A teddy cavy, also known simply as a “teddy pig,” is a specific breed or type of guinea pig. Teddy guinea pigs are a unique breed with short, coarse fur that is low-maintenance in terms of grooming.. These guinea pigs have a short, dense, and soft coat that resembles the texture of a teddy bear, hence the name. Teddy guinea pigs have fur that sticks up and feels really soft when you touch it.
In addition to their distinctive coats, teddy guinea pigs come in a variety of colors and patterns, just like other guinea pig breeds. They are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them popular as pets. Guinea pigs, including teddy guinea pigs, are social animals that thrive on companionship and require proper care, including a balanced diet, clean living environment, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Facts about The Teddy Guinea Pig
| COMMON NAMES | Teddy guinea pig, teddy bear guinea pig, teddy cavy, teddy bear cavy |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Cavia porcellus |
| Family | Cavies |
| Lifespan | 4-8 years |
| Fur | Medium length, up to 2.4 inch curly, dense |
| Care Level | Medium |
| Diet | Hay, vegetables, herbs |
| Minimum Tank Size | 8 square feet per animal |
| Color Form | Black, cream, gold, lilac, beige, brindle |
| Temperament | Friendly, affectionate, social, needy |
Teddy’s Overview
Teddy guinea pigs, or Cavia porcellus, like all guinea pigs, originated in South America in the Andes Mountains, to be exact. According to history, they were domesticated thousands of years ago. Initially, they were not kept as pets but rather raised for two main purposes: as a source of food because people lived in forests and considered them pests and as offerings to honor family members, friends, and gods. It didn’t take long for them to be brought to Europe, including the United Kingdom and the United States, where they quickly became a popular pet choice, especially among royalty.
Teddy guinea pigs are cute, fun-loving, and well-suited as family pets, especially for households with children. They prefer spending their time with humans or other guinea pigs but can also be content on their own if they receive regular interaction with their human family members.
These animals need a large cage or a spacious glass habitat to spend much of their time in and to keep them safe from larger pets and accidents around the house. Although they are generally gentle, they may nip if they feel cornered or threatened, so they should always be handled with a caring and patient hand.
Teddy Guinea Pigs Cost
Teddy guinea pigs are relatively affordable pets compared to many other options on the market , typically priced between $10 and $50 but the price can change depending on where you get them, how healthy they are, and how old they are. Additionally, they can sometimes be adopted for a lower cost or even for free from humane societies or animal rescue facilities.
Size Information
Teddy guinea pigs typically measure around 10 to 12 inches in length and weight between 1.5 to 3 pounds on average. Generally, females are slightly smaller than males in this breed.
Teddy Guinea Pig Care
Smart housing and friendly environment plays an important role in guinea pig life expectancy. If you care for your pet and keep house and environment clean then your pet live longer from their average age.
Housing and Environment
For Teddy Guinea pig, a wire cage is a best option due to its ventilation and easy of cleaning. However, ensure that the cage’s bottom is not made of wire to protect their feet. The minimum cage size for one Guinea pig is 8 square feet, but larger is preferable. Keep in mind that many cages on the market may be too small from their listed size. Purchase a largest cage that fits your available home space. Minimum recommended cage sizes is:
- 30- by 50-inches for two Guinea pigs
- 30- by 62-inches for three Guinea pigs
- 30- by 76-inches for four Guinea pigs
Additionally, the cage should have soft bedding, like paper bedding or fleece, which needs regular cleaning and maintenance.
Teddy Guinea Pig Breeds
There are two types of teddy guinea pig breeds.
- Swiss Teddy
- American Teddy
Swiss and American Teddy Difference
You can differ both Teddy Guinea Pig breeds by comparing them with the help of comparison table that is given below:
Swiss Teddy
| APPEARANCE | Short-haired with dense |
| PERSONALITY | Gentle, calm and friendly |
| Lifespan | 4-8 years |
| Suitable for | Children & beginners |
| Fur | Medium length, up to 2.4 inch |
The Swiss Teddy is a very rare guinea pig breed known for its unique coat. It has a coarse, dense, and slightly curly half-length coat that stands upright, measuring between 4cm or 1.5 inches and 6cm or 2.inches in length. This coat is notably longer than most short-haired guinea pigs and double the length of the US Teddy breed.
No Rosettes
Neither Swiss Teddy nor American Teddy guinea pigs have rosettes, but some of them have small crests. These features may not be noticeable to everyone, but they are liked by the owners of ‘common’ guinea pigs. After all, it’s these characteristics that make each guinea pig special and unique.
Fur Care
Soft scissors should be used for grooming. Keeping it clean is a good idea so that you don’t accidentally present any dirt that you have removed. Using a pair of children’s scissors and trimming the fur once or twice a month is also understood.
American Teddy
| APPEARANCE | medium-long body |
| PERSONALITY | Gentle, calm and friendly |
| Lifespan | long from swiss 6-9 years |
| Suitable for | Beginners |
| Fur | soft fur 1.5 inch to 3.0 inch |
The American Teddy guinea pig has shorter in size approximately 3cm or 1.1 inches long ,life span of 4 to 6 years and curly, dense fur that stands up, similar to a other guinea pig breeds but with a slightly shorter, fluffier, finer, and denser coat. Telling them apart can be tricky, and they come in various fur colors just like as Swiss teddy. Fur care and Rosettes for American Teddies is just the same as for Swiss Teddies.
Teddy Guinea Pigs as Family Pets
Guinea pigs are wonderful friends known for being friendly, gentle, and full of personality. They make great pets for families, especially when grown-ups take care of them. Here are few reasons why guinea pigs are good pets for families and children.
- Guinea pigs are friendly and simple to train.
- Guinea pigs are talkative little creatures.
- Taking care of guinea pig can easily be integrated into your daily routine.
- Guinea pigs have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets.
Diet of Teddy cavies
Taking care of Teddies can be more expensive as compared to hamsters or birds because they have specific dietary needs and need more space. Like all other Guinea pigs teddies require a diet of hay, fortified pellets, and fresh vegetables, with extra care about getting enough vitamin C. They must always have access to water, and you should give them good-quality guinea pig food. Leafy green vegetables are a daily treat, but monitoring their weight is much important. To keep them healthy, they need fiber in their diet to take care of their teeth.
Facts about Teddies
- Teddies are known for their dense fur, than any other guinea pig breeds.
- They are vocal animals, making various sounds to communicate.
- While popular as pets, they are still consumed as food in some parts of South America.
- Teddy guinea pigs are social and prefer to live with other guinea pigs but not other animal species.
- Teddy guinea pigs sometimes chew fur to show who’s boss and eat their own poop to get extra nutrients.
Lifespan
Guinea pigs have varying lifespans influenced by genetics, diet, and care, with an average of 5 to 7 years. The record age of a guinea pig is 15 years. The age of guinea pigs depends significantly on proper care, including a balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups, which can extend their lifespan.
Health Issues
Like other guinea pig breeds, the Teddy pig is susceptible to various health issues. These include:
- Breathing Problems
- Skin Issues
- Bladder Infections
- Teeth Troubles
- Eye Problems
- Foot Problems
- Diarrhea
- Lack of Vitamins
- Lumps and Bumps
- Insects
Pros and Cons Owning a Teddy Guinea Pig
Pros
- Teddy Guinea Pigs are incredibly cute with their short, dense, and upright fur.
- Teddies are relatively low-maintenance pets. They don’t require as much grooming as long-haired breeds.
- Teddies are excellent pets for families and also children’s.
- They can be trained to recognize their names and perform tricks.
- They have friendly and sociable personalities, making them great companions.
Cons
- Like other guinea pig breeds, Teddies are susceptible to various health problems, including respiratory issues and dental problems.
- Teddy cages need regular cleaning to prevent from smell and ensure a healthy living environment.
- Maintaining a proper diet with a consistent source of vitamin C can be challenging.
- Guinea pigs have a relatively short lifespan compared to some other pets, which can be difficult for owners who become attached.
FAQ’s
What is a Teddy Guinea Pig?
A Teddy Guinea Pig, often just called “Teddy,” is a special kind of guinea pig known for its short, rough, and thick fur that sticks up, making it look like a teddy bear.
How do Teddies differ from other guinea pig breeds?
Teddy Guinea Pigs stand out because of their special fur texture. Unlike other guinea pigs, their fur is short, thick, and rough, making them look like teddy bears.
What is the personality of a Teddy Guinea Pig?
Teddies are great as pets and like spending time with people, which makes them good for families.
How do I care for a Teddy Guinea Pig?
Taking good care of them means giving them a suitable cage, a balanced food, clean water, and regular veterinary check-ups.
What is the lifespan of a Teddy Guinea ?
The lifespan of a Teddies can vary but mostly ranges from 5 to 7 years with proper care and diet.
What should I feed my Teddy Pig?
A healthy diet for Teddy Cavies includes hay, fortified pellets and fresh vegetables.
