Dalmatian Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat with coloured spots on white

A smooth-coated cavy with a sturdy, cobby build whose white body is dotted with clear coloured spots, belly included. The head is coloured on both sides and split by a white blaze that runs unbroken from the nostrils up to a point between the ears, and the feet are solid-coloured. Neat, well-scattered spots count for more than their size or number.1726

Personality what they are like

The Dalmatian is defined by its coat pattern, so its character is that of a typical guinea pig: sociable, chatty with its companions and usually gentle once it is used to being handled calmly and regularly.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs stay active for much of the day and night, resting in short naps. Give them daily time in a bigger, safe space with tunnels and hides to explore. Happy guinea pigs often jump and twist in the air, which owners call 'popcorning'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat is easy to keep tidy with an occasional brush. Check nails regularly and trim when needed, and give unlimited hay so the teeth wear down naturally.46

Home where they are happiest

A spacious enclosure with a solid floor and a deep layer of dust-free bedding, tall enough for the guinea pig to stand up on its back legs. Offer at least one more hiding place than the number of guinea pigs. Keep them in a comfortable room temperature of about 17-20 C, shield them from heat above about 26 C, and bring outdoor guinea pigs indoors when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and clean thoroughly at least once a week.9

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of good hay, available all the time, should form most of the diet, with fresh grass where possible. Add a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a daily mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs need vitamin C from their food every day because their bodies do not make it. Keep fruit as a small, occasional treat and make sure clean water is always available.1043

Company who they like around

A very social animal that should share its home with at least one compatible guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, cavies live in small family groups.49

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were first domesticated in the Andes of South America and reached Europe with traders in the 1500s, where they became popular pets. The Dalmatian is one of the marked varieties shaped later by show breeders, who borrowed the name of the spotted dog for it. In Britain it shares a specialist club with the closely related Roan, and both patterns come from the same gene.328

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council

Full standard, looked after by the Dalmation & Roan Cavy Club. Points: head, eyes and ears 15, body shape 10, markings 60 (head 20, spotting 30, feet 10), colour 10, coat 5. Standard updated 1 January 2024. A solid head or an incomplete blaze disqualifies.1

British Cavy Council

The breed-club listing places the Dalmatian with the Roan under one specialist club.11