Ridgeback Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat with a raised ridge along the spine

The Ridgeback looks like a smooth-coated guinea pig with one striking extra: a straight, upright crest of hair that runs unbroken along the spine from between the ears to the hips. The crest stands about 2.5 cm high, is tallest over the shoulders and tapers towards the rear. The rest of the coat is short, soft and clean with no rosettes (small swirls at the back of the feet are allowed). The body is short and cobby with broad shoulders, a broad bold head, large bright eyes and large drooping ears.25

Personality what they are like

Like other guinea pigs, the Ridgeback is a gentle, chatty and sociable animal that does best with a companion of its own kind.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs are busy little animals that can be up and about for much of the day and night, resting in short naps. Give daily time in a larger safe run or room with tunnels, hides and new things to explore. A happy guinea pig may jump and twist in mid-air, a move owners call 'popcorning'.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, soft coat needs only light care: an occasional gentle brush keeps it clean and tidy, brushing with the lie of the ridge.25

Home where they are happiest

Provide a roomy enclosure tall enough to stand up on the back legs, with solid flooring and a deep layer of dust-free bedding instead of wire. Offer one more hiding spot than there are guinea pigs. Indoors around 17-20 C is comfortable; keep them away from heat over about 26 C and bring outdoor animals inside when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and do a full clean at least weekly.7

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay should be available at all times and form most of the diet, with fresh grass when possible. Add a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a handful of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so their daily food must supply it. Keep fruit as a small occasional treat and always provide fresh water.831

Company who they like around

A very sociable animal that should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, cavies live in close family groups.37

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America thousands of years ago and later reached Europe, where fanciers began breeding them for coat and colour. The Ridgeback is a newer, uncommon breed that WikiVet notes is growing in popularity. In the UK it is shown in New and Emerging Breed classes under guidance notes agreed by the British Cavy Council.1562

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council (Rare Varieties Cavy Club)

Listed as a New and Emerging Breed in any colours or markings; may be shown in New/Emerging Breed classes under guidance notes agreed by the Council.6

British Cavy Council

New and Emerging Breed guidance notes describe the ridge, coat, head and body.2