy around my other older female guinea pig. Is there something I'm doing wrong while introducing them? Ive put there cages next to eachother and they run around on the same floor together but whenever my older female tries to sniff or play with my silkie female she shys away and goes in her little igloo. My older female is 7 months and my younger one is 10 weeks . Is it too much of an age gap? Or is it starting to become agressive behavior? Its very hard to tell because I think its my older one just getting excited and then scaring the little one away cos shes never had a friend before.

  • Clarice Brough - 2015-07-09
    Guinea pigs are very social. They like, and need, companionship. It sounds like you've done a great job at getting them used to each other, but like you say, the younger one is just shy. If there is aggression going on, you will see things like raised fur or yawning, which can be barring teeth, but it doesn't sound like that is happening.  It is probably just a matter of time for them to get along comfortably in a shared space. Try creating individual areas for each, like adding two or more hides, so that each one can have its own place to retreat.
Reply
connie - 2016-05-15
I'm looking for a female silkie or sheltie guinea pig. I have another female and want a companion for her.

Reply
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