Merino Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, curly (rexoid) coat with a coronet

The Merino looks like a Texel wearing a crown. Its long, springy curls flow back over the body from a single rosette on the forehead, with full, even side curls and a sweep over the rear, a dense undercoat and a woolly, curly belly. Show coats grow about 2.5 cm per month of age, on a short, chunky, broad-shouldered body.21

Personality what they are like

Described as calm, friendly and curious, a laid-back guinea pig that bonds quickly with its people and is quick to learn routines.6

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, napping in short spells. Offer daily time in a larger, safe run or room with tunnels, hides and things to explore. Contented guinea pigs often leap and twist in the air, a habit owners call 'popcorning'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The thick curly coat needs daily brushing to keep it tangle-free; show animals are kept clean, grease-free and able to be combed through without resistance.62

Home where they are happiest

A roomy enclosure tall enough for them to stand up on their hind legs, with solid floors and a deep layer of dust-free bedding rather than wire grids. Provide one more hiding place than there are guinea pigs. Indoors aim for about 17-20 C; protect them from heat above about 26 C and bring outdoor guinea pigs inside when it falls below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and do a full clean at least weekly.7

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Good-quality hay available at all times should make up most of the diet, plus fresh grass where possible. Add a daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets 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 has to come from food every day. Fruit only as an occasional small treat, and fresh water always available.843

Company who they like around

Very sociable: guinea pigs should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig and do best in pairs or small groups.47

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America and reached Europe with traders in the 1500s, where they became popular pets. The Merino stems from the Texel, made in 1980s Britain by crossing the Silkie with the curly British Rex, with a coronet added to the curls. It now has a British Cavy Council standard and is shown under the Sheltie Varieties Cavy Club with its relatives the Sheltie, Coronet and Texel.3129

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council

Full breed standard: head, eyes, ears and coronet 20; coat appearance 30; coat feel 30; presentation 10; body 10. Any colour or mixture of colours. Rosettes other than the coronet disqualify.2

Sheltie Varieties Cavy Club (UK)

The club caters for the Sheltie, Coronet, Texel and Merino.9

European cavy fancy

Described as recognised in Europe as a standard breed.1