How common are long-haired guinea pigs?

FurryBabyMama

FurryBabyMama

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As the title says, how common are they? I decided I would like some guinea pigs a few days ago, and have a couple of months to research and get everything I need. But I'd really, really like at least one of my piggies to be of the fluffier variety as they're so adorable. Doesn't have to be full on long haired, but a good amount of fluff at least. Are they common or will I be waiting a while for one to pop up somewhere?
 
When I was looking to buy guinea pigs most of what I found were Americans (short-haired). There were a decent number of Abyssinians and only a few of any other type (Peruvian, Coronet, Texel, crested). That was in the U.S., but from what I understand it's similar elsewhere. You'll likely be searching longer if you want one of the long-haired varieties. And if you're a first time guinea pig owner you may want a couple short-haired types to start out with. Long-haired piggies require a lot more work to care for them. Their hair has a tendency to tangle and pick up debris, while short-haired piggies are mostly self-cleaning.
 
PerceptorII said:
When I was looking to buy guinea pigs most of what I found were Americans (short-haired). There were a decent number of Abyssinians and only a few of any other type (Peruvian, Coronet, Texel, crested). That was in the you.S., but from what I understand it's similar elsewhere. You'll likely be searching longer if you want one of the long-haired varieties. And if you're a first time guinea pig owner you may want a couple short-haired types to start out with. Long-haired piggies require a lot more work to care for them. Their hair has a tendency to tangle and pick up debris, while short-haired piggies are mostly self-cleaning.
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Depending on where you are you can find both long-haired and American even from rescues and breeders. Pet shops with big names normally carry typical Americans sh and Abyssinians. Teddy's are also very big with breeders. Again I am also in the US but I remember it being the same in Europe as it depending where you are (city vs smaller areas, etc).

I've had a Peruvian and she was beautiful. I didn't have her long, sadly and part of that was thanks to the pet store I got her from (not large name and always carried long hairs but one i wouldn't use again). She was precious. She was also a lot of work even in the short time I had her and when she was ill, it was even more difficult for her because of her long hair.

I have a few different ones but I have seen rescues carrying all varieties if they have them. I love the personality of the Abbys, truly. However, my short hair is also precious to me and different in that she seems a bit more relaxed when she's relaxed. She's also extremely bright, interactive and so intelligent it seems she knows just what's going on around her in the big human world as well. That's been going true for all the short hairs I have honestly. I have a little sweetie whom is a crested that was a very pitiful little rescue. I had no clue what she was as she was almost bald on her head when I got her. She has a different personality as well. Very shy, very sweet and always very curious but backs away if she's aware we see her (not skittish at all, just shy).

If you can find a rescue or even one that needs a home, no matter the breed or looks, I've learned over time that your heart will be gone to any of them with tons of different personalities. It's really exciting getting any of these little ones; congrats on your new exciting guinea journey!

Also didn't catch but if it's your first, start out with a pair. Preferably already bonded.
 
Believe me, absolutely all sorts of piggies get handed into rescues. I’ve had teddies, rexes, Abyssinian, crested, coronet, shelties and American smooths all from rescues. I almost adopted a texel (except the piggies didn’t play nicely at the bonding date). The rescue I foster for currently has 2pairs who are fuzzy and currently available for adoption. If you look around and check rescues near you I am sure you will find a good mix of breeds and coats.
 
Thank you for the answers everyone. I already have a long haired syrian hamster, and previously owned a lionhead bunny so I am prepared for the extra grooming of a long haired. Have trimmed my hamsters butt fluff so many times cause he's got his bedding so tangled in the fluff that it won't come out >.< I think I'll definitely be looking around for a while until I find my perfect pair. I made the mistake with my bunnies of being too impatient and getting the first pair I could get my hands on and I never bonded with them properly, I don't want to make that mistake again.
 
FurryBabyMama said:
As the title says, how common are they? I decided I would like some guinea pigs a few days ago, and have a couple of months to research and get everything I need. But I'd really, really like at least one of my piggies to be of the fluffier variety as they're so adorable. Doesn't have to be full on long haired, but a good amount of fluff at least. Are they common or will I be waiting a while for one to pop up somewhere?
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Long-haired guinea pigs pop up regularly but many people are put off by the extra regular care, so you see a lot more short-hairs. Of my nearly thirty piggies, 8 of them are currently long-haired, which gives you about a representation; I would think the ratio is about 1 in 5.

You might ask Little Pips' Guinea Pig Rehoming in Buddleigh Salterton or Norman Gorman Guinea Pig Sanctuary in St Austell (they have moved, but you can contact them via their facebook page) as to whether they have any bonded long-hairs in rescue or in the pipeline (not quite ready for adoption). They are your two closest good standard rescues.
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
 
It sounds like you've done a lot of thinking about what you are getting into and understand what's involved. That's awesome. I wish you luck in your search. It sounds like your future piggies will be quite happy and lucky to have you.
 
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