Peruvian Guinea Pig

Physical Characteristics

The Peruvian Guinea Pig is one of the oldest and most recognizable longhaired guinea pig breeds, famous for its dramatic, flowing coat that can grow to extraordinary lengths.

Coat:
The Peruvian’s coat is its most defining feature—long, straight, and silky hair that can grow up to 20 in (50 cm) in length if left untrimmed. The fur naturally parts down the middle of the back and cascades over the sides and face, often requiring daily grooming to prevent tangling. Their coat can be solid, bi-colored, or multi-colored, with striking patterns often accentuated by the flowing hair.

Face:
They have a rounded head with large, bright eyes and drooping ears. In well-kept Peruvians, the long hair often covers the face and eyes, giving them a dramatic “fringe” appearance.

Body:
Like all guinea pigs, their body is compact and cylindrical, but their long coats give them a much fuller, rounded profile. Their hair often conceals their legs and feet, creating the illusion of a moving ball of fur.

Size:

• Length (Body): 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm)

• Shoulder Height: About 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm)

Weight:

• Adults generally weigh 1.5 to 2.5 lbs (700 to 1,100 g).

The Peruvian Guinea Pig’s extraordinary coat length and ornamental beauty make it one of the most high-maintenancebreeds, but also one of the most visually impressive in both shows and as companion pets.

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of the Peruvian Guinea Pig is similar to that of other guinea pig breeds, though its longhaired pups may require additional grooming attention as they mature.

1. Mating and Courtship:
Peruvian guinea pigs are social and breed year-round. Courtship behaviors include purring, gentle nudging, and chasing, with males (boars) often circling females (sows) while vocalizing.

2. Gestation:
Pregnancy lasts 59 to 72 days, averaging about 68 days. This long gestation allows pups to be born fully developed compared to many other small rodents.

3. Birth of Pups:
Litters typically consist of 1 to 6 pups, most often 3 to 4. Pups are precocial, born with fur, open eyes, teeth, and the ability to walk within hours. In Peruvians, the pups already show longer fur from birth compared to short-haired breeds.

4. Care and Nurturing:
Mothers nurse their young but pups begin nibbling solid foods almost immediately. For Peruvian pups, their longer hair may require gentle monitoring to ensure it doesn’t interfere with nursing or movement.

5. Weaning and Growth:
Pups are weaned at about 3 weeks of age, after which male pups are separated to prevent early breeding. Their long hair begins to grow more noticeably as they approach weaning.

6. Independence and Maturity:

• Females: Can reach sexual maturity as early as 4 weeks.

• Males: Usually fertile by 8–10 weeks.

Because of their rapid maturity and distinctive coat inheritance, Peruvian guinea pigs require responsible breeding management, especially to ensure owners are prepared for the grooming needs of longhaired offspring.

Lifespan

Peruvian guinea pigs are known for their flowing coats and affectionate personalities, and their lifespan depends largely on attentive grooming, nutrition, and environment.

Lifespan in the Wild (Not Applicable):
The Peruvian guinea pig is a domesticated variety of Cavia porcellus and does not exist in the wild. Its closest wild relative is the montane guinea pig (Cavia tschudii), native to the Andes of South America.

Lifespan in Captivity:
With proper care, Peruvian guinea pigs typically live 5 to 7 years, though some may reach 8 years or more. Their lifespan is similar to other guinea pig breeds, but their long coats require extra grooming, which is essential to maintaining their health.

Threats to the Peruvian Guinea Pig:

• Coat Maintenance: Neglecting grooming can lead to matting, skin infections, and overheating.

• Dietary Deficiencies: As with all guinea pigs, lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy, which shortens lifespan.

• Environmental Stress: Long coats make them vulnerable to overheating in warm climates if not regularly trimmed.

• Dental and Digestive Issues: Inadequate hay intake may result in overgrown teeth and digestive problems.

Care and Protection:
Providing a vitamin C–rich diet, regular coat grooming, proper trimming, and routine veterinary care is essential. With attentive care, Peruvians can live long, healthy lives while remaining one of the most elegant and show-worthy guinea pig breeds.

Eating Habits

Peruvian guinea pigs are herbivores, sharing the same dietary needs as other guinea pig breeds, though their long coats require careful management to keep food and bedding from tangling in their fur.

Diet:
Their diet is centered on unlimited hay, which is vital for healthy digestion and continuous tooth wear. Daily servings of fresh vegetables and leafy greens are required, especially those rich in vitamin C like bell peppers, kale, and parsley, since guinea pigs cannot produce this vitamin on their own. Vitamin C–fortified guinea pig pellets add consistency, while fruits should be limited to occasional treats.

Feeding Behavior:
Peruvians are natural grazers, nibbling throughout the day and night. They thrive on social feeding and often eat together in groups, which reduces stress and encourages healthy feeding habits.

Special Considerations:

• Vitamin C: Prevents scurvy, a serious health risk in guinea pigs.

• Hydration: Fresh water must always be available.

• Coat Maintenance: Long coats may collect hay, pellets, or leafy greens, so regular grooming is important to keep food from tangling in their fur.

• Dietary Balance: Sudden changes in diet can upset digestion; new foods should be introduced gradually.

Social Eating:
Peruvians enjoy eating alongside cage mates, reinforcing their herd instincts and promoting natural feeding behavior.

The eating habits of Peruvian guinea pigs highlight their reliance on vitamin C and high-fiber foods, while their flowing coats make grooming an essential part of maintaining their overall health.

Uniqueness

The Peruvian Guinea Pig is one of the most iconic and recognizable guinea pig breeds, celebrated for its extraordinary coat and long history as a show animal.

Dramatic Coat:
Peruvians are famed for their exceptionally long, straight, silky hair, which can grow up to 20 in (50 cm) in length. The hair parts naturally down the back and cascades over the body, often covering the face and feet, giving them a striking, almost regal look.

Show Breed Legacy:
They are one of the oldest longhaired guinea pig breeds, originally bred for exhibition and admired for their ornamental beauty. Their popularity in shows remains strong, as few guinea pigs have coats as dramatic as the Peruvian’s.

High-Maintenance Grooming:
Unlike short-haired breeds, Peruvians require daily brushing and frequent trimming to keep their coats free from mats and tangles. Their long hair can also make them prone to overheating, especially in warmer climates.

Dynamic Appearance:
Their long coats can come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from solids to multi-colored combinations, making each individual unique. Well-groomed Peruvians are often described as the most elegant and striking guinea pigs.

Personality:
Beneath their glamorous coats, Peruvians share the same friendly, vocal, and social temperament as other guinea pigs, bonding strongly with companions and owners alike.

The Peruvian Guinea Pig’s combination of ornamental beauty, grooming demands, and show history makes it one of the most unique and admired guinea pig breeds worldwide.