Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, harsh, rosetted coat (up to about 4 cm)

The Abyssinian's fur grows outward from a set of swirls called rosettes, which push the hair up into crisp ridges so the whole animal looks tousled and textured. The British standard places four rosettes in a line across the middle of the body, one on each hip and two on the rump, with a straight ridge down the spine, ridges on either side, a collar ridge across the shoulders and another over the hips; American show standards ask for eight or ten even-numbered rosettes. The hair is wiry rather than soft and stands upright, reaching no more than about 4 cm, and the face carries a bushy moustache and an upright mane.6172

Personality what they are like

A spirited, inquisitive guinea pig with more get-up-and-go than most breeds. Its curiosity makes it fairly easy to train, and it tends to be busy and excitable, so breed guides often suggest it for keepers who already have some guinea pig experience rather than complete beginners.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs are busy animals that can be on the go for up to 20 hours a day, sleeping only in short spells. Give daily time in a larger, safe run or room with tunnels, hides and things to explore. Happy guinea pigs often jump and twist in the air, which owners call 'popcorning'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush regularly so the rosettes and ridges stay neat and the coat does not tangle. The coat is short (4 cm at most), so no clipping is needed, just frequent brushing with a soft brush.16

Home where they are happiest

Provide a roomy enclosure tall enough for them to stand up on their hind legs, with about 30 cm of height so youngsters can do their playful hops. Solid floors with a good layer of dust-free bedding (not wire grids), and more hiding places than there are guinea pigs (one extra). Indoors, aim for about 17-20 C; keep them out of heat above about 26 C and bring outdoor guinea pigs inside when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and fully clean at least weekly.8

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Good-quality hay should be available at all times and form most of the diet, with fresh grass when possible. Add grass-based guinea pig pellets daily (amount per the maker's guidance, replaced daily rather than topped up) and a daily mix of fresh vegetables and herbs such as parsley, bell pepper, celery, cucumber and romaine. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so it must come from food every day (roughly 10 mg per day). Fruit only as an occasional small treat. Fresh water always available, checked twice a day.943

Company who they like around

Very sociable: guinea pigs should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig and are happiest in pairs or small groups. In the wild, cavies live in close family groups of about 5-10.48

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America, possibly as early as 5000 BC, where they were kept as a food animal. In the early 1500s Spanish, Dutch and English traders brought them to Europe, where they became fashionable pets among the wealthy (Queen Elizabeth I is said to have kept one); the oldest known written description dates from 1547. Breeding and showing clubs later spread worldwide, and in the United States and Canada show standards are set by the American Cavy Breeders Association, which works under the American Rabbit Breeders Association. The Abyssinian is counted among the oldest guinea pig breeds and is thought to be of Incan origin. Its unusual swirled coat made it a favourite exhibition cavy in Victorian England, and it has been a standard show breed ever since, with full standards today from the British Cavy Council and, in North America, the ACBA (which also recognises a Satin form).1236

Recognised by the official bits

American Cavy Breeders Association (ARBA Standard of Perfection)

Recognised show breed; Abyssinian and Abyssinian Satin both have standards in the ARBA Standard of Perfection 2021-2025.10

American Cavy Breeders Association

Long-established breed shown competitively; a Satin variety is also recognised with its own standard.2

British Cavy Council

Full breed standard: coat appearance 45 points (ridges 25, rosettes 20), coat feel 20, body shape 15, head furnishings, mane, eyes and ears 20. Coat up to 1.5 in (4 cm). Colours: Brindle/Tortoiseshell, Tortoise & White, Roan, Self (Red/Black), Any Other Colour.6