10 Long-Haired Guinea Pig Breeds With Amazing Manes [With Pictures]

When talking about guinea pigs, what most people picture in their minds is the American guinea pig, the most common guinea pig breed. Many people believe that there is only one type of guinea pig. But it is not the case, like dogs and cats, guinea pigs come in a variety of shapes, coat colors, and lengths. We have a variety of long-haired guinea pigs as well as short-haired guinea pigs, there are even some hairless guinea pigs.

For the sake of this article, we will be discussing only the long-haired breeds of guinea pigs.

Long-haired Guinea Pig Breeds

Long-haired guinea pigs look adorable with their fluffy coats. All the long-fur guinea pig breeds have unique characteristics that make each a separate breed. These adorable fluffballs never fail to win the hearts of pet lovers.

But you should know that where most short-haired guinea pig breeds make a perfect pet for first-time owners, long-haired guinea pigs are a different story—they are extremely high-maintenance, requiring daily brushing and baths every 3 to 4 months.

So before you bring home a long-haired guinea pig, you should make sure that you can provide for its grooming requirements. If you have already sorted that out, continue reading—we are going to discuss the 9 fluffiest long-haired guinea pig breeds of the cavy world.

Peruvian Guinea Pig

Once referred to as Angora guinea pigs, Peruvian guinea pigs are one of the oldest and most popular guinea pig breeds. They are known for their majestic appearance and luxurious coat. Peruvians have soft, shiny, and smooth, extremely long hair, often growing as long as 24 inches. The long hair of Peruvian guinea pigs is arranged in two rosettes on the rump. Where the hair extends backward in one rosette, in the other it turns forward. Hair on their head also grow long and often hang down their heads like bangs. These hair need to be trimmed as they tend to cover their eyes.

Besides being adorable fluffballs, Peruvian guinea pigs are highly sociable and friendly. They develop close bonds with their loving owners.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Known for its charming appearance, and sweet dispositions, the Abyssinian guinea pig is a delightful breed. Characterized by a longhaired coat with rosettes or swirls all over the body, Abyssinian guinea pigs are easily recognized from other longhaired guinea pig breeds.

While the Abyssinian coat is not as long as that of Peruvian guinea pigs, its texture and pattern make it truly special. Abyssinian guinea pigs have been around for centuries but they only become popular pets back in the sixteenth century. They are one of the first guinea pig breeds to be recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association.

Coronet Guinea Pig

The Coronet guinea pig stands out with its stunning and royal appearance. It has a striking crest of hair on its head that pairs beautifully with its flowing long coat to create an alluring look.

Coronet guinea pigs come in a wide variety of colors and color combinations, with cream, lilac, red, slate, golden, black, etc., being the most common. Unlike White Crested guinea pigs, Coronet guinea pigs can have a crest of various colors, mostly different from the color of their coat.

These lovely pets are developed by the crossbreeding of Silkie and Crested guinea pigs, combining long hair elegance with crown-like features. The docile and easygoing nature of Coronet guinea pigs makes them an excellent choice for pet guinea pigs.

Silkie Guinea Pig

The Silkie guinea pig is renowned for its exceptional appearance and charming personality. Its most noticeable feature is long, silky hair that can grow up to 24 inches long. This luxurious coat lends it a soft and flowing appearance that makes this breed highly desirable.

These gorgeous creatures also come in various colors and patterns for added visual allure; not to mention their gentle and friendly nature, which makes them great companions! Silkie guinea pigs have long been beloved pets among guinea pig enthusiasts looking for both captivating long locks and affectionate nature!

Texel Guinea Pig

The Texel guinea pig breed is well known for its distinctive and charming appearance, especially its striking curly coat that resembles a head full of curls. Originating in England, the breed was developed through the selective breeding of longhaired guinea pigs with naturally occurring curls to produce this stunning breed. They come in a variety of distinct coat colors and patterns further adding to their visual allure.  

Given their soft fluffy skin, it is no wonder that they have found a special place in the hearts of many cavy lovers. As Texel Guinea Pigs grow older, they get calmer and quieter like a monk.

Merino Guinea Pig

Merino guinea pigs are distinguished by their dense, curly coat that resembles that of Merino sheep. They have a curly-long-haired coat, resembling Texel guinea pigs. They look so alike that it would be near impossible for an untrained eye to tell them apart. One of the Merino guinea pigs’ distinguishing features is a short forehead crest.

Their coat length varies, though typically it’s longer than other guinea pig breeds, and comes in various colors and patterns that add to their visual appeal. They make excellent companions due to their gentle disposition, social and affectionate nature. Their unique curly coat coupled with their friendly personalities make these balls of fur a perfect choice for fluffy guinea pig enthusiasts.

Lunkarya Guinea Pig

The Lunkarya guinea pig breed is well-known for its distinct appearance and captivating coat. These unique animals boast dense, curly, wiry coats that set them apart from other breeds. Their coat length often varies, with some exhibiting longer curls than others. Lunkaryas come in various colors and patterns that add charm to the breed.

Additionally, their temperament makes them delightful companions – friendly, curious, and active are hallmarks of this guinea pig breed. Originating in Sweden, Lunkarya breed guinea pigs were developed through selective breeding to achieve their unique coat texture. Boasting striking looks and delightful personalities, Lunkaryas make an exciting addition to any pet enthusiast’s household.

Alpaca Guinea Pig

Alpaca guinea pigs are well-known for their luxurious and fluffy coat that resembles alpaca fleece, hence their name. Their long and dense coat gives them an adorable appearance. They are considered a rexoid equivalent of the Peruvian guinea pigs. Alpaca guinea pigs have a swirl of rosettes sitting on their forehead like a crown and can have two rosettes on their rump. These fluffballs come in various colors, including black, white, albino, roan, beige, cream, etc.

In terms of temperament, Alpaca guinea pigs tend to be gentle, docile, and friendly creatures making them excellent companions. They don’t usually bite, but they bite in self-defense if they feel threatened, anxious, or nervous.

Sheba Guinea Pig

Hailing from Australia, Sheba guinea pigs are a cross between shorthaired Abyssinian guinea pigs and longhaired Peruvian guinea pigs.

Sheba guinea pigs have a scruffy-looking, long-haired dense, rosette coat. Their long thick hair are sticking out at various angles, giving them a wild look. Their hair looks like they just got out of bed. Many owners lovingly refer to their Sheba mini yak as “bad hair day” guinea pigs.

With their eye-catching looks combined with charming personalities and playfulness, these adorable companions make wonderful pocket pets for people looking to adopt a guinea pig with long hair.

Angora Guinea Pig

Angora guinea pigs are beloved pets known for their luxurious and soft coat, with long locks of fur. They have anywhere between 8 to 12 rosettes—two on the shoulders, tow on the body, two on the hind quarters, and two on the hips. These rosettes make their hair look of different lengths. They also have silky fur growing backward from their cheeks.

Angora is a rare guinea pig breed and does not have stain or ridgeback variations. They look a lot like Peruvian guinea pigs but can easily be distinguished based on the number of cowlicks—Angoras tend to have more cowlicks. Friendly in disposition, Angoras typically enjoy human interaction and make great pets for experienced guinea pig owners.

Tips for Taking Care of Longhaired Guinea Pigs

Longhaired guinea pigs require specific care to maintain the health and beauty of their luxurious coats. Here are some essential tips tailored for longhaired guinea pigs:

1. Daily grooming routine

Longhaired guinea pigs need daily grooming to prevent their hair from tangling and matting. Use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb designed for long hair. Start from the base of the hair and work your way up to the tips, being gentle and patient.

2. Be mindful of their hair length

Some longhaired guinea pig breeds, such as Peruvians or Texels, have hair that grows continuously. Regularly check their hair length and consider occasional trims to prevent it from dragging on the ground and getting dirty or tangled.

3. Pay attention to sensitive areas

Focus on areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, around the rear end, and the belly. Gently separate any tangles with your fingers or a steel comb. Be careful, you do not want to pull or tug on the hair.

4. Consider using detangling products

If you encounter stubborn tangles or mats, you can use a small amount of guinea pig-safe detangling spray or conditioner. Apply it sparingly and work it through the hair using your fingers or a comb to make the detangling process easier.

5. Regular bathing and drying

Longhaired guinea pigs may require occasional baths to keep their coats clean and healthy. Use a gentle, guinea pig-specific shampoo and lukewarm water. After bathing, ensure thorough drying to prevent moisture from lingering in the hair, as it can lead to guinea pig vibrating due to cold.

Remember, longhaired guinea pigs require a commitment to regular grooming and maintenance. With proper care, your longhaired companion can enjoy a healthy, beautiful coat that enhances their unique charm and brings joy to both of you.