Abyssinian guinea pigs are one of the most popular household breeds – they are known for their messy hair do that sticks up in every direction, with multiple rosettes of fur over their body. Abyssinian guinea pigs have a reasonably low maintenance coat and are usually quite vocal and inquisitive guinea pigs, making them great pets.

The Rex is the largest breed of guinea pig, weighing up to 1.4kg and growing up to a whopping 45cm in length! Their coat is generally quite short and low maintenance, with a wiry, fuzzy appearance and wool like texture. Rex guinea pigs lack guard hairs, so instead their hair stands up on its end to protect them against water and moisture.

Similar to Rex guinea pigs, but Teddy guinea pigs have a much softer coat that is reminiscent of a stuffed animal, hence their name. Their coat is dense and plush, but unlike the rex, it feels softer and is less prone to matting.

The white crested guinea pig is very similar to the American guinea pig, with a short smooth coat in a variety of colours. They are characterised by a single white crest (also known as a rosette) on the top of their head. 

Peruvian guinea pigs have a very long coat, which when cared for correctly can grow up to 2 feet! They have smooth, straight fur which parts down the middle with 2 rosettes, one on top of their head and another over their rump, which can grow in any direction - even over their face! Peruvian guinea pigs are one of the highest maintenance guinea pigs and require a lot of time dedicated to grooming.

Long, smooth hair that flows back from the face (doesn’t part). Known for their silky texture and sweet temperament, however does require a high level of maintenance and commitment to keep their coat healthy and luscious!

Texel guinea pigs are a reasonably new breed, and is a cross between a Rex and Silkie guinea pig. They are known for their medium to long length wavy hair coat. Due to their hair length Texel guinea pigs are higher maintenance to care for and require regular grooming. The hair around their face is generally shorter than that of the rest of their body.

Coronet guinea pigs are a cross between a silkie and crested guinea pig. They have smooth long hair that requires regular grooming and maintenance, with a characteristic single rosette on top of their head. They also come in many colours and markings.

The Sheba, or otherwise affectionately known as the ‘Sheba Mini-Yak’ is a cross between an Abyssinian and Peruvian guinea pig – first bred in Australia! Although it is not an official breed yet, it is fast becoming a much loved pet with their wild ‘bed hair’. They have the most un-tamed hair of all guinea pig breeds as it is known to stick out in every direction, often with the Peruvian ‘quiff’ at the front. Sheba guinea pigs are deemed to be high maintenance as they do require regular grooming and trimming to avoid matting of their coat, or contamination around their bottom and back legs.

A Swedish breed with a wild, dense, curly coat. Extremely fluffy with a “woolly” look. Less common outside of Europe.

There are two main breeds of hairless guinea pigs, the Skinny and Baldwin. Unfortunately neither of these breeds are available in Australia. These breeds are characterised by being almost completely hairless, often bar a few hairs around their nose and feet. Their skin can be both pink, brown or black, in a variety of patterns.