About the species
A coat in rosettes
The Abyssinian Guinea Pig has a coat that does not lie flat but grows in whorls called rosettes. Show animals have eight or ten distinct rosettes: one on each shoulder, two or four on the back, one on each hip and two on the rump. The hair is about 1.5 inches (roughly 4 cm) long, and upright ridges form where the rosettes meet, which gives the coat its tousled look. Judges under the American Cavy Breeders Association (ACBA) standard assess the texture and length of the coat, the placement and even radiation of the rosettes and the erect ridges between them.
How to tell it from other breeds
The English short-haired (American) guinea pig, the most common pet-store breed, has a smooth short coat without whorls. The Peruvian and Sheltie have long, straight coats, and the Texel a long, curly one. The Abyssinian is the only one of these with a short, harsh coat in rosettes. Sources differ on the rosette count: the show standard gives eight or ten, and some guides mention 12.
History and name
Despite its name, the Abyssinian does not come from Ethiopia. According to Wikipedia it appears to be of Incan origin, since guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes as early as 5000 BC. The ACBA also counts it among the oldest recorded breeds; it arrived in England in 1861, where breeders worked to improve its rosette pattern. In Victorian England its unusual coat drew a lot of attention at shows.
Size and lifespan
A source on guinea pigs gives adult pets a weight of about 700–1,200 g and a length of 20–25 cm; the Abyssinian does not differ much in size from other breeds, so we have no separate figures for it. Pet guinea pigs average four to five years and may live up to eight; the RSPCA gives about 5–6 years. This page therefore shows a range of 5 to 8 years.
Temperament: livelier than smooth-coated breeds
According to breed guides, Abyssinians are more energetic than American short-haired guinea pigs and can therefore be trickier to handle, especially for children. Because they are inquisitive, they are easier to train. Once they trust you they tolerate handling, but they are more wriggly than calmer breeds. We therefore recommend that an adult always supervises children when they hold one.
Brushing and coat care
The coat is hard to brush because the hair grows in many directions at once. It needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and has to be kept clean, because dirt collects in the tousled hair. Brushing is also a chance for a check-up: one guide warns that the coat can hide cysts and abscesses, which Abyssinians seem slightly more prone to, so inspect the skin regularly and see a vet if you find a lump.
Company, diet and space
Guinea pigs are social animals and happiest in pairs; in Switzerland keeping a single guinea pig is even illegal. They cannot make their own vitamin C, so they must get it from food: about 10 mg a day, or 20 mg if pregnant. The RSPCA recommends a high-fibre diet supplemented with vitamin C. They are active for up to 20 hours a day and sleep in short bursts, so they need plenty of room to move; more on basic care is on the Guinea Pig page.
Breeding: never roan to roan
Two roan Abyssinians should not be bred together, because the offspring can have genetic problems linked to the white gene. A roan can safely be bred to an animal of any other colour. Abyssinian colours and patterns include self, tortoiseshell, brindle and part-colour.
Temperament
lively, inquisitive, sociable, wriggly
Suitable for
families and individuals who can keep a pair
Living environment
a large enclosure for a pair, dry and draught-free
Pros & cons
Advantages of the species
very lively and inquisitive, easier to train, distinctive rosetted coat
Things to consider
coat is hard to brush, wriggly to hold, needs the company of its own kind
Notes
Do not breed two roan Abyssinians together: the offspring can have genetic problems linked to the white gene. Like every guinea pig, it needs vitamin C from its food and the company of its own kind.
