Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Facts about Abyssinian Guinea Pigs, the Abyssinian Guinea Pig is one of the most recognizable and popular guinea pig breeds in the world. The Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are native to South America and they can be of any color in the rainbow of the guinea pig, but the agouti coloring is chiefly dramatic on the Abyssinian Guinea Pig breed because of its rosettes. These Abyssinian Guinea Pigs readily breed with other guinea pig breeds. The only dissimilarity between an Abyssinian Guinea Pig and other guinea pig breeds is the texture of the coat and the growth pattern.

Origin of the breed

It is supposed that the Abyssinian Guinea Pigs were initially developed to be exercised as food as early as 5000 BC. Choosy breeding started around 1200 AD and subsequently they turned out to be popular as pets for the higher class people and finally, they made their way into the houses of the common man. The Abyssinian Guinea Pigs were amongst the primary breeds to be accepted by the Cavy Breeders Association of America. Since then, the breed has improved considerably.

All domestic Abyssinian Guinea Pigs hail from South America, particularly from Patagonia and Peru. The first Abyssinian Guinea Pigs to get into Europe were during the sixteenth century and they were called by an alien name of a foreign nation fashionable in England at that time called Abyssinia. Though these animals are called guinea pigs, they are no way associated with Guinea and they are also not pigs, but rodents.

Features

The major characteristic of the coat pattern of the Abyssinian Guinea Pigs is that its growth is in spirals called rosettes. They come in varying phases of recognition. Nearly all Abyssinian Guinea Pigs look as though they contain moustaches, a tutu, and a cap on.

The Abyssinian Guinea Pig that is used for shows will have a minimum of eight obviously definable rosettes about its body. The rosette edges will be crisp or they appear with a simple defined line. The rosettes will be symmetrically positioned along the body.

Usually, the coat of the Abyssinian Guinea Pig is rough and harsh, but it is softer than sandpaper. These Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are very beautiful, and with mild training, they will be extremely affectionate and even some pigs may grow as lap pigs.

Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are healthy animals and they are not identified to be susceptible to any illness when compared to other guinea pig breeds. Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are trouble-free to groom by means of a soft cat or a bunny brush, or they can be even groomed with an old toothbrush. They are fond of keeping themselves clean. Usually, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs do not need frequent bathing and it is necessary only during emergencies, or if the pig has a problem in keeping their back end clean while they get older.

Behavior

Usually, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs have a propensity to be cheekier and friendlier and a bit more mischievous than other guinea pig breeds. They are very clever to learn things quickly and they can be easily trained. These small animals are trained to sit and jump into their confine on command. The Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are considered immense pets for people who have not at all kept guinea pigs earlier.

The average lifespan of the Abyssinian Guinea Pig ranges from 5 years to 7 years.
"Scientific name for Guinea Pig Cavia Porcellus".