what kind?

Question
Thank you so much for your help!  I've decided I want a peruvian or abysian mix.  I've visited several sites, but I can't seem to locate a breeder in my areas (Los Angeles, Ca).  Can you tell me who I can contact? Or someone can contact me:  cynthiainda@gmail.com
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Followup To

Question -
I want to get a guinea pig as a pet.  I want one with a great personality --ie, likes to sit on the couch and watch tv, but also likes to play.  Which breed has the "best" personality?  Also, where can I find a breeder in Southern California?

Answer -
Hello Cynthia,

There's really not very extreme personality differences between the breeds of Guinea Pigs the way there is with breeds of dogs. It mostly just depends on your piggy whether he likes to lounge and watch tv but pretty much all of them like to play. American, American Crested, or English Crested would probably be perfect for you. They typically have a moderate activity level and will happily lounge or play. Peruvians are usually the most laid back and Abyssinians are typically the most active. Peruvians require alot of coat care and while they are wonderful pets, just like any piggy, they require a very dedicated owner who can devote quite a bit of time each day to grooming. It's been said that Abyssinians are the most intellegent, whether it's true or not has yet to be proven, but they are undisputedly the most active and often require quite a bit of things to do to keep them out of mischief. I have mostly Abyssinian and Abyssinian mixes and they will almost all sit and watch tv....After they've finished exploring. Americans and the Cresteds have little grooming requirements (nail trims and baths if they get yucky) and aren't quite as rambunctious as Abyssinians USUALLY. The differences are all really more dependent on each pig than breed though and these broad generalizations (grooming needs excluded) really don't hold true all of the time. I have a Ridgeback (an American/Peruvian mix) who is a nightmare. He is more hyperactive than all my Abyssinians put together and he's brillant. It's nearly impossible to keep him contained. When he gets bored he yells, and he is very difficult to keep entertained because he figures out those hide-the-treat educational toys in a few seconds and is bored with it. He's always getting into trouble. Most ridgebacks, I've been told are nice calm sweet pigs though. The point is, it just depends on the pig. Once you find a breeder of the breed you find most appealing, talk to them about the things you want your pig to do with you and if they are a breeder who loves their pigs, they'll know which of their's will best fit your needs. Keep in mind that a young pup is still growing and changing so his personality may not be the same when he is grown as it was when you first got him (pups are also, usually, much more active and won't be content to watch tv). Often breeders have retired show or breeder pigs or pups who have grown up without finding a home yet who are available. Those may be better suited to being the calm yet playful pig you want.

Here are a few good sites that will help you locate a breeder near you. If you can't find one you need, let me know the breed you've decided on and I'll ask around and see if I can track down one or 2 for you.

http://www.rabbitandcavydirectory.com/index.htm
http://www.celestialcavies.com/links.htm

Also you are located in the ACBA's District 2. You can contact the local club leaders nearest you and they should be able to give you a list of registered caviaries near you.

http://www.acbaonline.com/cavyclubs.html#Anchor-Distric-45440

May I also suggest, if you don't plan to show, perhaps a mixed breed (or possibly purebred) rescue piggy would be better and you'd be giving a home to a piggy who really needs it and will be forever grateful. For that I reccommend PetFinder and you are in luck, I did a quick search on piggies available in Cali and there are tons and they are all so beautiful! Just enter "Small & Furry" for animal, "Guinea Pig" for breed, and your zip code or city name to find a piggy near you.

http://www.petfinder.com/

Whereever you decide to get your piggy from, I wish you the best of luck finding the perfect one.

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs

Answer
Hello Cynthia,

I'm glad to help. I hunted and hunted but couldn't track down an Aby breeder near you. If you talk to some of these breeders they may be able to direct you to one. I'm SURE they exsist I just can't find them. I did find a rescue with some very cute Abys available though. If I were you, I'd email all of them I listed, even the breeds you aren't interested in and explain to them that you are looking for a different breed and hoped they could help. In my experience, most will be very helpful and the ones who are jerks about it aren't worth bothering with if you ever do decide to get their breed. The ones who listed their exact location, I tried to keep within a 3 hour drive from LA. Most breeders will be willing to meet halfway as long as it isn't too far or they may be coming to a show near you in a few months and could bring your chosen pet with them. I would suggest visiting though so you can check out how they are kept. If they aren't well cared for, it's best to move on no matter how cute they are or you may suffer for it later. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder questions, especially about your chosen piggy's parent's and grandparent's medical history. Ask about possible illnesses in their lines and things you need to be aware of. If you get a long haired (like a Peruvie) if you don't want to cut his/her hair, you should have the breeder show you how to wrap it. Their hair can grow to around 2 feet long, so it will have to be cut or wrapped. Good luck in your search!

Peruvian breeders in Southern California
http://midsummernightcavies.tripod.com/index/
http://sunflowercavies.com/

Abyssinian Rescue (I know it says rat and mouse rescue, but scroll down, they have some lovely Abys available):
http://www.homestead.com/recycled_rodent/available.html

Non-requested breeds in case you change your mind:
Texels:
http://www.angelfire.com/ct3/cutiepieacres/guineas.html

Americans and Teddies:
http://www.gonecavy.com/

Americans and American Satins (a word of caution with satins of any breed, most suffer from Osteodystrophy, a debilitating disease):
http://www.geocities.com/huntskavies/index.html
http://www.californiacavys.com/index.html

Teddies:
http://www.freewebs.com/moon-beam-cavies/

Skinnies and Baldwins (this breeder is very close to you if you are interested in these breeds):
http://sphynxncavies.com/

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs