Thinking about bringing a guinea pig into your life? You’re not alone! These sweet, squeaky little companions are adored by families, singles, and small pet lovers around the world. But before you fall head over heels for the first fluff-ball you see at the pet store, it’s worth learning about the different breeds of guinea pigs—and yes, there are quite a few!
Each breed has its own unique coat, personality quirks, and care requirements. Some are easygoing and low-maintenance, while others are more high-energy or need daily grooming. Let’s explore 10 of the most popular cavy breeds to help you find your perfect match.
1. American (aka English) Guinea Pig
One of the most common and beginner-friendly types of guinea pigs is the American guinea pig, beloved for its sweet disposition and easy-care short coat.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–10 inches
- Weight: 1.5–2.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Coat: Short, smooth, low-maintenance
✅ What We Love
- Incredibly laid-back and gentle—perfect for kids or first-time cavy owners
- Readily available in pet stores and rescues
- Comes in a wide range of colors and coat patterns
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Their calm nature may not provide the challenge or stimulation more experienced pet parents crave
- They still need socialization to avoid becoming timid
Fun fact: Despite being called “American,” this breed originated in South America and made its way to the U.S. by way of Europe, where it’s often called the English guinea pig.
2. Abyssinian Guinea Pig
With its trademark “rosettes” (whorls of hair), the Abyssinian looks like it styled its fur with a leaf blower—and we mean that in the best way possible.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–12 inches
- Weight: 2.5–3.5 pounds
- Coat: Short to medium with 8–10 rosettes
✅ What We Love
- Playful, curious, and affectionate—these piggies want to interact!
- Their bold appearance makes them stand out in the cavy crowd
- Great for older kids and adults who want a social pet
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Rosette-filled coats can tangle—occasional brushing is a must
- They’re high-energy and need stimulation and enrichment toys
3. Alpaca Guinea Pig
Yes, the alpaca cavy looks like a tiny woolly llama. No, they’re not from the Andes—but they’re just as adorable!
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–12 inches
- Coat: Long, wavy, and coarse
- Rarity: Moderate to rare
✅ What We Love
- Affectionate and loving toward their humans
- Incredibly unique appearance
- Enjoy cuddles and companionship
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Prone to overheating—must live indoors
- High-maintenance grooming
- Often pricier due to rarity
4. Peruvian Guinea Pig
Want to feel like you’re caring for a tiny supermodel? Peruvians have the longest hair of any guinea pig—sometimes over 20 inches long!
Quick Facts:
- Size: 10–14 inches
- Weight: 2–3 pounds
- Coat: Long, smooth, grows continuously
✅ What We Love
- Silky, flowing coat is absolutely stunning
- Very curious and interactive personality
- Popular in shows and exhibitions
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Needs daily brushing and regular trims to avoid matting
- Not ideal for young children unless an adult handles grooming duties
Pro tip: If you’re not planning on showing them, keeping their coat trimmed shorter can make care easier.
5. Rex Guinea Pig
Big, bouncy, and fuzzy—Rex guinea pigs are like the Golden Retrievers of the cavy world.
Quick Facts:
- Size: Up to 17 inches
- Weight: 2–3.5 pounds
- Coat: Short, dense, curly
✅ What We Love
- Very smart—can learn tricks and recognize voices
- Playful, vocal, and interactive
- Doesn’t need brushing as often as long-haired breeds
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Sensitive to temperature swings
- Their dense coat can still trap debris—light grooming helps
- Very talkative, so it is not ideal if you prefer quiet pets
6. Silkie (Sheltie) Guinea Pig
Silkies are all about that glamorous, flowing coat—and their relaxed, almost regal demeanor matches the look.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 10–12 inches
- Coat: Long, smooth, and silky
- Origin: Bred in the 1970s from Peruvian stock
✅ What We Love
- Very gentle and calm—great for patient children
- Love human attention and lap time
- One of the most docile guinea pig breeds
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Requires daily brushing to prevent tangles
- May not enjoy rough play or high activity environments
7. Skinny Pig
Ever seen a hairless guinea pig? Meet the Skinny pig—cute, quirky, and surprisingly cuddly.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–12 inches
- Weight: 1–2 pounds
- Coat: Mostly hairless except for tufts on nose and feet
✅ What We Love
- Ideal for people with pet allergies
- No brushing required—just gentle skin care
- Friendly and social
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Must be kept warm indoors—no fur means no insulation
- Prone to skin irritation and sunburn
- They eat more to regulate body heat and can be expensive ($100–$200+)
Note: Despite their modern popularity, Skinny pigs were originally bred for lab research in the 1970s and 80s!
8. Teddy Guinea Pig
If you’ve ever wished your stuffed animal could come to life, Teddy guinea pigs might be your spirit animal.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–10 inches
- Weight: 1.5–3 pounds
- Coat: Short, dense, and wiry
✅ What We Love
- Adorable, fuzzy appearance
- Calm, tolerant, and affectionate
- Low grooming needs—just brush occasionally
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Teddy cavies are prone to dry skin, especially if over-bathed
- Less common than Americans, so may require a breeder or rescue
9. Texel Guinea Pig
Curly-haired and cuddly, Texels are as stylish as they are sweet.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–10 inches
- Coat: Long and tightly curled
- Lifespan: 4–6 years
✅ What We Love
- Extremely social and friendly
- Gorgeous curly locks
- Do well in bonded pairs or trios
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Their dense coat traps dirt and moisture easily
- Needs regular grooming and spot cleaning
- May be shy at first, but warms up beautifully with patience
10. White Crested Guinea Pig
Like they’re always wearing a tiny, powdered wig, White Crested guinea pigs are charming and a bit mysterious.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 8–10 inches
- Coat: Short, smooth with a distinctive white crest
✅ What We Love
- Striking appearance
- Easy to care for—short coat, minimal grooming
- Can be affectionate once bonded
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Rare in pet stores—often requires a breeder or rescue
- Can be shy initially, so needs gentle handling
How to Choose the Right Guinea Pig Breed
Before choosing a breed, think about what fits best with your lifestyle. Ask yourself:
- How much grooming are you realistically willing to do?
- Are you looking for a low-energy cuddle bug or a high-energy explorer?
- Will your guinea pig be handled by kids or adults?
- Do you want a pair (you should—guinea pigs are social!)?
And don’t forget—breed isn’t everything. Personality varies between individual guinea pigs. Meet a few before you decide and consider adopting from a rescue. Many purebreds and adorable mixes need loving homes!
Final Thoughts
Guinea pigs are delightful pets, no matter the breed. Whether you fall for a fluffy Texel, a sleek American, or a hairless Skinny pig, what matters most is the love and care you provide. Do your research, be prepared for their needs, and you’ll be rewarded with years of happy squeaks and snuggles.