by Angie Pollock

Created on: May 20, 2009

The Cavy Breeders Association and the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) both recognize 13 breeds of guinea pigs as show animals. Although there are differences in each breed, there are several traits that are desirable of all cavies. The breed you desire for either show or as a pet will depend upon what characteristics you prefer. Some guinea pigs have long, silky coats while others have short, dense fur. The thirteen breeds include the Abyssinian, Abyssinian Satin, American, American Satin, Coronet, Peruvian, Peruvian Satin, Silkie, Silkie Satin, Teddy, Teddy Satin, Texel, and White Crested.

Abyssinian and Abyssinian Satin

The Abyssinian has a harsh coat with symmetrical patterns of "rosettes" in the coat. For show, the coat must have eight of these rosettes with ten being preferred. The Abyssinian Satin has this same pattern but the fur has a vibrant sheen.

American and American Satin

With a smooth, short, and sleek coat, the American cavy is the most popular of all guinea pig breeds. When first recognized as a breed by ARBA, the American was known as the English Cavy. The American cavy can be found in a variety of coat colors. The American Satin has the same body characteristics as the American but the coat has that satiny sheen.

Coronet

The Coronet has a trademark crest on the center of the forehead or a rosette. The coat is long and dense and flows down each side of the body.

Peruvian and Peruvian Satin

The first long-hair cavy to be recognized, the Peruvian has a topknot or "frontal" that grows forward which typically covers the guinea pig's head. The long coat grows in sweeps and when properly groomed, it can be difficult differentiating the front of the cavy from the back. The Peruvian Satin carries the same trademark coat as the Peruvian except the coat has a glossy sheen.

Silkie and Silkie Satin

Sometimes referred to as the Sheltie, the Silkie has a long coat that grows backwards from the head. Unlike the Peruvian, the coat on the Silkie doesn't part naturally but like the Peruvian requires regular grooming. Once called the Angora cavy, the Silkie has a flowing coat that sweeps back over the body. The Silkie Satin has this same sinuous coat but with a vibrant luster.

Teddy and Teddy Satin

The Teddy cavy breed has a coat similar to the American that is dense and even. The hair shafts are bent resulting in a coat that stands erect over the entire body. The coat is referred to as resilient meaning it reverts to

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