Teddy guinea pig – a globally cherished companion with plush fur

Officially, the Teddy guinea pig originated in the USA: in the late 1960s, guinea pigs appeared in California with fur that was denser and finer in texture than that of other short-haired breeds, and which also featured a crimped structure. These early Teddys resulted from crosses between Abyssinian (rosette) and American (smooth-haired) guinea pigs. Their unusual appearance attracted many enthusiasts; however, the new coat type was initially difficult to breed because the trait’s inheritance pattern was complex. Successful breeding required mating individuals that carried a recessive gene. Breeders eventually succeeded in doing this, allowing a stable breeding line to be established. In 1978, “Teddys” were officially recognized as a new breed by an American breeders’ association.

The coat of the American Teddy guinea pig is short and stands out evenly from the body. The animals have a velvety, soft appearance, though some Teddys possess a slightly coarser coat texture. US Teddys come in a wide variety of colors, with various agouti (wild-type) colorations being the most common. Compared to other guinea pig breeds, US Teddys appear somewhat shorter—an impression created by their relatively broad, upturned snout, a feature unique to Teddy guinea pigs. Also unusual is the relatively long hair on the animals’ bellies. On their heads, US Teddy guinea pigs have a small crest of hair that points forward.

Compared to their American cousins, Swiss Teddy guinea pigs have fur that stands out evenly from the body, with a length of four to six centimeters. At this length, the tips of the hairs curl slightly, giving the animals an even fluffier appearance. A distinctive feature of CH guinea pigs is the coat change, during which old fur is shed and replaced by new fur. Consequently, the animals can sometimes look a bit shaggy or unkempt—though this state does not last long. This phenomenon primarily occurs during the animals’ first year of life, or in females following a pregnancy. According to the breed standard, CH Teddy guinea pigs must not have any rosettes (swirls) in their fur. As with US Teddy guinea pigs, their whiskers are straight. Both varieties have noticeably large, slightly drooping ears.

Overall, Teddy guinea pigs are considered bright animals that are not easily rattled and seem to have a special knack for winning over their owners. They are affectionate and playful—energetic, yet always good-natured. Mothers are particularly caring toward their offspring. Swiss-Teddys can also be somewhat voracious eaters, so you should keep an eye out for any developing weight issues.

Thanks to their short coats, Teddy guinea pigs do not place heavy grooming demands on their owners and—provided they are kept in a small group with other guinea pigs in a suitable enclosure—make for undemanding pets. You should gently brush them once a week with a soft brush, especially during shedding periods, to remove any particles trapped in their fur. Their drooping ears should also be checked regularly for accumulations of dirt and sebum.

Teddy guinea pigs can be kept either indoors or in an outdoor enclosure. Their housing and dietary needs are no different from those of other guinea pigs. Like all guinea pigs, Teddys are not suitable pets for very young children; for these timid animals, the physical contact involved in cuddling causes immense stress. However, this friendly breed is well-suited for older, sensible children, thanks to its playful and affectionate nature.