Texel Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, curly (rexoid) coat

The Texel wears a long coat made of springy curls and ringlets that covers the whole body, including a curly, woolly belly, while the hair on the face stays shorter, coarser and less curled. The coat should be thick and even all over and fall freely, and for shows it is parted down the middle and spread out. Under the curls sits a compact body with a broad, rounded head, a wide nose, bold round eyes and well-built shoulders.1726

Personality what they are like

Texels are often described by owners as bright, curious and more nosy than many other guinea pigs, with plenty of personality. Regular, gentle grooming sessions help them become relaxed about being handled.62

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs are lively and can be awake and moving for up to 20 hours a day, napping in short bursts. Offer daily time in a bigger, safe run or room with tunnels, hides and new things to investigate. A happy guinea pig will often leap and twist in the air, which owners call 'popcorning'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A high-grooming breed best suited to owners ready for daily coat care. Like other long-haired guinea pigs, the curls need regular attention to stop knots forming; show breeders work through the coat with their fingertips rather than combs, checking for tangles often. Many pet owners keep the coat trimmed shorter (for example twice a year) to make care easier. Use soft bedding such as paper, towels or fleece that will not cling to the curls, keep the coat clean, and trim nails regularly. Omlet notes they are not the easiest choice for first-time guinea pig keepers because of the grooming.126

Home where they are happiest

Give a spacious enclosure with room to stand up on the hind legs and enough height (about 30 cm) for young ones to hop. Use solid flooring with a deep layer of dust-free bedding rather than wire, and provide one more hiding place than there are guinea pigs. Indoors, about 17-20 C suits them; keep them out of heat above about 26 C and bring outdoor animals inside when it falls below about 15 C. Spot-clean every day and clean out fully at least once a week.8

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay should always be on offer and make up the bulk of the diet, with fresh grass when available. Add grass-based guinea pig pellets each day (following the maker's amount and replacing rather than topping up) plus a daily handful of fresh vegetables and herbs such as parsley, bell pepper, celery, cucumber and romaine. Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so their food has to supply it every day. Fruit is best kept as a small, occasional treat, and fresh water should always be available and checked twice a day.943

Company who they like around

A very social animal: keep at least two friendly guinea pigs together, as they are happiest in pairs or small groups. Wild cavies live in close family groups of around 5-10 animals.48

The story where it all began

The Texel is a young breed. British fanciers created it in the 1980s by pairing the long, smooth-coated Silkie (known in the US as the Sheltie) with the curly-coated British Rex, aiming for a long-haired guinea pig with curls. The result combined the Silkie's length and backward-flowing coat with the Rex's kinked hair. The American Cavy Breeders Association accepted the breed in 1988 (other sources place first recognition in the 1990s), and in Britain it has its own British Cavy Council standard, cared for by the Sheltie Varieties Cavy Club alongside the Sheltie, Coronet and Merino. It is now a fairly common breed among guinea pig keepers.127106

Recognised by the official bits

American Cavy Breeders Association (ARBA Standard of Perfection)

Officially recognised in 1988 according to Wikipedia; Omlet states the breed was first recognised in the 1990s.1

British Cavy Council

Full breed standard, looked after by the Sheltie Varieties Cavy Club (which covers Sheltie, Coronet, Texel and Merino). Points: head, eyes and ears 20, coat appearance 30, coat feel 30, presentation 10, body 10. Any colour allowed.7

Sheltie Varieties Cavy Club (UK)

British Cavy Council breed club caring for the Texel.10