Guinea Pigs And Their Breeds

If you have little kids in your home, it is quite likely that you would want to bring in a pet. Now if you want to try out something different rather than the normal choice of bringing a pup home, try giving a thought to Guinea pigs. Yes, we are suggesting that small, cute, hairy rat like animal and well they are not even pigs, they are basically, rodents. They are also popularly known as cavy as they essentially belong to the Cavia genus. A number of guinea pigs hail from the Andes, and they also play a very prominent role in the folklore of South America.

Guinea pigs were first introduced to the European traders during the 16th century and since then they have earned the warmth of countless people. Today guinea pigs happen to be a favorite choice for pets for many, especially for those with small kids in their family.

Now in case you are thinking of bringing in a Guinea pig as a pet, we need to find out a bit more about the animal. To begin with you need to be aware of their breeds and first one that you should notice is the most popular English Cavy. This breed has a smooth covering over it and has a significant resemblance to its ancestors from the Cavia genus.

Another breed of very popular Guinea pigs is the Abyssinian breed. They have a very distinct appearance with multiple swirls on their coat. Notable amongst them is the Satin Abyssinian breed which is rather cute in its outlook.

If you are looking for an exotic breed then you can set your sights on the Peruvian coat. This particular breed needs a bit more care and you may need to spend a good amount of time in its grooming. However it makes for a great pet owing to its placid temperament.

Next in line comes the White Crested Guinea Pig and quite unlike the Abyssinian breed, this breed has a single swirl, which one can clearly find on the animal’s forehead. The White Crested Guinea Pig is also popularly known as the American Crested Guinea Pig. This very bred has very short hair on its body.

Amongst the other kinds of popular breeds that you will find in the market, give a thought to the Satin Teddy, which boasts of a fur coat that seems to be made of real satin. This particular breed makes for an excellent pet, particularly for small children owing to its smooth fur.

Well know that you have a good idea about the kinds of guinea pigs that you can look to own, do spare a thought for what you will need to keep them. First and foremost it is ideal to get a cage for your pet. Next do make yourself aware about their feeding habits and how they need to be groomed. A good thing about guinea pigs is that they do not need special vaccinations. So go ahead and present your kids with a cute little gift.