About Guinea Pig

• Guinea pigs are social animals, and you should consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. A pair of females is a good choice; a pair of males may be fine but may fight.
• They are a long-term commitment, with an expected life span of around 5-7 years, although up to 10 isn't unusual.
• They need a large cage (but fortunately it is easy to meet their needs with a home made cage).
• While usually quiet they can call out quite loudly, and can be active both day and night.
• They may be nervous at first but rarely bite and generally become very tame with frequent handling.
• Usually good family pets

• Try to avoid guinea pigs that are panicky when handled, especially if they do not relax quickly, and also those that are overly quiet and calm (may be ill).
• The guinea pig should be alert and active.
• Avoid guinea pigs that are overly skinny or grossly overweight. The body should be firm and rounded.
• The nose, eyes, ears, and rear end should be clean and free from discharge.
• The coat should be full and soft.
• Check the skin for flakes or redness, and be on the lookout for any signs of parasites such as lice.

• American
  
  This breed is also known as the English Cavy. The coat is smooth and short and lies flat to the body. This is the most popular and commonly seen breed.
  The Satin American is also recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association (ACBA). Satin refers to the sheen of the coat; the satin breeds have very shiny, sleek coats.
  
  
• Abyssinian Guinea Pig
  
  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 above Abyssinian photo is courtesy of Odd Fellows Caviary.
  
  
• Peruvian Guinea Pig
  
  The Peruvian coat is smooth and straight, and grows to several inches in length. The hair naturally parts down the center of the back, and also grows forward over the head.
  
  The dense, soft coat of the Peruvian requires a great deal of grooming, and many owners of Peruvian guinea pigs end up trimming the hair to keep it manageable (if the guinea pig is to be shown, wraps can be used to keep the hair from getting tangled or soiled).
  
  
• Silkie Guinea Pig
  The Silkie is also known as the Sheltie, and has a very silky long coat. In contrast to the Peruvian, the Silkie's soft coat does not naturally part along the back, and grows backwards from the head.