Sheba Guinea Pig

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, rosetted coat with side whiskers

A long-haired guinea pig with rosettes and a cheerfully messy look. Its signature is a pair of bushy 'mutton chop' whiskers on the cheeks and a frontal swept to one side of the face, so it always looks as if it has just got out of bed.12

Personality what they are like

Curious, gentle and social, the Sheba enjoys interaction with people and other guinea pigs. Guides call it suitable for first-time and experienced keepers alike, and it fits well into a group.2

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

Regular brushing keeps the medium-long coat tidy; it needs less upkeep than the very long-coated breeds.2

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.6

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.743

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.46

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 Sheba was shaped in Australia, where Wynne Eecen of Sydney wrote its breed standard in the 1970s. It is still best known there as a recognised breed, often under the playful name Sheba Mini Yak.31

Recognised by the official bits

Australian cavy fancy

Recognised as a cavy breed in Australia.1

American Cavy Breeders Association / ARBA

Not recognised.1