Alpaca Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, curly (rexoid), dense coat with a frontal

A long-coated guinea pig in curls. The British standard describes a springy, rexoid coat that flows evenly over the shoulders and sides into a full sweep over the rear, held up by a thick undercoat, with a curly, woolly belly; it is judged on its frontal and chops at the head. Other descriptions mention two rosettes at the rear and swirls on the head. The coat grows roughly 2.5 cm (an inch) for each month of age, over a short, thick-set body with broad shoulders.612

Personality what they are like

A gentle, affectionate guinea pig that tends to settle well with its people, helped by the daily grooming sessions it needs. Calm and sociable, it enjoys company of its own kind. Because of the coat care, guides suggest it for keepers who already have some guinea pig experience.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, napping in short spells. Offer daily time in a larger, safe run or room with tunnels, hides and things to explore. Contented guinea pigs often leap and twist in the air, a habit owners call 'popcorning'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush and gently detangle every day so the curls stay clean and free of knots. Trim the coat around the rear and legs about once a month (more often in summer), trim nails monthly, and keep the bedding clean so the long coat stays fresh.126

Home where they are happiest

A roomy enclosure tall enough for them to stand up on their hind legs, with solid floors and a deep layer of dust-free bedding rather than wire grids. Provide one more hiding place than there are guinea pigs. Indoors aim for about 17-20 C; protect them from heat above about 26 C and bring outdoor guinea pigs inside when it falls below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and do a full clean at least weekly.7

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Good-quality hay available at all times should make up most of the diet, plus fresh grass where possible. Add a daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets 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 has to come from food every day. Fruit only as an occasional small treat, and fresh water always available.843

Company who they like around

Very sociable: guinea pigs should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig and do best in pairs or small groups.47

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America and reached Europe with traders in the 1500s, where they became popular pets. The Alpaca is a modern British breed, produced when breeders crossed a curly Texel-type cavy with the long-haired English Peruvian to get a Peruvian-style coat with curls. It was named after the South American alpaca for its woolly look and now has its own British Cavy Council standard.316

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council

Full breed standard: frontal, chops, head, eyes and ears 20; coat appearance 30; coat feel 30; presentation 10; body 10. Any colour or mixture of colours. Looked after by the Peruvian Variety club.6

American Cavy Breeders Association / ARBA

Not recognised; it is recognised by the BCC and by the New South Wales cavy club in Australia.1