Breeds
The Following 13 breeds of Cavies are sanctioned by the ARBA and can be shown.
The Satin varieties are classified as a separate breed though the Satin gene is a recessive trait that must be Received from both parents. The hair shafts are hollow and create a glossy glass-like appearance.
Each breed has their own Standard of perfection according to the ARBA.
Varieties of these breeds can be found HERE.
Guinea Pigs that you buy from a pet store are likely only pet quality and possibly a mix of more than one breed. It’s best to find a quality breeder to purchase a Cavy for showing.
Abyssinian And Abyssinian Satin
The Abyssinian is one of the three original breeds.
The Abyssinian and Abyssinian Satin Both Have A Short Coat With Even, Open Rosettes. The Same Requirements For The Satin But With A Satin Sheen.
These Cavies Are A Sassy Bunch And Squeak And Popcorn Around Often. They Have ALOT Of Personality to go with their spiky coat.
American and American satin
One of the three original breeds. The American and american satin are two separate breeds. Short, smooth, and dense, the coat has no rosettes.
Keep ‘Em Comin’ Sparkler, a golden solid American sow from Kody Keister at Keep ‘Em Comin’ Caviary in Ohio.
Coronet
Accepted to the ACBA in 1997, the coronet is Similar to the Silkie, but with a distinctive rosette on the head.
A Golden agouti and white coronet sow, Keep ‘Em Comin’ Pretty In GA, from Kody Keister at Keep ‘Em Comin’ Caviary in Ohio.
Peruvian and Peruvian Silkie
the oldest of the long coated breeds, the peruvian is one of the first three breeds of Cavy accepted to the ARBA.
A Peruvian tri-Colored sow, GC Cherished Triscut, Owned by Dorothy Wilson of Cherished (reg.) cavies in New York state.
Silkie and silkie satin
Accepted to the ACBA in 1978, the Silkie was accepted in 1987. Another of the long haired breeds that require lots of grooming.
A Beautiful Long Haired Satin Silkie, Pedigreed Name TRC Heyyy Daddy , Aka “Hudson”. A 12 Month Old Boar Own And Bred By Twin Rivers Caviary In New Jersey.
Teddy and Teddy Satin
A distinctive teddy bear coat that is wiry and stands straight out for a plush look. Teddy’s are brushed backwards to help the coat stand up.
Texel
A long haired breed of cavy, these little balls of fur have small ringlets which are not brushed to maintain the curl. Daily handling of the coat is necessary though to Prevent matting.
A Golden agouti, red & white Texel boar named Keep ‘Em Comin’ Gallie. Owned by Kody Keister of Keep ’Em Comin’ Caviary in Ohio.
White Crested
Much like the American but with a single all white crest located in the center of the face between the Eyes and front of the ears.
A White Crested owned by Pamala Roland of Coulee Cavies in Minnesota.
Lunkarya
Lunkarya guinea pigs have a very distinctive, rough curly coat. The curls are Loose irregular, with two rosettes on the rump, giving them a unique “bed head” look.
