Tag Archives: swiss guinea pig

A Brief Guide to the Swiss Guinea Pig

The Swiss Guinea Pig is a unique breed of guinea pig that is relatively new compared to other breeds of cavy.

It is a rare breed and a rexoid guinea pig which is a cross between rex and a teddy

The swiss guinea pig is referred to as as a Swiss and a CH teddy when crossed with a teddy.

They originated in Switzerland and then spread throughout Europe.

They are very popular amongst guinea pig breeders because of their wonderfully cute appearance and there are many different breeders of the swiss guinea pig throughout the world.

They are a very recent addition to the guinea pig family having only originated in the last 20-30 years.

The appearance of a Swiss Guinea pig

  • The coat on an adult Swiss teddy is around 6cm long. The ideal length is between 5-7cm in length.
  • They have a puff ball appearance
  • The belly coat is shorter and wavy than the rest of the body.
  • The coat stands up all over the body
  • They have a very dense coat which does not flop
  • They are very large guinea pigs
  • Swiss guinea pigs tend to have their hair grow longer at the back than at the front.
  • They cannot be created by crossing one bred with another.
  • They are not longhaired cavies, merely guinea pigs with hair that stands on end.
  • They do not have the teddy gene at all
  • The are acceptable in any colour and with different markings
  • The coat should be sort and plush with hair.
  • It does not yet have a guide standard as far as showing them is concerned

How to care for a Swiss guinea pig

  • A Swiss guinea pig’s small coat need only be brushed once a week at the most if at all.
  • They do not need keeping clean or regular grooming like long haired cavies do.
  • Their hair does shed and thin out from time to time and so do be observant of that.
  • Just like other types of guinea pig, they should be fed regular hay and water along with vitamin c pellets. You should also feed them a diet of veggies and fruit to give them a good balanced diet.
  • They need to be kept out of the extremes of weather including the cold and the very hot climates.