Agouti Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, ticked coat

Each hair carries bands of two shades, which gives the coat a flecked, salt-and-pepper glow over a darker base colour. In the normal Agouti the belly is a plain matching colour, while the Solid Agouti is ticked evenly all over, belly included. The body is cobby and brick-shaped with strong shoulders, bold eyes and drooping ears.1278

Personality what they are like

Owner reviews describe Agoutis as friendly and clever, quick to learn routines and to come when called, and keen to bond with their people.1

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'.54

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only an occasional brush at home (show animals have stray solid black guard hairs plucked out). Watch nail length, trim as needed, and keep hay available for healthy tooth wear. Protect them from summer heat.158

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.1054

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.59

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 Agouti keeps the banded, ticked colouring of its wild relatives, and fanciers refined it into a range of colours from golden to silver. In Britain the National Agouti Cavy Club looks after both the normal and the all-over Solid Agouti.413

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council

Full standards for Agouti and Solid Agouti, looked after by the National Agouti Cavy Club. Points: head, eyes and ears 20, body shape 20, ticking 30, colour 20, coat 10.2

British Cavy Council

National Agouti Cavy Club covers golden, silver, cinnamon, lemon, cream and chocolate in both Agouti and Solid Agouti.3