Coats and Colours

Coat Types: There are three basic coat types: The Shorthaired: This variety has a short smooth coat like that of its wild ancestors/ The Rough Haired: These are basically known as Abyssinians and have their coat formed into a number of distinct 'crests'( not to be confused with Cresteds) otherwise known as Rosettes. The Longhaired: Otherwise known as the Peruvian, this variety has a full and very long coat that pretty much makes it look like an absolute mop! Colours: There is a very wide assortment of colours that is commonly divided into 9 categories. The Solid Colours: Usually known as the Selfs, this variety basically includes the Black, the Chocolate, the Cream, the Red, the White, the Beige, the Lilac and the Golden. These colours are pretty much self explanitery! The Albino: Like with all animals the Albino pig is completely white with pink eyes. The Dutch Patterns: Where the 'rear half' of the pig is dark coloured, the front half, white and the regions the same colour as the rear half. The colours can be Black, Brown, Agouti or Chocolate and of course White. The Himalayan: This variety is usually white or a creamy colour with Black or Chocolate feet, ears and a black or chocolate 'smudge' on their nose. The Tortoiseshell: This is a two colour pattern which consists of Black and Tan. The Tortoiseshell and White consists of three colours, Black, Tan and White. The pattern in which these colours come in on the cavy is hard to explain so I'm asking you to wait until the pictures are up! The Agouti Pattern: This variety occurs in three different basic colours: The wild type grey, the yellow - brown colour band on the black hairs and the silver with a silvery colour band. Please consult the upcoming pictures to get a clearer image of this variety! The Bicolours: This two coloured animal's markings range to an irregular mixtures of the brindle to distinct patches of tortoiseshell, which are a combination of a dark colour with white. And last but not least we arrive at the Brindle: An irregular mixture of dark brown and tan, and contrasted with the distinct 'checkerboard' patches of the Tortoiseshell.
Please remember, for more pictures go to the 'Photos' segment!
Heres a poem to help you understand!

To improve and perfect the small cavy.

Though "Guinea Pig" is the given name,

"Cavy" is right and means the same.

There are many breeds which you should know,

While raising cavies you intend to show.

All breeds differ from one another,

In body, coat and even color.

The ABYSSINIAN'S coat is short and wirey,

Ears slightly drooped, eyes bold and firey.

It's mane and ridges should be well set,

Balanced with at least ten rosettes.

The AMERICAN'S coat is short and sleek,

High crown, firm shoulders - never weak.

A roman nose, rose petal ears,

With large bold eyes, bright and clear.

The CRESTED is what the name implies,

Has the American's type, coat and eyes.

What is needed to have the best-

In the middle of it's forehead, a pure white crest.

The PERUVIAN'S coat is dense, silky and long,

With a cobby body and shoulders strong.

It's broad flat face covered by silky hair.

Front or back - "Who knows where?"

The SILKIE'S coat is dense, long and fine.

A roman nose and eyes that shine.

It's coat grows backwards to the ground,

For not a single rosette is found.

The TEDDY'S coat is a different sort,

Afro like, kinky and short.

With well set ears and a roman nose,

If it's coat is dense, then quality shows.