The Peruvian Guinea Pig

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The Peruvian Guinea Pig
Origins
The Peruvian guinea pig, one of the oldest breeds of guinea pig, is native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia in the Andes region. It is a member of the family Caviidae, and was originally bred for food around 1200 CE. Around the 15th Century, they began to be bred for pets and show animals, especially by British and French breeders. They were brought to Paris in the late 1800s and from there, arrived in America. The animal has been established in the United States for more than one hundred years. The Peruvian guinea pig is one of the three original breeds recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association. Health and Longevity
The Peruvian guinea pig can live to be four to …show more content…
The dense, soft topcoat can grow to up to two feet long, while the undercoat is no longer than seven inches. Show animals must have two rosettes on each side of the rump. One rosette will grow forward and the other will grow backwards. As the animal grows, the hair parts down the middle of the back and forward over the head. It should fan out around the body so that it is difficult to distinguish the back from the front of the animal. The Peruvian guinea pig comes in many colors: the single or self, bicolor, and the tricolor, which is the most desirable. Colors of the tricolor are usually white, cream, and slate.
Peruvian guinea pigs will sometimes nibble on their own or a companion guinea pig’s hair. This is called barbering. Some of the causes of this behavior include boredom, excitement, heredity, or dietary deficiencies. This activity can sometimes be controlled by providing enough food and hay to chew, an interesting yet quiet environment, or a companion to alleviate boredom. Hair chewing can sometimes cause baby Peruvian guinea pigs to become hairless. If the mother chews on hair, it is likely that the babies will learn the behavior also. If barbering continues, it might be necessary to trim the guinea pig’s …show more content…
However, unlike the Peruvian, the Silkie, which is also called the Sheltie, has a soft, dense coat without any rosettes or forelocks. The hair does not cover the face but grows backwards, forming a mane. The mane sweeps from between the ears and flows over the shoulders and back. If the Silkie is viewed from above, it has a teardrop shape, unlike the Peruvian, which appears circular in shape. The Peruvian guinea pig is more alert and more curious than most other breeds. It is very social without much coaxing. However, the Silkie can appear very shy until it gets comfortable with you. It does have a very easy-going personality and is known for being the most gentle of the guinea pig breeds. You should coax them out of their cages with food and treats to get them acclimated to dealing with people.

Sources Used in Addition to the Ones Given

A Gallery of Cute Guinea Pig Breeds. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://exoticpets.about.com/od/guineapigs/ss/guineapigcoats.htm
Guinea pig care and gifts | CavyMadness. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://cavymadness.com/
Peruvian Guinea Pig Care - Caring For A Long Haired Guinea Pig. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://hubpages.com/animals/peruvian-guinea-pig-care
Peruvian Guinea Pig - KnowledgeBase.LookSeek.com. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from http://knowledgebase.lookseek.com/Peruvian-Guinea-Pig.html
(n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016,
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