Top 13+ Guinea Pig Breeds: Long Hair, Short Hair & Hairless
Did you know there are more than a dozen recognised guinea pig breeds, ranging from silky show-stoppers with hair down to the floor to completely hairless pigs that feel like warm peaches? Most pet shops sell the classic short-haired American, but the cavy world is far more colourful than that. Whether you want a low-maintenance first pet or a glamorous long-haired companion, this guide walks you through every major breed — looks, personality, grooming needs and who each breed suits best.
How Guinea Pig Breeds Are Classified
Unlike dog or cat breeds, guinea pig breeds are defined almost entirely by coat type and texture. Size, colour and temperament vary a little, but the coat is what decides the breed name. Breeders and cavy clubs group them into three big families:
- Short-haired breeds — smooth, rosetted or wiry coats under 3 cm. The easiest to care for.
- Long-haired breeds — flowing locks that need regular brushing and trims. The show-ring stars.
- Hairless breeds — little to no fur. Surprisingly cuddly, but with special skin and diet needs.
Before you fall in love with a breed, check our complete guinea pig care guide so you know what daily life with any piggy involves — because every breed still needs the same hay, space and companionship.
Short-Haired Guinea Pig Breeds
Short-haired breeds are the most popular pets in the world, and for good reason: they are hardy, easy to groom and come in every colour imaginable.
1. American (English Self)
The classic guinea pig. A smooth, short, glossy coat lying flat against the body, with the famously sweet “self” (single-colour) varieties in black, cream, red, chocolate and more. Calm, friendly and forgiving — the best breed for beginners and children. Grooming: a quick weekly brush is plenty.
2. Abyssinian
The “bad hair day” pig. Eight to ten symmetrical rosettes — swirls of fur growing in circles — give the Abyssinian its permanently windswept look. Abyssinians are famously cheeky, curious and vocal, and many owners swear they are the most entertaining breed. The rosettes need a little extra attention: check between the swirls for tangles weekly.
3. Rex
With a dense, plush, velvety coat that stands upright (like a rex rabbit) and curly whiskers, the Rex feels like a living teddy bear. Rexes tend to be calm and cuddly, making them lovely lap pigs. Their thick coat rarely mats, so grooming is minimal.
4. Teddy
Often confused with the Rex, the Teddy has a springy, wiry coat with a kinked hair shaft that gives it a tousled teddy-bear look. Teddies are sturdy, confident and playful. Note: their dense coat can trap dry skin, so an occasional gentle brush and a dust-free environment help.
5. Crested (English & American Crested)
A single rosette — the “crest” — sits on top of the head like a crown. In the English Crested the crest matches the body colour; in the American Crested it is white, contrasting with the body. Otherwise they are smooth-coated like the American, with the same easy-going temperament and minimal grooming.
6. Himalayan
The Siamese cat of the guinea pig world: a white or cream body with dark “points” on the nose, ears and feet. Himalayans are albino-based, so they have red eyes and are sensitive to bright light. They are gentle and quiet pigs, best kept indoors away from harsh sun.
Long-Haired Guinea Pig Breeds
Long-haired breeds are breathtaking — and a genuine commitment. Expect daily brushing, regular trims around the rear end, and extra checks for matted fur. If you love grooming as bonding time, these breeds reward the effort.
7. Peruvian
The supermodel of guinea pigs, with hair that can grow 60 cm long and sweeps forward over the face. Peruvians need daily brushing and regular trims to keep them comfortable and mat-free. They are gentle and docile, but this is not a beginner breed — choose a Peruvian only if you genuinely enjoy grooming.
8. Silkie (Sheltie)
Like the Peruvian but with hair sweeping backwards, away from the face — so no fringe in the eyes. Silkies are sweet, calm and slightly easier to manage than Peruvians, though they still need brushing every day or two. A great “first long-haired breed”.
9. Texel
Long, curly ringlets all over the body — the Texel looks like a tiny sheep. Those curls tangle easily, so daily gentle brushing with a wide-tooth comb is essential, plus trims to keep the rear clean. Texels are affectionate, laid-back and famously good with children.
10. Coronet
A Silkie with a crest on the forehead — the Coronet combines flowing long hair with the crowned look of the Crested breeds. Personality-wise they are lively and inquisitive. Grooming needs match the Silkie: brush every day or two.
11. Lunkarya
A rare Swedish breed with long, rough, curly-wiry hair that sticks out in all directions — the wildest-looking guinea pig of all. Lunkaryas are hardy and spirited. Their unusual coat is surprisingly low-maintenance for a long-hair (it resists matting), but still needs weekly checks.
12. Merino & Alpaca
Two curly-coated cousins: the Merino has short curly hair plus a crest, while the Alpaca has long curly hair plus a crest. Both are rare outside specialist breeders. Expect Texel-level grooming for the Alpaca; the Merino is easier. Both are gentle, people-oriented pigs.
Hairless Guinea Pig Breeds
Yes, bald guinea pigs exist — and owners adore them. Without fur they feel warm and soft, like a heated peach. But hairless breeds eat more (to stay warm), need draught-free housing, and their skin needs occasional moisturising and sun protection.
13. Skinny Pig
Almost completely hairless except for fuzzy patches on the nose, feet and legs. Skinny Pigs are outgoing, hungry and hilarious — they eat noticeably more than furred pigs to maintain body heat. Keep them indoors at a stable temperature, offer extra hay, and apply a little coconut oil if their skin looks dry. They are wonderful, interactive pets for owners who are home a lot.
14. Baldwin
Born with fur that falls out completely within a few months, leaving a smooth, rubbery, fully bald pig. Baldwins are calm and affectionate but even more temperature-sensitive than Skinny Pigs. Indoor-only, no draughts, and careful sun protection — their skin burns easily.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Ask yourself three questions:
1. How much grooming time do you honestly have? Under 10 minutes a week → American, Crested, Rex or Abyssinian. Happy to brush daily → Silkie, Texel or Peruvian.
2. Who is the pig for? Young children do best with sturdy, tolerant breeds like the American or Texel. Hairless breeds suit adults or teens who are home often and can monitor temperature and skin.
3. Rescue or breeder? Most rescues are full of lovely Americans and Abyssinians (and the occasional long-hair). If your heart is set on a rare breed like the Lunkarya or Alpaca, you will likely need a specialist breeder — but always check rescues first.
Remember: breed matters far less than care. A well-kept American in a big cage with a friend and good food will be happier than a neglected Peruvian. Start with the right setup — our cage size guide and diet chart cover the essentials — and any breed will thrive.
Guinea Pig Breeds — FAQs
What is the friendliest guinea pig breed?
The American is the classic friendly breed, but temperament depends more on handling and socialisation than breed. Well-handled Abyssinians, Texels and Skinny Pigs are famously affectionate too.
Which guinea pig breed is best for beginners?
The American — hardy, calm and minimal grooming. The Abyssinian and English Crested are close seconds.
Do long-haired guinea pigs need haircuts?
Yes — trim the hair around the rear end regularly for hygiene, and keep the overall length manageable if you are not showing the pig. Use blunt-tipped scissors and go slowly.
Are hairless guinea pigs high maintenance?
They need more food, stable indoor temperatures, draught-free housing and occasional skin care — more effort than a short-haired breed, but many owners find them the most interactive and entertaining pigs of all.
Can different breeds live together?
Absolutely. Breed makes no difference to bonding — any healthy, compatible pair (or group) can live together. Guinea pigs are herd animals, so always keep at least two, whatever the breed. Learn what their chatter means in our guinea pig sounds guide.
Bottom line: there is no “best” breed — only the best breed for your lifestyle. Pick the coat you can maintain, give them space, hay, vitamin C and a friend, and watch for early signs of illness like you would with any piggy. Do that, and whichever breed you choose will be the perfect one.
