The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognises only 13 cavy breeds at the moment. In order to have new breeds recognised there is a very lenghthy process to accomplish. First any new breed must have 2 differences from any other recognized breed.
Please bear with me as this page is constructed
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Abyssinian
A rosetted breed with harsh hair. The hair should be not more than 1 1/2 inches in length. There must be 10 rosettes on a show abby. The placement is very important as well. One on each shoulder, four over the saddle, one on each hip, and two across the rump.
This is a beautiful blue roan abby owned by Diana Armstrong cavy judge. What awesome roaning! |
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Abyssinian Satin
The same as an abby but with an amazing sheen. The sheen may be hard to see in the picture. It is also harder to see on dark animals. |
American
Possibly the most common of all the thirteen breeds. It should have roman nose and large rose petal like ears. Big bold eyes and a coat that lies flat and smooth on the body. No swirly or rosettes are allowed. |
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American Satin
The same as the normal coated American but there is a high luster to each hair.
This Cream Satin American belongs to Rachel Fair. |
Coronet
Currently there are only non satin coronets as a satin coronet won't meet the requirement of two coat differences. It has a long sweeping coat that grows away from the head, with a rosette (coronet) on the forehead. It is a long haired breed and requires daily grooming to keep the hair in a show coat. Breeders wrap the hair into little packages to keep the hair clean and unchewed.
This is Crown His Majesty Bred by Roselie Beard Coated by Peggy Smith Best of Breed '96 ARBA |
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Peruvian
Another long haired breed. The hair grows from a part down the back of the guinea pig. Hair should fall over the face (this is called a frontal). The hair should be dense yet soft.
This Lilac Orange and White peruvian is owned by Tracy Corbeil of Cozy Cavies. |
Peruvian Satin
The hair growth pattern is the same as a normal coated peruvian. They have the satin sheen to their hair, most noticeable on the face where the hair is short. When you look at a peruvian or satin peruvian from above the hair should lay in an oval shape.
This peruvian satin is also owned by Tracy Corbeil. |
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Silkie
Silkies in show coats have a long flowing coat that grows away from the head. There are no rosettes or parts in the coat.
This is Blue Moon's Georgio, he is in full coat and won several Best of Breeds!
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Silkie Satin
Looks like a normal silkie but has a beautiful luster to the coat.
This sow also belongs to Blue Moon Cavies. Sheena is a beautiful dilute silkie. The light colours make the satin very noticable, especially on her face.
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Teddy
The teddy has a short kinky coat approximately 3/4" in length. It should have a nice resiliency and spring back when gently pressed on. There should not be any gaps or breaks in the coat.
This teddy was owned by Diana Armstrong's son. |
Teddy Satin
The coat of a teddy satin may feel softer and less harsh than the normal coated teddy. |
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Texel
Beautiful long haired breed with Shirley Temple ringlettes. The hair should form ringlettes as opposed to being fuzzy or wavy. The coat grows away from the head like a silkies. They are not recognised in a satin coat. Texels were developed from teddies (possibly UK rexes) and silkies.
This is Cosmic Cavies Capricorn. He is only three months old in this picture so his coat will get longer :-)
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White Crested
The white crested is the same as an american except for the beautiful white crest (it must be white) on the forehead. There may not be any white on the cavy other than the crest. Most breeders show these in self or agouti colours.
This White Crested belongs to Jaqueline Wade and is a little flirt! She is a golden agouti.
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