Guinea pigs, or cavies, are known for their sweet temperament and unique body features. The cavy is bred in South America for food and weighs up to fifteen pounds. Domesticated guinea pigs are three to five pounds and are common household pets. Many breeders and serious owners of the guinea pig, show their animals in cavy shows and state and county fairs.
American Guinea Pigs are the Most Common Cavy Breed
Serious owners of the loveable animal, look for purebred animals with impeccable, accredited colored coats. The American Cavy Breeders Association has a long list of criteria that the showable pig must obtain in order to take the coveted, Best in Show award.
As a pet, the American is one of the easiest guinea pigs to maintain. The American is the most common breed of guinea pig. Its short hair requires less maintenance than their long hair counterparts. Other short haired breeds of guinea pigs such as the Teddy, Crested, Abyssinian and their satin cousins are also easily maintained.
Body Shape and Coat Condition of the American Guinea Pig
An American guinea pig has a body similar to a brick. The ideal body type is firm, not fleshy. There may be a slight indentation below the shoulders. Hips may be slightly wider than the shoulders. The best body shape in terms of judging, is equal proportion from the shoulders to the rump. The Americans are judged critically on their body type and flesh condition. Due to the lack of detail of a Teddy coat or the rosettes of an Abyssinian, a best in show American has a large, muscular body with little or no indentation at the sides.
The hair length should be close to the body. If showing an American, the coat should be no longer than one-fourth inch, even in length throughout the body, with no fading in the coat color.
American guinea pigs are closest genetically to the aboriginal guinea pigs of South America. While agouti, a multi colored hair shaft with brown, gold or silver, and black, is the original color of the South American pig, Americans and Satin Americans have developed the same colors as other breeds of guinea pigs. The ACBA has many accredited coat colors for show. Americans come in all colors including white, cream, lilac, red, black, agouti and tortoise shell.
Satin Americans are considered a separate breed from the American. Basically, they are the same except for the hair shaft of the coat. The American's coat is matte where the Satin American's hair has an iridescent sheen. Teddies, Silkies, Peruvians, Cresteds and Abyssinians also come in Satin breeds.
Housing, Nutrition and Basic Care of the American Guinea Pig
If housing one guinea pig, a ten to twenty gallon aquarium is a perfect fit. Guinea pigs, due to their short legs, are not climbers. The only reason to put a top on the housing unit is to prevent other animals from playing or attacking the cavy. Wooden boxes, approximately four times the guinea pig's size can be made. Cages are appropriate if the bottom is solid and not wire mesh. Guinea pigs do require room to move, but are basically sedentary animals. Too much area may cause exhaustion in the pig and weight loss.
Americans appear to be the heartiest of guinea pig breeds. This phenomenon may be due to the excessive cross breeding of other cavies. Although sturdier, American guinea pigs are still at risk for illnesses evident in other cavy breeds.
Owners and handlers should take great care when handling their pets if any sign of upper respiratory infection is apparent. Guinea pigs are allergic to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat an infected pig. Prevention is the best defense when it comes to keeping the guinea pig healthy. The owner should always wash his hands before and after handling the cavy. Never come into contact with a guinea pig if sneezing, coughing, or exhibiting a runny nose. Signs of infection in the pig are similar to that of a human. Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, shortness of breath and discharge from the eyes and nose are signs of an upper respiratory infection. Veterinarian care is essential to prevent wry neck, inner ear infection, and death.
Vitamin C is an important component to the guinea pig diet. Supplemental drops may be added to the water. Citrus fruits, grapes, and berries are high in Vitamin C and should be added to the diet. Never substitute rabbit, ferret, gerbil or hamster pellets for guinea pig food. These foods do not have the alfalfa rich nutrients found in guinea pig pellets. Fresh vegetables, with the exception of cauliflower and broccoli, are great treats and aid the cavy in nutrition and digestion.
For a pet, American guinea pigs are a great choice. Their sturdy body and short hair makes them easier to care for than their flashy, long haired cousins. Americans, like all breeds of guinea pigs are sweet, affectionate and love to be handled. Their sociability doesn't necessitate a mate, but they do well in pairs or small herds. Guinea pigs are not recommended for children under five years of age.
Sources:
Author was the president of the Utah Cavy Breeders Association in the 1990s.
Guinea Pigs, Not the Usual Rodent
Cathlene Smith - I have written two psychological thrillers this year, "Slivers of Reality" and its sequel to be released in 2010. I have also written a ...
