Abyssinian Satin Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, rough, rosetted coat with a satin sheen (up to about 4 cm)

The Abyssinian Satin has the same rough, rosetted coat as the Abyssinian: hair grows out from a set of swirls (rosettes) that push it up into crisp ridges, giving a tousled look, with the coat reaching up to about 4 cm. What sets it apart is a glowing satin shine over the whole coat. The satin coat comes from a recessive gene: the hairs are finer and more see-through than normal (Wikipedia describes thinner, more translucent shafts, while Omlet and other guides describe them as hollow), so light passes into them and the coat gleams.453627

Personality what they are like

Owners describe satin guinea pigs as very friendly and playful. Like all guinea pigs they are gentle, vocal companions that are happiest with a friend of their own kind.28

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs are busy little animals that can be up and about for much of the day and night, resting in short naps. Give daily time in a larger safe run or room with tunnels, hides and new things to explore. A happy guinea pig may jump and twist in mid-air, a move owners call 'popcorning'.81

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush regularly with a soft brush so the rosettes and ridges stay neat and the coat stays untangled. The coat is short (about 4 cm at most), so no clipping is needed.45

Home where they are happiest

Provide a roomy enclosure tall enough to stand up on the back legs, with solid flooring and a deep layer of dust-free bedding instead of wire. Offer one more hiding spot than there are guinea pigs. Indoors around 17-20 C is comfortable; keep them away from heat over about 26 C and bring outdoor animals inside when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and do a full clean at least weekly.9

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay should be available at all times and form most of the diet, with fresh grass when possible. Add a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a handful of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so their daily food must supply it. Keep fruit as a small occasional treat and always provide fresh water.1081

Company who they like around

A very sociable animal that should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, cavies live in close family groups.89

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America thousands of years ago and later reached Europe, where fanciers began breeding them for coat and colour. The satin coat, with its finer, light-catching hairs, was developed by American breeders and arrived in Britain in 1986. Today the ACBA recognises satin versions of five breeds, and the Abyssinian Satin is judged on the Abyssinian standard with the added requirement of an even sheen over the whole coat.62113

Recognised by the official bits

American Cavy Breeders Association

Abyssinian Satin is one of the ACBA's listed cavy breeds, shown separately from the standard Abyssinian. Shown in the US alongside the Abyssinian with its own standard.11

American Rabbit Breeders Association

Publishes the Standard of Perfection covering the recognised cavy breeds, including the satin breeds.12

British Cavy Council

Has Satin standards (Solid Satin and Non-Self Satin) that ask for a pronounced, even sheen over the whole body; 20 points go to satinisation and the rest is scored pro rata from the base breed's standard.5