Guinea Pig Breeds

Twelve popular breeds, each with its own look, personality, and care needs. Tap a breed to learn what it's like to live with and what care it needs.

Short, smooth · Beginner care

Short, with 6–10 rosettes · Intermediate care

Very long, flowing · Advanced care

Long, smooth, swept back · Advanced care

Short, dense, springy · Beginner care

Hairless (fuzzy nose and feet) · Advanced care

Short, woolly, upright · Beginner care

Long, with a forehead crest · Advanced care

Short, white with dark points · Intermediate care

Long, curly ringlets · Advanced care

Hairless (born with fur) · Advanced care

Short, with a forehead crest · Beginner care

Compare all types of guinea pigs

Size, coat, lifespan and care difficulty for every breed side by side. Beginner breeds need the least grooming.

Breed	Size	Coat	Lifespan	Care level
American Guinea Pig	8–10 in (20–25 cm)	Short, smooth	4–8 years	Beginner
Abyssinian Guinea Pig	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Short, with 6–10 rosettes	5–7 years	Intermediate
Peruvian Guinea Pig	10–14 in (25–35 cm)	Very long, flowing	5–7 years	Advanced
Silkie (Sheltie) Guinea Pig	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Long, smooth, swept back	5–7 years	Advanced
Teddy Guinea Pig	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Short, dense, springy	4–7 years	Beginner
Skinny Pig	9–12 in (23–30 cm)	Hairless (fuzzy nose and feet)	5–7 years	Advanced
Rex Guinea Pig	10–17 in (25–43 cm)	Short, woolly, upright	5–6 years	Beginner
Coronet Guinea Pig	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Long, with a forehead crest	5–7 years	Advanced
Himalayan Guinea Pig	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Short, white with dark points	5–7 years	Intermediate
Texel Guinea Pig	8–10 in (20–25 cm)	Long, curly ringlets	5–7 years	Advanced
Baldwin Guinea Pig	9–12 in (23–30 cm)	Hairless (born with fur)	5–7 years	Advanced
American Crested Guinea Pig	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Short, with a forehead crest	5–7 years	Beginner