American Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, silky coat on a cobby body

The classic guinea pig look: a short, straight coat that lies flat and feels silky, with no swirls or ridges anywhere. The body is short, broad and chunky with deep shoulders, and seen from above it should look like a brick with softened corners. The head has a broad Roman nose, large petal-like ears that droop without folding flat, and bold, bright eyes.236

Personality what they are like

A calm, good-natured guinea pig known for being docile and easy to handle, which is why it is so often recommended to people keeping guinea pigs for the first time. Many enjoy human company and will settle happily on a lap for a stroke, and they live contentedly in pairs or groups.26

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, sleeping only in short spells. Give daily time in a larger, safe run or room with tunnels, hides and things to explore. Happy guinea pigs often jump and twist in the air, which owners call 'popcorning'.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, flat coat needs only light care: an occasional brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat glossy.23

Home where they are happiest

Provide a roomy enclosure tall enough for them to stand up on their hind legs, with about 30 cm of height so youngsters can do their playful hops. Solid floors with a good layer of dust-free bedding (not wire grids), and more hiding places than there are guinea pigs (one extra). Indoors, aim for about 17-20 C; keep them out of heat above about 26 C and bring outdoor guinea pigs inside when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and fully clean at least weekly.7

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Good-quality hay should be available at all times and form most of the diet, with fresh grass when possible. Add grass-based guinea pig pellets daily (amount per the maker's guidance, replaced daily rather than topped up) 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 must come from food every day (roughly 10 mg per day). Fruit only as an occasional small treat. Fresh water always available, checked twice a day.841

Company who they like around

Very sociable: guinea pigs should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig and are happiest in pairs or small groups. In the wild, cavies live in close family groups of about 5-10.47

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America, possibly as early as 5000 BC, where they were kept as a food animal. In the early 1500s Spanish, Dutch and English traders brought them to Europe, where they became fashionable pets among the wealthy (Queen Elizabeth I is said to have kept one); the oldest known written description dates from 1547. Breeding and showing clubs later spread worldwide, and in the United States and Canada show standards are set by the American Cavy Breeders Association, which works under the American Rabbit Breeders Association. The smooth, short-haired type is the long-established classic of the cavy fancy and remains the variety most often found in pet shops. In North America it is shown as the American, with 19 colour classes and a Satin form, while in Britain the same smooth type is shown as the English Self, judged largely on its head, body shape and even colour.123

Recognised by the official bits

American Cavy Breeders Association

Recognised with 19 colour classes (including Black, Cream, Red, White, Brindle, Roan, Agouti, Dalmatian, Dutch, Himalayan, Tortoiseshell & White and Tan); a Satin variety is recognised separately.2

American Cavy Breeders Association (ARBA Standard of Perfection)

American breed standard published in the ARBA Standard of Perfection 2021-2025.9

British Cavy Council

Shown as the English Self in 12 colours: points for head, eyes and ears 30, colour 30, body shape 25, coat 15.3