9 Long Haired Guinea Pig Breeds with Amazing Manes. People often think of guinea pigs as having a short, common American breed. Unbeknownst to most, there are many breeds of guinea pigs. They come in different sizes and shapes. The long-haired guinea pig breeds require grooming, which is something most people don’t know.
Guinea Pigs with Long Hair
The length of long-haired guinea porcs’ locks can vary. For example, Peruvian guinea pigs can have hair as long as twenty-two inches if they are left untrimmed.
Long haired GPs need to be trimmed and groomed regularly. Many owners choose to trim their hair or opt for a shorter-haired version.
Guinea pigs can feel very uncomfortable if they have their hair cut too short. This can cause them to lose their vision and make it difficult for them to move around.
If you are considering adopting one of these cute rodents as your pet, make sure you have a proper cage that includes guinea-pig supplies like water, food dishes, food, and bedding. To brush your long-haired Guinea Pig daily, you should get a soft-bristled or wide-toothed brush.
Although all guinea-pig breeds share a mane-like appearance, each one is unique. These adorable pocket pets are just a few facts:
While grooming guinea pigs’ hair can be time-consuming, owners of long-haired breeds are fond of it. The GPs also enjoy the attention. It is clear that a well-groomed, long-haired guinea-pig show winner is a magnificent beast.
The long haired guinea pig breeds include:
- Coronet
- Lunkyara
- Peruvian
- Sheltie
- Silkie
- Texel
Long Haired Abyssinian Guinea Pig
These guinea-pigs are originally from South America and have a rough-textured, spiky, almost 2 inch long coat. The rosettes are made up of eight rosettes and are usually paired with swirls or cowlicks that run across the body.
There are many colors and styles available for their hair, including solid, roan and tortoiseshell. Abyssinians can be affectionate and outgoing, but they can also get into trouble if they are too curious. They are great guinea-pigs for first-time families.
Long Haired Peruvian Guinea Pig
The Peruvian has very long straight hair, which is more difficult to maintain than the shorter-haired guinea pig breeds. Their hair can grow up to 24 inches long and requires frequent grooming.
Peruvians were once called Angora guinea pigs. Their hair hangs above their foreheads like bangs. It may also grow long enough to cover the eyes.
Their hair falls down at their spines and their coats are parted down the back. Their hair is usually arranged in two rosettes: one where the hair extends forward and the other where it extends backward. Peruvians are close to their owners and often the most engaged and alert of all the guinea-pig breeds.
Long Haired Texel Guinea Pig
Originally from England, Texels are also known as Curlies. They have large heads and stout bodies. Their thick, soft fur is curled all over their bodies (including their stomachs) and often ends up in the middle.
They have shorter hair, and their heads may have shorter curls. Texels are a long-haired breed that requires a lot of daily brushing due to their long ringlets. This breed is not recommended for children or busy adults.
Long Haired Silkie Guinea Pig
This breed of guineapig is also known as Shelties. It’s also called Silkie due to its silky, shiny, long hair. The Silkie’s coat is different from other long-haired guineapig breeds. It is not arranged in rosettes or parted.
It swoops backwards, almost like it’s slicked down, away from its face, creating a teardrop-shaped body. Even though they can be shy at first, Silkies can become gentle and easy-going pets.
As long as their hair is kept clean and free from knotting and debris, Silkies make great family pets.
Long Haired Coronet Guinea Pig
The Coronet, also known as the English guineapig, is similar to the Silkie’s silky coat. Their bodies are covered in smooth hair that grows backwards. The Coronet however has a coronet (or rosette) of hair at the center of its heads, which is not the Silkie. Their hair is not tied. Coronets are affectionate and curious and make great companions.
Long Haired Lunkarya Guinea Pig
Sometimes called the “Lunk,” this Lunkarya is a native of Sweden. It is rare to see it in the United States. The Lunk is a long-haired, thick, curly, rough-textured and dense. It cannot be combed straight.
There are three types of Lunkarya Peruvians: one with a distinctive forelock, the other with hair flowing back over the body and the third, the Lunkarya Sheltie, which has hair that crests its forehead.
Long Haired Sheba Guinea Pig
The Sheba miniyak, also known as Sheba, is an Australian breed with a large body and a thick, tousled coat. Similar to the Abyssinian or Peruvian, their dense hair is styled in rosettes.
Their square-shaped heads are accentuated by their hair that is arranged around their sides, giving them the appearance of having mutton-chop whiskers. If someone is willing to take the time to groom them daily, they are friendly and intelligent and would make a great family pet.
Long Haired Alpaca Guinea Pig
These guinea-pigs are also known as the English Peruvian, boucle and curly-coated Coronet. Their hair is similar to the camel-like Alpaca’s coarse, wavy hair. Every strand of hair is different in color, from the root to the end.
A rosette of hair is also found on their foreheads. Because of their thick hair, they need to be kept inside. Otherwise they can overheat in the heat. Alpacas require daily brushing and detangling because of their thick hair.
Long Haired Merino Guinea Pig
The Merino, also known as the English Merino or the Merino Peruvian has a curly hair like a Texel. Their hair falls short on their large heads and is styled in a crest-type roset right above their eyes and between their ears. They are gentle and sweet, making them great pets.
Although the appearance and personality of different long-haired breeds can vary, their long hairs need to be maintained in good health. If you are considering bringing one of these beautiful piggies home, make sure that your schedule allows for extra brushing and care.
Which Guinea Pig Should I Select?
Guinea pigs are great pets regardless of gender. Finding the right combination is key. To avoid unwanted litters, guinea-pig owners should have new additions of the same sex or neutered if they already have them.
So that they don’t need to be neutered, it’s best to keep your guinea-pigs in the same gender combinations. A guinea pig can be stressed and dangerously ill from any operation.
New Guinea Pigs
If you are homing more Guinea Pigs, it is a good idea to avoid introducing females to unneutered boars. These sows are at high risk of becoming pregnant as their hip bones can harden by this time. This makes it more difficult for them to give pups and can even prove fatal.
You must be 100% sure of the gender of each guinea-pig involved.
A popular option is an all-female group guinea pigs. This group will have very few conflicts or problems. They are also a popular choice for all-male groups.
After a little jostling to establish the hierarchy, they will get along just fine. It’s great if they come from the same litter. They will already have established their pecking order.
This Guide has more information on how to introduce guinea-pigs.
Do I adopt or buy a Guinea Pig?
Every State has hundreds of guinea-pigs that are waiting for their forever homes in pet shelters. It is not necessary to be concerned about getting a pet from a sanctuary.
The animals will be well cared for and the shelter will have lots of information about the lodgers. It’s very heartbreaking to think about all the homeless and unwanted guinea-pigs out there.
Guinea pigs can be shy at first, but they are very docile and can be a bit timid. This is not a problem for shelters – it’s just part of the GP personality. Don’t be intimidated by shy guinea pigs in pet rescue centres. After receiving your affection and love, the shyness of the GPs will fade quickly.
You should ensure that you purchase your guinea-pig from a trusted supplier if you choose to adopt from a breeder or pet shop. Although mainstream pet shops are fine, it is important to research any potential breeders before you approach them.
You may be dealing with guinea-pig farms. These farms mistreat their animals, causing sows to have litters too frequently and early. These guinea-pigs are not only unhealthy but also unlikely to live very long.
How to Choose Healthy Guinea Pigs
You need to make sure that your guinea-pigs are healthy before you buy them. There are many clues you can look out for.
When checking if a Guinea Pig is healthy, there are certain things you should look out for
- You can check the movements of the guinea-pig
Is the guinea-pig able to move freely and comfortably? Be aware of guinea porcs that move jerkily or hop. - Be sure to check the conditions in which the guinea Pig is kept.
Are the GP’s kept clean and healthy? Are there enough food, water, and space for the GP? - Examine the droppings of guinea-pigs.
Do they look solid? This is a good sign. It could indicate poor health if your droppings are discolored or wet. - Take the guinea-pig out of its cage and inspect it.
When you inspect your guinea, it is important to be gentle. If you aren’t confident in handling your guinea pig, ask the shelter staff or breeder to help you. If the guinea pig attempts to flee from you, don’t worry. This is normal behavior if it has never seen you before. - Place one hand underneath the GP’s stomach and support its hindquarters with your other hand. You can hold it with one hand and support its backside with your other. Take a close look at the animal. Are its eyes bright and shining? Are its coat shiny and full? Are its feet in good shape? Your guinea pig will be in good health if it is.
Give your pet a quick health check before you pick it up.
Make sure that you know the gender of your guinea-pig before you take it home. Sometimes, an unprofessional storekeeper or supplier will sell you the wrong type. Ask the seller to tell you if the animal is a male or a female. A female guinea pig will have nipples running along her stomach.