Coronet Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, smooth coat with a single crest (coronet) on the forehead

The Coronet looks like a Silkie wearing a crown. Its long, soft hair sweeps back over the body and hangs evenly down the sides and rear, while a single rosette on the forehead spins out from a tiny central point. The front of the crest tips forward over the face and the back blends into the mane. The ideal crest is round and even with its lower edge reaching well down the nose. The head is broad with a gently curved profile, big bright eyes and large drooping ears. The British standard asks for a coat that is soft, silky, flowing and dense close to the body.7892

Personality what they are like

Coronets are generally laid-back, sweet-natured guinea pigs that cope well with gentle handling. They are curious and enjoy playing with companions, grow more trusting with regular, calm contact, and some learn to come when their name is called. Owners often describe them as friendly and relaxed.612

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'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A high-maintenance coat. Brush or comb at least every other day, ideally daily, working through the long body coat and keeping the crest tidy. A light trim about once a month keeps tangles away; many pet owners keep the body coat at about 10-15 cm. Because the long hair picks up dirt and damp easily, Coronets are best kept indoors on clean, dry bedding. Their grooming needs make them a better fit for experienced keepers than for beginners.1210

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.11

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.1243

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 5-10.411

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America, possibly as early as 5000 BC, and were brought to Europe by traders in the 1500s, where they became popular pets. Organised breeding and showing later spread worldwide, with show standards set today by bodies such as the British Cavy Council in the UK and the American Cavy Breeders Association (working under the American Rabbit Breeders Association) in North America. The Coronet is one of the newer long-haired breeds. In 1970s England, breeders crossed the Sheltie (the British name for the Silkie) with the Crested, which has a single rosette on its forehead, to combine the Sheltie's flowing coat with the Crested's crown. Early on it was called the English Crested Sheltie, before the shorter name Coronet stuck. It went on to gain a full breed standard from the British Cavy Council and a place among the 13 cavy breeds in the ARBA Standard of Perfection; one popular breed guide dates its acceptance as a breed in its own right to 1998. Unlike the Silkie, the Coronet is not shown in a Satin form in the US.1278103

Recognised by the official bits

American Cavy Breeders Association / ARBA Standard of Perfection

One of the 13 ARBA-recognised cavy breeds. The standard describes a long, normal (non-satin) coat growing evenly back from the body, with a coronet radiating from a clear pinpoint centre on the head. Not shown in Satin.8

British Cavy Council

Full standard: head, eyes, ears and coronet 20 points, coat appearance (chops, shoulders, sides, sweep) 30, coat feel 30, presentation 10, body 10. Any colour or mix of colours. Shown with a central parting on a board covered in natural hessian.7

American Rabbit Breeders Association

ARBA recognises 13 cavy breeds, with standards held by the ACBA.13