The most common guinea pig, the Bolivian, has short, smooth hair and can be a mixture of white, cream, chocolate, black etc. Guinea pigs with short rough coats in similar colours to the Bolivian are called Abyssinian. Another variety of guinea pig is the Peruvian which has a long silky coat and therefore needs daily brushing to keep his coat clean and healthy. A variation on the Peruvian is the Sheltie.

Guinea pigs are creatures that have been around for a long time and it is thought that they were bred by the Incas of South America as a source of food. However, they were introduced into England as recently as the 18th century. Although not used for food in England, they have for a long time been used for biological experimentation by scientists.

Being very timid creatures, guinea pigs need to be handled very carefully. This is best done from quite an early age so the guinea pig becomes used to handling. With practice, they can become friendly, docile pets. However, it is important not to over handle them since they are creatures who are prone to stress and it is a wise owner who gives them plenty of rest. Children must be taught to understand their needs and shown how to handle them without causing injury or allowing them to fall. Rough handling should be avoided at all costs.

It is best to pick up guinea pigs with two hands in order to support their weight. Adults can weight between 850g 1.5 kg. To support them well, one hand is best put under the hind quarters and the other used control their front legs by supporting their shoulders. Guinea pigs are unable to jump or climb thus making it easier to hold on to them, unlike some other rodent pets.

In their native habitat of South America Guinea pigs would live in family groups. This format is best continued if you want to keep your guinea pigs happy. A single guinea pig is an unhappy one and two housed together is the ideal. However, be careful not to house two adult males together as they will no doubt end up in a fight! (This occasionally happens with two female adults too.) Best pairings would be mother and daughter or father and son.