Guinea pigs are some of the most common household pets in the world.
Their miniature size, fluffy fur, and quiet nature makes them irresistible to thousands of pet owners.
Those who have owned one often quote that they're a fantastic alternative to rabbits and hamsters.
Also called the cavy, Guinea pigs are actually rodents that belong to the family Caviidae.
Contrary to popular opinion, they are in no way associated with the pig family, even if their common name blatantly says so.
There are a variety of different breeds with various temperaments and physical characteristics.
Here is a brief look at some of them.
The American More popularly known as the English Cavy, the American has short fur that lies flat across its body.
They are the most common in households.
Abyssinian Abyssinians sport a coat that resembles a swirly coat of fur that gives them their distinct dishevelled look.
Their coats have a deep shine to them.
Peruvian Peruvians feature straight and smooth coats that can grow several inches.
As opposed to other varieties, the Peruvian requires lots of grooming and lots of hair trimming to make them look presentable.
Silkie The Silkie is characterized by its long silky coat that grows from its head and backwards to the floor.
Silkies look like designer rags, and are prized by their very long hair that resembles satin coats.
The Crested The Crested is characterized by swirl on its forehead and its short hair.
There are two types of Crested Guinea pigs: the American Crested and the English Crested.
Teddy The Teddy looks very much like what its name suggests: a teddy bear.
It has a distinct coat that's short, dense, and kinky.
The fur stands up on end giving the Teddy a very cutesy and fuzzy appearance.
Texel The Texel is a rare cavy thats characterized by its long hair that seems to be permed.
The Texel requires lots of maintenance.
Coronet The Coronet has a single rosette at the very centre of its forehead.
They have long wavey hair that requires lots of grooming.
English Merino The English Merino sports curly hair that lies long on the sides with a single rosette on the head.
English Merinos are another one of the rare varieties, making them very expensive.
Ridgeback The Ridgeback Guinea pig dons a ridge of hair running from their head and through their backs.
Ridgebacks, just like English Merinos, are extremely rare.
Alpaca Alpacas have long curly hair that forms into tiny ringlets.
A variety of sources say that the Alpaca is a cross between Rexes and the English Peruvian.
Rex The Rex breed is characterized by their small faces, broad heads, and their eyes that are shaped like petals.
They have fur that come in various colours.
Hairless Out of all the kinds of cavies, the hairless is the most unique.
The Hairless guinea pig, also called the Skinny Pig, is characterized by their leathery skin and hairless features.
Some pet owners find their features appalling, while others love their unique look.