Also known as the “long- haired Sheltie”, the Texel guinea pig which originates from genetic mutation is known to be an adorable pet to own. Differing from other guinea pigs, it is one of the newest of its kind. Here are some facts about the Texel guinea pig. They include:

● The Texel guinea pig has long curly hairs which are longer compared to the Sheltie/ Silkie brand.
● The Texel guinea pig is a result of genetic mutation. It is the product of crossbreeding the long haired Silkie guinea pig and curly coated Rex guinea pig.
● The crossbreeding is thought to have taken place in England in the 1980’s.
● It sits alongside the Teddy guinea pig and Skinny guinea pigs which are part of the newest set of cavy breed.
● As with other guinea pigs, they have good hearing sense.
● The contact abilities and range of smell of the Texel guinea pig is very good.
● They have poor eyesight.
● Their facial hair varies from cavy to cavy based on genetics.
● The average lifespan of the Texel guinea pig is within four to seven years.
● The range of the litter size of the Texel guinea pig is about one to six and the average is three.
● It takes a period of 60-70 days or nine to ten weeks for the gestation period of time it takes for a mother to carry a baby inside the womb to occur.
● The babies are born active and have walking abilities at birth.
● The female or sow is more likely to die from diseases when breeding and these chances increases with rise in temperature.
● Small litters poses more danger to the mother as these rodents are bigger in size. Likewise, the life of offspring are at risk from large litters.
● They require much grooming as their rich, thick long coats are the most difficult to manage among other breeds.
● Their body coat needs to be brushed regularly, at least daily to prevent parasites and other items from getting stuck or entangled, it needs to be trimmed or cut at some point.
● When compared to other types of guinea pigs, the Texel guinea pig have short body length.
● The Texel guinea pig has large, wide and round face.
● They do not always have hairs beneath their jawlines and ears. Some do and others don’t.
● They share similar diets with other breeds of guinea pigs.
● They cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, so they external intake of the vitamin by eating leafy vegetables, green and fruits.
● They live in similar cages to other breeds of guinea pigs.
● Soft Shampoos can be used to bathe them to maintain hygiene.
● The Texel guinea pigs are used as show pets because of their amazing appearance. Guinea pig shows are platforms used in exhibiting the general identity and beauty of a pet (Texel guinea pig). These shows have a panel of judges who decides winners based on the appearance, overall beauty and character of each participant (Texel guinea pig).”
● Satin Texels also exist, these are guinea pigs with denser and shinier covers.