Exotic Pets

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Exotic Pets

Guinea Pig Breed Guide

From Lianne McLeod, DVM, for About.com

2 of 9

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Abyssinian Guinea Pig - Mr. Nibbles

Abyssinian Guinea Pig - Mr. Nibbles

Photo by Debbi Needham
The Abyssinian has a very distinctive appearance. The coat is made up of multiple swirls of hair referred to as rosettes. Their hair is quite dense and coarse, and it radiates in circles from multiple points on the body to make up a series of whirls and ridges. For show purposes, Abyssinian must have a minimum of 8 rosettes, in a symmetrical pattern. These guinea pigs always look somewhat dishevelled.

The Satin Abyssinian is also recognized by the ACBA; again the satin simply means the coat has a deep shine.

The above Abyssinian photo is courtesy of Odd Fellows Caviary.

Explore Exotic Pets

About.com Special Features

Exotic Pets

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Exotic Pets
  4. Guinea Pigs
  5. Abyssinian Guinea Pig

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.