Peruvian Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

Long, smooth, silky coat with a centre parting and rosettes

The Peruvian wears one of the longest coats in the guinea pig world. Soft, straight hair flows from the whole body, with a long fringe (the frontal) that grows forward from the shoulders and falls over the face, and a sweep that drapes over the hindquarters. Rosettes on the head and hips help create the forward-falling fringe and a natural part down the back. In a show coat the hair forms an even curtain all round and can reach the floor; a satin variety has an extra glossy sheen.341

Personality what they are like

Peruvians are usually bright, inquisitive little animals that like to explore, although many are a little reserved at first and appreciate calm handling and a quiet setting while they build trust.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Like all guinea pigs they are awake for much of the day and night in short bursts, so they need daily room to roam, tunnels and shelters to explore, and space tall enough to stand on their hind legs and 'popcorn'.567

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

This is a high-maintenance coat. Comb or brush gently along the centre parting on a regular schedule so the hair does not tangle, and trim the coat regularly to keep it manageable. The breed is generally suggested for keepers who already have some guinea pig experience because of the grooming time involved.134

Home where they are happiest

Indoor housing suits the long coat best. zooplus suggests an enclosure of at least 120 x 60 cm with hides and toys; the RSPCA advises a dry, draught-free space kept around 17 to 20 C, with dust-free hay or absorbent shavings as bedding and one more hideaway than there are animals.16

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Unlimited good-quality hay is the core of the diet, plus fresh leafy greens and vegetables every day. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so it must come from food (roughly 10 mg a day is often quoted) via vitamin-C-rich vegetables or a fortified guinea pig pellet. Fresh water should always be available.251

Company who they like around

Guinea pigs are herd animals and should live with at least one other guinea pig; in the wild relatives live in small family groups of about 5 to 10. Switzerland even requires by law that guinea pigs be kept with a companion.52

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America thousands of years ago, where they were kept as a food animal and featured in the art and rituals of cultures such as the Moche and the Inca. Spanish ships brought them to Europe during the colonial period, and there they became household pets and, later, exhibition animals. The long-coated form was originally shown under the name Angora before the name Peruvian took over. Fanciers selected for ever longer, silkier and denser coats, and the Peruvian became one of the classic long-haired show breeds, with written standards today in both the UK and the US. A satin-coated version, the Peruvian Satin, is shown as its own breed in the US.21348

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council

Has a published Peruvian breed standard (100-point scale) and accepts any colour or mix of colours4

American Cavy Breeders Association / ARBA

Peruvian and Peruvian Satin are listed among the cavy breeds; ARBA recognises 13 cavy breeds in its Standard of Perfection8

American Rabbit Breeders Association

Governing body that publishes the Rabbit and Cavy Standard of Perfection covering the recognised cavy breeds9