Teddy Guinea Pig

Teddy Satin Guinea Pig

Family: Caviidae Cavia porcellusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Jess

  True to its name, the Teddy Guinea Pig looks something like a stuffed animal!

  The Teddy Guinea Pig's most distinctive feature is its dense, wiry coat. Despite the 'wiry' description, the coat may be either soft or rough to the touch. This coat overlaid on it's rounded guinea pig shape make it truly look like a 'teddy bear'.

  There is no need to worry about the Teddy's coat matting, but regular brushing is important. You need to remove any debris that becomes trapped so that it will not irritate the skin. This is the primary grooming concern for Teddy owners, and care is otherwise easy.

These cuddly little critters make great companions. The Teddy Guinea Pigs are curious, fun-loving creatures, and they make good pets for kids. They are natural entertainers that love attention.

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

Background:

   The Teddy Guinea Pig is the result of a genetic mutation. It was later bred competitively, and the Teddy became a recognized breed in 1978. Teddies are now fairly common and quite popular. Today they can be found in many pet stores.

Description:

  The Teddy's coat is unlike that of any other Guinea pig. It is short, dense and fuzzy, and should have no rosettes. Some are soft in texture, while others are similar to a Brillo pad. Both textures are acceptable according to breed standards, but some say that the rougher coat is favored by most judges.
   Teddy Guinea Pigs are shorter in length than most other breeds. They have the same so-called Roman nose as the American Guinea Pig. This simply means that their noses are wide and curved.
   Satin Teddies are less common than the standard Teddy, but they are growing in popularity. They feature a shinier coat and are recognized by the ACBA.

Color differences:

   The Teddy Guinea Pig may be found in any of the standard Guinea pig colors. Agouti patterns are common in this breed.

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:

  Teddy Guinea Pigs usually sell for $20 to $30. They are often available in pet shops, and many breeders sell them as well.
   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

• Animal-World References: Small Animals and Pets
• “Guinea Pig”,Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
• “Guinea Pig Breeds”,Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
• "Guinea Pig Breeds", Guinea Pigs Club Malta, Copyright 2006-2008
• Sanford, Cindy, "Evaluating the Teddy", Copyright JACBA
• Holly Nash, DVM, MS, "Breeds and Colors of the Guinea Pig", Pet Education, 1997-2008
  http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1800&aid=2838

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