What set the Peruvian guinea pig apart from other well-known breeds are its distinctive features long, luxurious fur, captivating coat colors, friendly and inquisitive personalities. This breed stands out from others like the American guinea pig, Abyssinian, Texel, and skinny pigs. Whether you’re contemplating adding one to your family or seeking to broaden your guinea pig expertise, delve into the world of these cherished long haired pets.
Facts about the Peruvian Guinea Pig
| Common Name | “Cuy” , Peruvian Guinea |
| Behavior | Social,Sociable,Family units |
| Lifespan | 4 To 7 years |
| Food | Hay, Vegetables |
| Fur | Long and silky |
| Care Level | High |
| Color Form | Brown,Red,Black,White,Dark Brown, Dark Grey,Multi-colored |
| Minimum Tank Size | 8 square feet per animal |
| Temperament | docile and friendly |
| Aggression | Low |
History
This Guinea Breed, scientifically known as Caviar Porcellos, belong to the rodent family and are originally from South America, Peruvian cavies date back to the 15th century.
Peruvian guinea pigs are among the oldest and were among the first long-haired cavy breeds selectively bred for exhibition purposes.
Appearance of Peruvian Cavies
This Cavies breed is known for their distinctive long hair, which can grow up to 20 inches or more.
Their coat covers their entire body and often trails behind them, and it comes in various colors, including tri-color patterns, as well as single-colored or bi-colored combinations in shades like white, brown, black, russet, cream, and dark gray.
They have compact bodies, typically weighing between 1 to 3 pounds, with males being heavier. Measuring around 10 to 14 inches in length, they are one of the longer guinea pig breeds, and they have relatively small heads compared to others.
Peruvian Guinea Pigs have round heads with expressive eyes and floppy ears, partially hidden by their large fur. Their long hair guinea pig gives them a charming and endearing appearance that distinguishes them from other guinea pig breeds.
Peruvian Guinea Pig Characteristics
Peruvian Guinea Pigs exhibit distinctive characteristics that make them unique and engaging pets. Their lively and curious nature, coupled with a hint of shyness, creates an endearing personality. The standout feature is their exceptionally long fur, reaching up to 20 inches, demanding regular grooming for soft and healthy coats. Affectionately dubbed the “hippies” of the guinea pig world, they boast a soft, silky, and bouncy aesthetic. Notable features include a head mane, a parted back, and rosettes on the hips, contributing to their cheeky appearance. Regular participation in pet shows highlights the dedication of owners to showcase the beauty of this breed. Understanding these characteristics enhances the overall care and enjoyment of having Peruvian Guinea Pigs as companions.
How big do Peruvian Guinea Pigs get?
Peruvian guinea pigs stand out with an average length of 10 to 14 inches, surpassing other breeds. Their long, flowing hair creates an illusion of even greater size. Despite their visually impressive length, they have a compact, muscular physique, reaching up to 25 centimeters. Unusually, their fur and body length are not proportionate. Females weigh between 800 to 1,200 grams, while males can reach up to 1,400 grams. Beyond physical traits, Peruvian guinea pigs have lively and curious personalities, endearing them to owners. Their unique characteristics, showcased in pet shows, reflect the commitment to celebrating this extraordinary breed. Understanding these nuances enhances the joy of having Peruvian cavy as delightful companions.
What does a Peruvian guinea pig look like?
Peruvian guinea pigs, known for their impressive size and distinctive appearance, combine charm and uniqueness. Beyond their striking physical traits, their lively and affectionate personalities make them engaging companions. The hallmark of their long, flowing hair requires regular grooming, fostering a strong bond between owners and pets. With a trendy appearance featuring middle parting and balayage coloring, Peruvian guinea pigs stand out as trendsetters.
They exhibit a variety of stunning color combinations, with tri-colored Peruvians being a rare and exciting find. Despite their manageable weight of 1 to 3 pounds, these guinea pigs captivate with their smaller heads and intelligence. Overall, Peruvian guinea pigs offer a delightful package of visual appeal, unique characteristics, and endearing personalities, enriching the lives of their owners. Understanding their behavior and care needs adds to the joy of having them as pets.
Peruvian Guinea Pigs Cost
Peruvian Cavies or long hair cavy are relatively expensive compared to other guinea pig breeds due to their long hair, fur and beauty typically priced between $70 to $100 or above but the price can change depending on where you get them, how healthy they are, and how old they are.
Peruvian guinea Size Information
Due to cross breed Peruvian is relatively large breed compared to some other guinea pig breeds.
Weight: Peruvian Guinea Pigs typically weight between 1 to 3 pounds or 450 to 1360 grams. Males weight more than females.
Length: They measure around 10 to 14 inches or 25 to 35 cm from the tip of their nose to the end of their rump, not including the length of their long flowing hair.
Head Size: They have relatively small heads compared to their body size.
Physical Features: In simple terms, they have long hair, big eyes, floppy ears covered by fur, and a round head.
These size details help distinguish long hair Guinea Pigs from other guinea pig breeds, and their long hair is one of their most prominent and unique features.
Peruvian Guinea Pig Care
Caring for a guinea pigs involves specific considerations. Due to their long hair breed that are we discussing need high attention. Here are some essential tips for keeping them happy and healthy.
Clean Cage: Maintain a clean and spacious cage with bedding like hay or fleece. Change the bedding regularly to keep their living area fresh.
Diet: Ensure a well-balanced diet for your Peruvian guinea pig by offering high-quality guinea pig pellets, fresh hay and fresh vegetables. Ensure they get enough vitamin C through foods.
Tip
Ensure your Peruvian guinea pig stays clear of unidentified garden weeds, household flowers, and plants, as well as potatoes, rhubarb, dill, and beans!.
Hydration: Always make sure your pig has access to clean and fresh water using a water bottle with a sipper tube to keep it clean and prevent contamination.
Companionship: Peruvian guinea pigs are social animals; consider adopting at least two of the same sex to prevent loneliness and promote social interaction.
Exercise: Regularly allow them to play in a safe and secure environment. Provide toys them for their mental and physical health
Avoid Stress: Keep them away from loud noises and other stressors to maintain their well-being. By following these tips you can give your Peruvian guinea pig a healthy and peaceful life.
Trimming Your Peruvian Pig’s Hair
Maintaining your Peruvian guinea pig’s well-being in warmer weather involves more than aesthetics; it’s a crucial aspect of responsible pet care. Long-haired breeds, including Peruvians, face higher risks of dehydration and heatstroke. Trimming their coat is a practical step to prevent health issues. Many owners adopt this practice for ease of maintenance and cleanliness in the living environment.
When using scissors for grooming, a careful approach is vital to avoid stress. Extra hands or the pouch from the Offbeat Piggy Play Package can assist in a smoother experience. Recognizing the need for a haircut is essential when the guinea pig’s hair hinders movement. Using treats and taking your time during the trimming process ensures a positive and safe grooming experience, fostering a strong bond between owner and pet. Regular grooming becomes an interactive and caring routine, enhancing the connection with your Peruvian guinea pig.
Fun Fact
Peruvian guinea pig breeders frequently use tissue paper and rubber bands to style their pets’ hair, preserving the silky tresses for an extended period, and it adds a touch of fabulous flair!
Hair Brushing Your Peruvian Cavy
Taking care of your Peruvian guinea pig’s fancy fur is not just about making them look good it’s an important part of being a good pet owner. Starting to groom them when they are little is not just a good idea, it’s a way for you and your guinea pig to become closer. Here’s a guide on how to effectively brush your Peruvian Guinea Pig’s hair:
1. Introduce brushing Early:
Start brushing your Peruvian Guinea Pig from a young age to help them get accustomed to the process. This early introduction creates a positive association with grooming.
2. Choose the Right Tools:
Select appropriate brushing tools such as a soft brush, fine-tooth comb, and round-edged scissors. These tools are essential for maintaining your Peruvian’s unique coat.
3. Establish a Comfortable Environment:
Set up a dedicated and quiet grooming space with familiar surroundings. This helps your guinea pig feel at ease during the brush.
4. Calm Interaction:
Calm your guinea pig by talking to them in a gentle and reassuring manner. As they become familiar with the routine, you may notice them responding with sounds, enhancing communication.
5. Use Treats for Distraction:
Guineas, including Peruvians, love treats. Offering a tasty snack during grooming helps keep them distracted and makes the process more enjoyable for both of you.
6. Brush in the Direction of Hair Growth:
Place your guinea pig comfortably on the floor or your lap and use a bristle brush to gently groom their long hair. Always brush in the direction of hair growth to prevent discomfort.
7. Use a Comb for Knots and Tangles:
After brushing, use a fine tooth comb to remove any knots or tangles. Take your time and be gentle to avoid causing stress to your guinea pig.
8. Address Stubborn Knots with Scissors:
For stubborn knots, use round edged scissors to carefully cut them out. Exercise caution to avoid any accidental cuts.
9. Smooth the Hair with a Soft Brush:
Once you have removed matted fur and knots, use a soft brush to smooth your Peruvian guinea pig’s fur one final time. This step helps maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing coat.
10. Regular Grooming Schedule:
Establish a consistent grooming schedule, ideally at least twice a week. Regular grooming is essential for preventing painful irritations, skin infections, and maintaining overall health.
11. Monitor for Signs of Discomfort:
Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort during grooming, such as vocalizations or attempts to escape. Adjust your approach accordingly to ensure a positive experience for your guinea pig.
Incorporating these steps into your routine helps create a positive and bonding experience during brushing sessions. Regular attention to your Peruvian Guinea Pig’s hair ensures not only a stunning appearance but also contributes to their well being and happiness.
Watch this video to see a Peruvian guinea grooming session in action
Facts about Peruvian
Here are some facts about long hair guinea pig breed:
- Peruvian cavies have beautiful long and Luxurious Fur.
- Their coats come in various colors and patterns.
- They are known for their friendly and curious personalities.
- They were selectively bred for their beautiful colors and long, luxurious fur
- They are social animal due to their tricks and interactions.
- They need regular grooming due to their long hair.
- They need a balanced diet including pellets, hay, and vegetables.
- Their round heads, expressive eyes, and floppy ears make them unique from other guinea pigs.
- When cared for properly, they can be loving companions.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Peruvian guinea pigs typically ranges from 5 to 7 years, although some can live longer with excellent care and a clean cage.
Reproduction in Guinea Pigs
The reproductive system in Peruvian guinea pigs is the same as in other guinea pig breeds.
Habitats and population
Peruvian pigs are not found in the wild they are a domestic breed kept as pets or for show competitions. They do not have a specific habitat for wild population like their wild counterparts. Peruvian guinea pigs come from the Andes Mountains in South America, mainly from Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. Yet, they have a past of being taken to France during colonization and later reached the United Kingdom. Their beautiful appearance made them famous as pets in households. Today, people all over the world love Peruvian guinea pigs as pets for their cute look due to their long hairs.
Health Issues
Peruvian guinea pigs, like all guinea pig breeds, have various health issues. Here are some common health problems given below.
- Respiratory Infections
- Dental Issues
- Fatness
- Skin Problems
- Nausea Issues
- Urinary Tract Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heat Stroke
- Parasites
- Stress-Related Illness
You can keep guinea pigs healthy by providing them with a balanced diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary check-ups, and lots of love and attention.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Peruvian guinea pigs are known for gorgeous appearance due to their long, silky, and luxurious coats.
- They are Gentle and Friendly which makes them great companions, especially for children.
- Peruvian guinea pigs are generally quieter compared to other small pets, like hamsters and birds.
- With proper care, Peruvian guinea pigs can live an average of 5 to 7 years, providing long-term companionship.
- They are social animals and live in pairs or small groups, so you can enjoy watching them interact with each other.
Cons
- Guinea pigs require large cages with extra space for them to move comfortably. Their living area can occupy a considerable amount of room in your home.
- Some people may have allergies to guinea pigs, their bedding, or the hay they eat. It’s important to think about these allergies before choosing a guinea pig as a pet.
- Their long fur needs regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep them clean. This is a time consuming process and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Guinea pigs, even the Peruvian ones, can have lots of health issues, as we mentioned before. Veterinary care can be expensive and require dedication.
FAQ’s
What is a Peruvian guinea pig?
A Peruvian guinea pig is a breed of guinea pig that known for its long and silky coat.
What makes Peruvian Cavies different from other breeds?
Peruvian Cavies are distinctive due to their exceptionally long hair, which can grow up to 20 inches or more.
Do Peruvian pigs require special grooming?
Yes, Peruvian pigs need regular grooming to prevent their fur from getting dusty.
Do Peruvian guinea pigs need baths?
No, generally they do not need baths unless they become exceptionally dirty.
Conclusion
Peruvian guinea pigs are captivating pets that boast unique features, notably their long, flowing coats that require dedicated grooming. Originating from the Andes region, these charming rodents have adapted well to domestication and make delightful companions. Their distinct appearance, characterized by luxurious fur that gracefully sweeps the ground, sets them apart in the guinea pig world.
Ensure their high maintenance grooming needs, the joy and companionship they bring to households make the effort worthwhile for dedicated pet owners. As with any pet, responsible care, attention to their specialized needs, and regular veterinary check-ups are essential for ensuring the well being of Peruvian guinea pigs.
