Texel guinea pigs are an increasingly popular breed that originated in England from crossing a Rex with a Sheltie guinea pig. This is how they obtained they’re long wavy hair. Although the hair on they’re body will constantly grow, the hair on they’re face will not. They come in many colours.

Merino is a very similar breed only they have a crest on they’re forehead. It is believed this breed came about from crossing a Rex with a Coronet guinea pig. This breed requires the same attention as that of a Texel.

Both of these are long haired breed’s so they DO require more time & maintenance. If you choose to grow your Merino/Texel’s hair you should be brushing it at least once a day & keeping the hair trimmed around the ears, eyes, along the stomach & genitals. This prevent’s poops, hay or urine from matting the hair. Ear wax will also build up a lot quicker so I would recommend keeping the ear hair trimmed & cleaning the ears with a cotton bud & coconut oil every 3 months. Trimming the hair around the eyes is also very important.

These breed’s are very susceptible to heat stroke in hotter climates. I would highly recommend that these piggy’s are kept indoors for 80% of the year unless you live in a cold climate or are able to closely monitor them.

I personally absolutely adore this breed, it is by far my favourite. I have found this breed is one of the most trusting, confident & affectionate. Don’t get me wrong, each guinea pig has it’s individual personality & genetics. So that will play a part in each of them, as well as how much time you spend with them. But overall these are fantastic breed’s & I would recommend them for anyone who has the time to put into taking care of them as you will be greatly rewarded with they’re love & trust.

Here are some photos of my Texel & Merino piggy’s below as well as a few i’ve previously bred.