Buying a Guinea Pig - Breeds

How much to spend:

- When buying a guinea pig you should first look into how much you will need to spend. The average guinea pig bought from a pet store could range anywhere from $5 to $15 per guinea pig. Buying a guinea pig from a breeder you should expect to spend up to $45 or more.

- A cage for your little friend will cost from $30 to $60 if you go to a supply store. If you choose to make your own cage, it could be done for as little as $35.

- Don't forget to groom your piggy! Grooming tools may cost up to $15. Don't forget brushes, nail-clippers, and other tools you may need, especially if you are planning on buying a long-haired guinea.

- Vegetables and pellets for feeding will be around $10 per bag.

- Hay and other bedding aren't particularly expensive, about $5-10 per bag.

How many Guinea Pigs Should I get?

Typically since you are first starting out, get just one to be certain you can take care of a second and/or third.

What type of Piggy?

There are many different breeds of Guinea Pigs. It can be difficult to know exactly which one you are looking for. So I will list a few for you to help you get a better idea of who you want.

American (English Cavy)
The American Guinea Pig has a smooth short coat that lies flat to his body. He is the most popularly and commonly seen.

Abyssinian
The Abyssinian has a very distinctive appearance. He is very fuzzy and his coat is made up of swirl-like patterns called rosettes. The fur is very coarse and rough.

Peruvian
The Peruvian Guinea Pig has a smooth and straight coat. Their coats can grow to several inches in length. The hair tends to grow over their head as well as their body. The thick, soft Peruvian's coat requires much attention and grooming. Many owners tend to trim the hair to keep it from becoming too unmanageable.

Silkie (Sheltie)
The Silkie has a very long, silky coat. Unlike the Peruvian, the Silkie's coat grows backwards from the head.

Crested (American Crested, English Crested)
The Crested Guinea Pig has a single rosette on his forehead. There are two types of Crested Guinea Pigs. The White Crested, also known as the American Crested, who has a white crest on his forehead. Then there is the Self Crested, also called English Crested, who's crest is the same color as the rest of his coat.

Teddy
The Teddy is a short haired guinea pig characterized by his short, thick coat with kinked hair that makes the coat look fuzzy, like a teddy bear.

Texel
The Texel Guinea Pig is highly uncommon and has a very distinctive long and curly coat. The Texel requires a lot of grooming and maintenance.

Coronet
The Coronet is yet another long haired piggy, but this one has a single rosette in the center of its forehead, like the Crested. Like all long-haired guineas, this one will need a lot of grooming.

Other Breeds
There are other less recognized breeds of guinea pigs, such as the hairless guineas and others. Keep Looking! There are many! I've posted pictures of each breed on my blog come on over and have a look.