Cavies come in 11 recognized breeds in the United States. The American Rabbit Breeders Association maintains a standard of perfection for each breed and sanctions cavy shows. The advantages of a purebred cavy are predictable coat length and pattern and the opportunity to exhibit your pet at fairs and shows. Purebreds are best obtained from hobby breeders. If you are interested in exhibiting, plan on keeping a small "herd" of the animals, and study the breed standards carefully before you purchase stock.

The breeds recognized in the United States are described as follows:

Americans and Satin Americans have short, soft, smooth coats that lie close to the skin, making them very petable. Americans have a reputation for being the calmest of the breeds. The Satin American is just like the American except for a beautiful irridescent sheen to the coat, which is also true of the Satin versions of other breeds.

White Cresteds look like Americans except for a single rosette, or swirl, in the center of their foreheads. Exhibition-quality animals have solid-colored bodies with a contrasting white crest and are striking in appearance. They are the most challenging to breed for exhibition, as show-marked parents produce only 10 to 20 percent showable offspring in each litter.

Abyssinians and Satin Abyssinians have medium-length stiff coats that stand up from the body in rosettes and ridges arranged in a strikingly symmetrical pattern. When petting these cavies, you should follow the pattern of the coat, or you can irritate the animal. Called "Abys" for short, these cavies are known for their colorful personalities.

Peruvians and Satin Peruvians have long, soft, dense coats with a forelock that falls over their face, making it difficult at times to tell which end is which. The long coat grows continually and must be groomed daily to achieve the flowing show coat. Pets do best if the coat is trimmed to ground level. Tangles must be carefully combed or cut out at least once a week.

Silkies and Satin Silkies have long, soft, dense coats that grow back from the head, forming a mane over the shoulders. They require the same careful grooming and attention to their coats as the Peruvians. Many consider the longhaired breeds to be the aristocrats of cavydom.

Teddies and Satin Teddies have short, kinked, wiry coats (including their whiskers) that stand out evenly from their bodies, giving them a plush appearance. The coat tends to collect dust and should be combed regularly. Newborn Teddies, with their curly little whiskers, are absolutely irresistible. Take care not to call this breed "Teddy Bears"--they should not be confused with their cousin, the hamster.

Most cavies found in pet stores are cross-bred. If you want a cavy strictly as a companion, it doesn't matter if it is purebred. Just be careful not to purchase a longhaired cross unless you are prepared to care for its coat.

Before purchasing a cavy, check the skin for sores or rashes and the nose for any sign of respiratory problems. The cavy should be bright-eyed, active and feel solid and plump. Determine if the animal is male or female if you plan to keep more than one. Avoid purchasing young females that have been caged with males. Having a litter at too young an age will seriously compromise a female's health.

Health Care

Cavies are normally very healthy. They are susceptible to some human ailments, which is why they are popular in research. Avoid exposing them to human colds. If a nasal discharge is observed or the cavy has a decrease in appetite or activity level, consult a veterinarian immediately.

A cavy's teeth should be checked regularly to be sure they remain in alignment. If the teeth are chipped or broken, they may need to be filed or trimmed as they regrow to make sure they continue to meet properly. Cavies enjoy chewing exercise, which they can get from hay cubes, chinchilla pumice stones, plasterboard or balsa wood.

Baths usually are not necessary if the cavy's cage is cleaned frequently. If you need to bathe your cavy, use a mild shampoo formulated for use on cats and a conditioner or remoisturizer. Towel dry the cavy, then use a hair dryer, or comb the coat in a sunny location until the animal is thoroughly dry. Do not allow the cavy to become chilled.

Author(s): Julie Wright

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