Skinny pig

Question
QUESTION: I am troubled that an "expert" does not know a "skinny pig" is a specific breed of guinea pig.


Baldwin  
Skinny Pig   ANSWER: I'm not sure what the question is or which expert didn't know what a Skinny Pig is. Here in the US I too would be surprised if a cavy breeder didn't know what they are, but in other countries I don't know what their experience or popularity is.

Skinny Pigs did originate in the US and came from Teddy stock. For those who may be reading this and not know what we're talking about, a Skinny Pig is a nearly hairless pig except for little tufts of hair at the base of the ears, the feet and a cute little smattering of hair on the nose.

They were one of those odd and unexpected results of the breeding of a pair of Teddies, but are now a breed unto their own here in the US.  

They are not at this time recognized by ARBA or ACBA as a breed, but are still  highly coveted by those who raise them. They are unable to be shown in an ARBA sanctioned show in the US because of not yet being recognized officially as a breed, and not having an official standard  but that doesn't diminish their attraction to the fancy. There have been attempts for some time to have each of them accepted by ARBA, but it takes a great deal of time and effort to achieve this and hopefully that effort will be rewarded sometime in the future.

Skinny Pigs are not born with a full coat. They are what they are when they are born. The other hairless breed, Baldwins, are just the opposite. I am told that Skinnies also have the same rapid metabolism as Baldwins and require special controlled environments. I find them particularly endearing as I love their little tufted head and facial fluffs of fuzz on the nose. They come in the same variety of patterns and colors as their coated relatives, so there is a variety to choose from.

Baldwins on the other hand came from a random breeding of two White Crested pigs in Calif. In fact the person who originated and owned the first litter is a friend of mine and long time club member. She is still breeding Baldwins from the original lines of the first pair.

The first litter was born as normal looking cavies, but  much to her surprise began losing their hair after a week or so. When they continued to be obviously healthy and thrive, although hairless, she repeated this breeding of the same parents with the same results. Thus was born the beginnings of the hairless cavy named by her as Baldwins.

Not everyone is taken by hairless breeds of any species. But to each his own. It was thought that they would be a perfect option for those allergic to cats or cavies. As it turns out it's not the hair that is the allergen for most sufferers, it's the dander on the skin. So they aren't always an alternative for those with allergies.

The Baldwins have a very rapid metablolism and tend to eat and eliminate much faster than their coated counterparts. They are of course very sensitive to climate and must be keep in a controlled environment. A litter of Baldwins may have both coated and hairless in one litter, just as the Chinese Crested dogs do.

The coated Baldwins from those litters are carriers of the gene and can indeed pass on that gene to their offspring.  

I've attached a couple of 'pigtures' for the benefit of those who may not know or have seen either of these.

Debra I hope this in some way eases your concern about those who may not be familiar with the Skinny Pig or the Baldwin, but maybe we've enlighted a few animal lovers to the existence of both breeds.  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you! An earlier question, was answered by an expert who was concerned that she mentioned her guinea pig was skinny! lol

I am on a couple Skinny pig sites and believe me there are many breeders now of Skinny pigs and Baldwins.

I find them delightful,curious and smart.

thank you!

Answer
I'm with you Debra, I find them adorable. I don't have either Skinny Pigs or Baldwins, because my caviary is outside and I can't provide the controlled environment they need. Actually our third single car garage has been remodeled and converted to a caviary, and being in So. Calif it get's too hot at times during the summer and too cold on occasion in the winter.

I would love to have either one however and maybe someday I will. Since you're in Oregon I'll be we know some of the same people and you may have a Skinny or two that came from Sunflower Cavies, also a member of our club. She has some nice animals. She has currently got the C.O.D. for the Tan Silkies so we're hoping they make it through the process in the next couple years.

Let's hope they're able to make it through ARBA in the next few years. The Baldwins made a presentation at Nationals in 2001 in Del Mar but I don't know what their standing is now. Thanks for the chance to 'meet you' and I hope you'll come back again. Who knows, we might even meet face to face at a show one day.