Guinea Pig: Sheltie

Origins: Also known as Silkies, these long-haired guinea pigs were bred in the 1970’s from another long-haired breed, the Peruvian, by crossing it with smooth-coated cavies.

Physical Appearance: Long, smooth, silky, flowing hair. Unlike the Peruvian, whose hair falls over its face, Shelties have hair that flows back off the face and towards the rump. The coat needs careful, diligent, daily grooming. Has droopy ears and a “Roman” nose.

Characteristics: Generally non-aggressive, good-natured.

Colors: Bred in all colors possible in guinea pigs.

Special Facts: Unless you are keeping a show-quality Sheltie—and actually showing it–do keep its long coat trimmed short, especially around the backside and near the feet. This prevents soiling and matting from feces and urine, and keeps the feet from tangling with the hair ends. Prize-winning show cavies will be groomed several times a day and kept impeccably clean, so the long hair is less of a problem for the animal, but a pet-quality one should not have to put up with knots, tangles, and matts.