Self Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat of one even colour

The Self is all about evenness: one solid colour from nose to tail with no ticking, patches or white markings. Show Selfs are short and cobby with deep, broad shoulders, a strongly curved 'Roman' nose and large ears that droop with the lower edge level with the ground. The undercoat can be a shade paler than the top coat.2678

Personality what they are like

Owners describe Selfs as affectionate and good with children, though each has its own character. Regular gentle handling from a young age helps them stay confident rather than shy.6

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'.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat only needs an occasional brush. Check nails regularly and trim when needed, and keep hay available at all times to keep the teeth worn.48

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.10

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.1143

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.410

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. Fanciers later selected smooth-coated guinea pigs for a single, perfectly even colour, and in Britain these became the English Self. Each Self colour was once treated as its own variety, and today the English Self Cavy Club looks after them all.361

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council

Full standard as the English Self, looked after by the English Self Cavy Club. Points: head, eyes and ears 30, body shape 25, colour 30, coat 15. Satin Selfs are also standardised, with 20 points for satin sheen.2

English Self Cavy Club

15 full-standard colours, with Caramel listed as a new and emerging Self colour.9

British Cavy Council

Breed-club listing of all Self colours under the English Self Cavy Club.1