Breeds  >  Guinea Pigs

Abyssinian Guinea Pigs

Breed Rating (11 reviews)

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History

The Abyssinian is unlike any other breed of guinea pig. Its coat grows from eight rosettes which are arranged in two lines across the body. Their coat is harsh, and the hair length should not exceed 4 cm. It is very difficult to breed a guinea pig with perfectly placed rosettes, and many Abyssinians end up as pets, and not as show stock.

Behaviour

Roan Abyssinians should not be bred with each other as the roan gene is closely linked to a lethal gene which causes genetic abnormalities, often young are born with small or absent eyes. A Roan can be mated to a solid colour, or a brindle.

Varieties

Abyssinians come in a variety of colours. Brindle (interspersed red and black hairs mixed as evenly as possible), Tortoiseshell (patches of red, black and white) Roans (white hair, either interspersed with red or black hair, known as strawberry or blue roans) and solid colours, particularly red or black.

Status

Fairly common

Abyssinians For Sale

There are no breeds of this type currently available for sale

Latest Reviews For Abyssinians (3 of 11)

  • 5 Star: 10 (10)
  • 4 Star: 1 (1)
  • 3 Star: 0 (0)
  • 2 Star: 0 (0)
  • 1 Star: 0 (0)
Average Rating:

           (Based on 11 reviews)

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- Hope, 06 April 2013

Abyssinian are beautiful and friendly but are very shy natoured animals.It just so happen's that i have my very own abyssinan also a sheltie howerer many people are atrackted to my abysssinian.We show them 5 times a year 2 are very big ones.we have are first show of the season in two weeks we win a lot whith are abyssinain the judjes and normal people love him say hes the star of the show stays still when photos are taken all in all great breed

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           A brilliant breed of guinea pig

- Beth, 15 January 2013

Guinea pig breeds are mainly about appearance and coat so the friendlyness of guinea pigs is usually what you make it and so should not vary in accordance to breed. I personally think that this breed is very pretty and their extra thick coat is useful if they need to keep warm. It is well known that it is tricky to get a "perfect" one and I think that even the mixed breed versions of this breed can be very charming and have their own unique personalities and quirks as well as their own likes and dislikes, especially in food.

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           All good

- Brittney, 18 December 2012

I have a 6 week old guinea pig so fluffy and cute loves just to lay on my lap she just stays there

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- Yguu, 07 April 2011

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           Abyssinians are the best!

- Claire, 16 September 2010

I have 7 pigs, an aby, an aberuvian, a sheltie, a ridgeback, a short haired and two rexes. I've got to say, our two and a half year old aby, Pheobe, is the best personality! She can be fiesty, not always wanting to be held, but other times she just loves a fuss! You have to be guided by the individual pig I guess. But I'd say Abyssinians are the brightest, chattiest pigs and I hope I always have one as I truly believe they're the best breed of pig! Our Aby hasn't been in the best health as she keeps on having lumps and growths, but she's come through the op to have them removed remarkably well and remained upbeat after. Apparently they're prone to cataracts? I don't know about that one though. Abys are definately happy, chatty pigs. I totally adore them!

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Read all 11 reviews for Abyssinians

 
 
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