The 'D' Word

Dropcoat or dropped coat is when a section or sections of a cavies hair falls out and then regrows. This is an issue because you cannot show a cavy with chunks of hair missing or drastically shorter than the rest of the coat. A cavy who has dropped its coat does not belong on the show table. Furthermore, it should not be bred with either. Whilst it is not as straightforward as being simply a dominant or recessive gene it is a genetic condition which will be passed on through the line of breeding.

All the Colours of the Rainbow

Each variety of cavy is remarkable for the features of its breed. These 'focal points' are the aspects that breeders strive not only to maintain but to improve with each generation that is born. One notable feature of any cavy, is coat colour. The importance of colour, in terms of showing and breeding varies depending on the breed in question.

The Three P's: Pet, Pedigree, Purebred.

A pedigree animal has a recorded history. The word purebred is sometimes used synonymously with the term pedigreed, however pedigree refers to the written record. Animals can be purebred but not have a pedigree. Just because an animal has a pedigree does not mean it is purebred. Confusing I know.

Boys Will Be Boys

My mother came around this afternoon and put a pet carrier down on my floor. "Oooh!" I exclaimed excitedly "Did you get a new piggie?".... "No!" she declared. "I did not. Now, I want you to look at this pig and tell me what I want to hear." I dutifully checked over her healthy crested sow. Glossy eyes, shiny coat, nice weight..... hmmm.... rounded belly.... I couldn't help the grin from spreading across my face. "Yes, she's well conditioned" I said, "Um, did Charlotte happen to have a boar in her last litter?" "Yes" said Mum "his name is Mr Pickles because he's such a gentleman.  I burst out laughing. "It isn't funny" said Mum and to be honest, in this case, technically she is right. 

Breeding

My sheltie sow Minnie

The breeding of guinea pigs is part of a moral debate regarding ethics, responsibility, risks and reasons to do so. Many breeders, who understand the process and all risks involved, do attempt to educate those who own guinea pigs as pets on the reasons why it is ill advised. I am sure to outsiders this must seem a little hypocritical; however breeders do have very good reasons for their deterrence’s.