Rosette breed guinea pig. Rosette guinea pig (Abyssinian breed) Abyssinian guinea pig with red eyes

There are many varieties of guinea pigs in the world, differing from each other in coat texture, color, and size. Abyssinian (rosette) guinea pigs got their name due to the special appearance of their coat - in the form of twisting spirals, which are called rosettes. The special appearance contributed to the wide distribution of these active animals as pets.

Description and distinctive features

Despite the name, pigs do not originate from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). It is known for sure that the breed originates from South America. In Europe, they met representatives of the Abyssinian breed back in the Victorian era. It is now impossible to establish the origin of the name, since no data has been preserved about it.

Did you know? The long jump record belongs to an Abyssinian guinea pig named Truffle (Great Britain). At the competition in April 2012, Truffle showed a result of 48 cm.

Unique features of the breed are the rosettes in which the Abyssinian's long fur is wrapped. It is also unique that the number of sockets is necessarily even - from 12 to 30 pieces, and they are located symmetrically.

What they look like and to what size they grow

The exterior of these pets looks like this:

• the body is compact, with correct proportions;
• head triangular elongated shape;
• narrow shoulders, so there is no border between the head and body;
• the wool is dense, hard;
• the dorsal ridge of fur is clearly defined and follows along the entire spine;
• The color can be white or any shade from golden to chocolate.

Wherein Special attention pay attention to the quality of the rosettes - they should be clear, well drawn, with a defined wool comb along the edge. The height of an adult Abyssinian reaches 28 cm. The weight of a male is 0.8–1.1 kg, a female is 0.7–0.9 kg. These are not very large pigs.

What is the character and how long do they live?

Abyssinians are extremely inquisitive and actively interested in everything new around them. This is one of the most restless breeds. The life expectancy of Abyssinians is 8–10 years. The breed has good immunity and is rarely exposed to disease.

Pros and cons of content

Abyssinians are very clean and take good care of their coat. Compact pigs do not need a large area to live and do not require special conditions to the content.

Video: Pros and cons of keeping guinea pigs The advantages of the breed include:

• hypoallergenic wool;
• well-developed mental abilities;
• sociability and ability to get along well with children;
• good health.

Among the shortcomings are noted:

• the need to carefully care for the animal’s fur;
• the ability of rodents to taste all objects that they encounter while walking around the apartment, including wires and wallpaper.

Important! If the pig walks freely around the apartment, remove the wires to a height where the animal cannot reach them. This will protect your pet from electrical injuries.

Choosing and arranging a home

A cage (the size varies) or a terrarium (aquarium) can be used for maintenance. Both maintenance methods have their pros and cons. Inside the dwelling there must be: a shelter house, a drinking bowl, and a feeding trough. A bedding of sawdust is laid at the bottom of the dwelling.
Important points when choosing a home are:

• cell size;
• home safety, especially the floor;
• ease of cleaning and disinfection.

Cage or terrarium

The first question when choosing a home is the choice between buying a terrarium or a cage.

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In fact, pets can feel equally at home in any home if it is cleaned in a timely manner and the animal has enough food.
The bottom of the structure must be solid so that the animal does not damage its paws. The floor is sprinkled with sawdust in a layer of 1–1.5 cm, which must be changed regularly.

What's needed inside

Inside the home there must be:

• house;
• drinking bowl;
• feeder

The height of the cage should be about 30–40 cm, although it is not the most important parameter. Since the pig loves to walk, the length of the cage is more important for it - at least 100 cm. Inside the cage there should be a house - a small structure in which the animal can hide and store supplies there, like in a hole.

Video: what should be in a guinea pig's cage The dimensions of the house are 20x50x20 cm. Windows are not required. The cage also contains a feeder for grain feed, a manger for hay and a drinking bowl. The hay can be located outside the cage, but in such a way that it is convenient for the guinea pig to get it.

Pigs living in a large cage organize a toilet in one of the corners, away from contact with food. This is convenient because you can clean only the toilet every day, and change the rest of the litter as it gets dirty.

Did you know? The largest guinea pig festival takes place in Peru. Representatives of different breeds take part in it. With the help of contests and competitions, they establish the fastest, largest, most fashionable pig. And there is even a competition for the most delicious pig.

Abyssinians take care of their fur using sand. But the constant presence of a sand bath will only lead to the pet actively marking the contents of the bath, so it can be placed for a day, a couple of times a week.

Where to put it in the room

The cage should not be placed in a draft; it is also better to place it away from heating devices. It is optimal to place the cage at a distance of at least 40 cm from the walls and heating system. The pig's room should not be exposed to direct sunlight - this can negatively affect the pet's vision.

How many individuals can be kept together?

IN wildlife these animals live in small flocks of 5–10 individuals; they build burrows and coexist peacefully in the same territory. In cages, they often live alone, so it is difficult to say unequivocally about the benefits of one or another option.

Important! Abyssinian guinea pigs are pugnacious, so it will not be possible to place two boys in the same cage, since they will fight for leadership.

Breeders are clear on one thing: if you decide to expand the social circle of an adult pet, then you need to “preliminarily” make friends with both pigs. This process can take several months and is not always successful. Young animals from the same litter, familiar from childhood, get along best.

The Abyssinian pig does not require special maintenance conditions, with the exception of caring for the coat, which needs to be combed regularly. The food should be high in calories and balanced, the cage should be comfortable and clean, and there should be enough water.

Grooming

Once a week, the wool is wiped with a damp cloth, thus removing dead fibers and possible contamination. The fur is combed with a special comb, which is sold in abundance in pet stores. The working part of the comb-brush should be made of soft plastic material so as not to damage the delicate skin of the pet.

Care of claws, teeth, ears

The growth of teeth in a rodent does not stop throughout its life. To grind them down, young tree branches are included in the diet. If there are not enough branches, unsharpened teeth can damage the cheek. To eliminate the defect, you will need the help of a veterinarian.
In nature, claws wear down while running and searching for food. Since the cage limits active running, the claws do not have time to wear down and can cause anxiety in the guinea pig. Regular nail trimming will help in this situation.

The ears must be wiped with a soft cotton swab treated with an antibacterial drug. Usually pigs' ears are clean, without plaque or damage to the skin. But if you notice the formation of a dark coating or that the pig has begun to actively itch, then it probably has a tick and should definitely be shown to a veterinarian to clarify the diagnosis.

Did you know? Guinea pigs need vitamin C, but their body does not produce it, so it is necessary to provide it in their diet. Vitamin C is found in rose hips, currants, parsley, yellow and red sweet peppers.

Cleaning the cage

Video: how to clean a guinea pig's cage

Diet

The natural diet of the Abyssinian guinea pig is grass, cereals, root vegetables, roots, seeds, and vegetables. You can diversify her diet with sprouted grains, fruits, and special food for pigs.

What can you feed

The diet includes:

• cereals - wheat, rye, corn, barley (at least 1 tbsp per day);
• greens - various herbs, parsley, dandelions, plantain, clover (about 1 bunch per day);
• high-quality hay regularly without restrictions in quantity - the pig will not eat more than it needs, although Abyssinians are distinguished by their insatiable diet;
• root vegetables - carrots, parsnips, beets;
• young tree branches;
• vitamins and minerals.

Pigs, like people, have their own taste preferences. They eat the food they like first, so what remains in the feeder and is not eaten should not be given next time if the pet finds this product unpalatable.

What not to feed

• meat, fish, smoked meats;
• baked goods and sweets;
• canned or boiled vegetables;
• stale or dirty root vegetables.

Important! Feed should only be fresh. It is unacceptable to serve food with mold. Unfinished types of succulent food should be removed from the cage to prevent the development of mold in the pet’s home.

What should the water be like?

A guinea pig needs at least 250 ml of water per day. For a pregnant or lactating female, the norm doubles. The water must be clean. If you notice that your pet has accidentally contaminated it with food or sawdust, the liquid needs to be replaced.

Keeping rosette pigs is difficult, since the quality of their wool depends on the quality of food and regular care. But all these actions will be more than repaid by pleasant communication with this cute pet.
The Abyssinians will joyfully greet you with their whistle and inimitably ask for food, which will bring joy and good mood you and your children.

The wire-haired rosette guinea pig is one of the popular pets to keep at home, despite its rather nasty and pugnacious temperament. In addition to its unusual appearance, the rosette guinea pig also has a number of problems with breeding.

Breed characteristics

Rosette guinea pigs most likely carry genetic cells from Brazilian rodents in their pedigree and appeared due to natural gene mutation. Europe met them at the end of the 19th century, where they arrived from the South American continent.

Rosette guinea pigs owe their spread to English breeders who were actively breeding them and the resulting breed began to be called Abyssinian. Another name for them is Japanese.

To breed rodents with ideal rosette appearance, crossing only with their wire-haired relatives is required, and mixing with animals with long hair negatively affects the quality of the breed.

Appearance

The main feature of the Abyssinian rodent in its description is a specific pattern on the coat, formed in the form of rosettes, in which the fibers from the central part of the rosette circle diverge to its edges as guide rays. When one rosette circle meets another on the surface of the fur, the result is a raised tuft, giving the guinea pig a funny, disheveled appearance.

The standard rosette guinea pig has 8 to 10 rosettes. The maximum allowed quantity is 12.

The sockets are not located in a chaotic order. Symmetrically growing rosette circles at the joints, called ridges, form a kind of chess pattern with equal distances between conventional cells.

Ideally built rosette guinea pigs should have a certain set of rosettes:

• 2 pieces on the nasal dorsum,
• 2 in the forearms area,
• 4 in the dorsal region,
• 2 pieces on the sacrum,
• 2 on the hind legs.

Features

Among other external features, the description of a rosette breed guinea pig includes a number of distinctive features:

• the head is quite large in proportion to the body with a pronounced mustache and sideburns,
• mane sticking out upwards
• bulging eyes with bright color irises,
• medium-sized ears, set wide and slightly lowered,
• narrow bow.

In some cases, rosette guinea pigs can be strewn with combs, numbering up to 30 pieces, which is a consequence of mutation and breeding marriage. Smooth-haired Abyssinians with flat sides and loosely curled rosettes are also disqualified for further breeding purposes.

Coat

Abyssinians have a very thick coat that is distinguished by its stiffness. At the same time, female rosette rodents have softer villi. The length of wool fibers should not exceed 3.5-4.0 cm. The hair combs folded into upright ridges are located parallel to the body, the curls have clear boundaries that do not merge with each other.

The quality of the coat and rosette of the Abyssinian breed of rodents can be assessed no earlier than they reach the age of 20 weeks. At an earlier age, the formation of fur into rosettes may not be so clearly expressed, fitting more closely to the body, and for this reason the animals are often undeservedly rejected.

Color

Rosette species can have one of four main color directions:

1. The first, most common color of the Abyssinian breed is a mixture of black and red hairs, but without formed uniform spots. The predominance of light fibers in a rodent's fur classifies it among the light variegated varieties, and the predominance of black fibers includes it among the dark variegated varieties.
2. There are tortoiseshell animals with differently colored rosettes, but on the condition that each comb does not have other color mixtures, and the order of their arrangement is not taken into account in this case.
3. The third classic animal color is the so-called roan. In it, the main shade is diluted with individual white fibers, giving the color a greyish appearance. Chastity can be:

• blue, in which black and white colors are mixed,
• strawberry, when red is mixed in contrast to red and white,
• variegated if black, red and white colors are visible in the coat.

1. The fourth color option for the rosette guinea pig is plain, or the so-called self. Among such color range Most often you can find black or red selfie.

Temperament

Despite its unique appearance, the Abyssinian breed is quite grumpy in nature and does not get along well with other pets. Often this situation arises when the owners of an animal try to introduce new relatives into its home world.

The quarrelsomeness of rosette rodents is explained by their inherent social factor cohabitation, when the rule of the main male is unspoken among relatives. When a new male representative appears, the struggle for leadership begins.

If you want to have several representatives of the rosette species at the same time, you should take into account a number of features:

• form groups with early age animals,
• mix several females with one male in one group,
• keep pets in the largest possible cage, allowing each rodent to find its own personal space.

Rosette guinea pigs are peaceful towards their owners, communicating with people through rumbling and joyful squeaks.

House Rules

• put a cage based on the number of rodents that will live, 0.5 m for each,
• install a drinking bowl with a feeder (2 pieces),
• pour filler,
• put the toys
• make mazes,
• purchase a brush or a special comb for wool for care.

When keeping an Abyssinian animal at home, comb it once a week, wiping the villi with a dry cloth, removing dead hair. Pets require a daily walk outside the cage, which provides them with proper activity, extending their lifespan, and they live for 7-8 years on average.

This breed is distinguished not only by its beautiful and unusual appearance, but also with a very affectionate and friendly character. They quickly get used to their owner and love to play with children. Another important characteristic is that with proper care, pets have virtually no odor.

Genus: Cavia.

Story

Abyssinians or rosette pigs are one of the most ancient breeds that have been very popular in Europe and America since 1861. It is known that this breed appeared as a result of a mutation in the wool gene, due to which in subsequent generations the animals began to exhibit special “rosettes” (areas of the coat where the wool grows in a circle, emerging from one central place). Because of this unusual feature, the breed got its name.

Range and habitat

Today, the Abyssinian guinea pig can most often be found in Central and South America. As for Europe and our country in particular, due to difficulties in breeding, these representatives are rare among private owners. They are bred mainly by amateur clubs and specialized centers.

Description

As mentioned above, Abyssinian pigs are often called rosette pigs. But this is not entirely true, because special areas of “rosette” fur are also present in other breeds, for example, in Peruvian pigs, Cresteds, etc.

The coat color of Abyssinians can be either single or combined. The most common colors are brown, white, gold and chocolate. Adults have a strong body, big eyes, drooping ears, a short, blunt muzzle. The distinctive qualities of the Abyssinian breed include the presence of eight symmetrically located rosettes on the body: two on the sides, four on the back of the body and on the head. It is also noteworthy that on the head in the cheek area the hair grows in different directions, forming fluffy “tanks”.

At the junctions of the rosettes, smooth ridges are formed, so it seems that the pig’s entire body is covered with small squares. Also, a distinctive feature of the Abyssinians is their rather hard coat, which stands on end. In purebred representatives, the length of the fur is no more than 3.5 centimeters.

Lifestyle

Like all other guinea pigs, Abyssinians are quite active, friendly animals. They love to play, frolic, and trample fresh hay.

Caring for this breed of pigs is extremely simple. In addition to the fact that these representatives have virtually no odor and require cleaning the cage only once a week, due to the nature of their growth, their coat also does not require special care. It is enough just to comb your pet once a week with a small comb to straighten the sockets and remove fallen hairs.

The advantage of the Abyssinians is good health. They rarely get colds and are not prone to infections. Neither children nor adults will be bored with such an animal. This breed is very playful and curious. When letting out a piglet to walk around the apartment, such a pig should not be left unattended; they run and jump well.

Nutrition

This breed is not picky when it comes to nutrition; pigs eat whatever is given to them. However, it is worth remembering that, like other representatives of this genus, their teeth grow very quickly. Solid food in the feeder is an indispensable part of the daily diet.

Breeding and reproduction

The Abyssinian guinea pig breed is extremely difficult to reproduce. Females are ready to reproduce only after five months. At the same time, as practice shows, the offspring may not always have a rosette type of coat. There have often been cases where when Abyssinians mated, smooth pigs were obtained. This is due to the so-called recessive smooth coat genotype. In addition to the rosette gene, the modifier gene M is important during breeding. But the genetics of this breed have not yet been fully studied. Additionally, it is important to note that Abyssinian guinea pigs cannot be crossed with other breeds. In this case, a natural feature is lost, which is already quite difficult to preserve in modern conditions.

Note

The above-mentioned breeding difficulties, as well as the decreasing popularity of the Abyssinian breed compared to other species, have led to the fact that today it is rare to find a purebred Abyssinian in our country. Their number is sharply decreasing throughout the world.

There are a large number of different ones, differing from each other primarily in the length, texture and color of the coat. One of the most unusual breeds - rosette guinea pigs(they are also called Abyssinian).

Rosette guinea pigs got their name due to the unusual structure of their coat: Abyssinian guinea pigs have rosettes of wool all over their bodies.. It seems as if the pig slept very restlessly, turning from side to side, and in the morning it was not brushed. In general, other breeds of guinea pigs may also have rosettes, but most often Abyssinians are called rosette guinea pigs.

The Abyssinian (rosette) breed appeared due to a mutation in the wool gene, which caused the appearance of rosettes of wool on the body of guinea pigs. It originated in England in 1861, gradually spread throughout Europe and America and was one of the most popular breeds in the 20th century. However, modern rosette guinea pigs differ from their ancestors because they are a cross between Peruvian and smooth-haired guinea pigs, and the true rosette breed is now considered lost.

Rosette guinea pigs have short, hard hair no more than 4 cm long; it does not lie close to the body, but “stands on end.” Ideally, Abyssinians should have 10 rosettes: 4 on the back and back, 1 on the shoulders. 8-12 outlets are considered normal limits. A rosette on the nose is welcome, but if there is none, this is not considered a disadvantage.

But at the same time The main criterion for evaluating rosette pigs at exhibitions is the quality of the rosettes, and not their quantity. All rosettes should be well formed, circular in shape and extending from point centers. The joints of the rosettes form smooth ridges.

In addition to wool, guinea pig breeds also differ in body type and some other characteristics (simply wool is the most obvious distinguishing feature, noticeable even to a non-specialist). Thus, in rosette pigs, the silhouette of the body resembles a square. The pig itself should look symmetrical: at first glance it seems disheveled, but if you look closely, you realize that rosettes break her body into even squares. Abyssinians may also have almond-shaped eyes, although this is unacceptable for other breeds.

Abyssinians can have a wide variety of coat colors, including white, gold, brown, chocolate and red. The color can be either monochromatic or combined. Caring for the fur of rosette pigs is not difficult; just brush your pet gently about once a week to remove dead hair.

Rosette guinea pigs are one of the most popular breeds due not only to their unusual appearance, but also friendly character. Abyssinian guinea pigs quickly become attached to their owner, they are usually not aggressive at all and get along well with children.

Abyssinian guinea pigs are very funny and mischievous animals.. They are extremely active, so you need to play with them as often as possible, and also let them out of the cage for at least an hour every day. If you cannot devote enough time to your pet, it makes sense to buy a companion for your pig, since Abyssinians get along well with other breeds of guinea pigs. It is only better that the companion be of the same sex, especially if you do not plan to get offspring from pigs.

By the way, about the offspring. It is worth considering that rosette guinea pigs are considered a difficult breed to breed, so if you have very little knowledge about breeding guinea pigs, it is better not to try to breed offspring from your Abyssinians. For example, experienced breeders know that Abyssinians are prohibited from crossing with long-haired breeds or with breeds with other rosette shapes.

Rosette guinea pigs are an ideal choice for those who have never kept guinea pigs at home. This funny and friendly pets, caring for which is not very difficult.

The Abyssinian guinea pig has been known since Victorian England. The origin of the breed is unknown, despite the name, which is the old name of Ethiopia. Breeders suggest that the birthplace of the breed is South America. Europeans were attracted to the animal by its unusual cover: the hair grows in a radial direction, forming rosettes. Because of this, it is called the “rosette guinea pig.”

Features of the Abyssinian breed: breeding, exterior

For this guinea pig character, the dominant gene is transmitted, which is responsible for this arrangement of hair. Therefore, mating the guinea pig Rosette with a regular breed will lead to the fact that some of the offspring will be Abyssinians.

A sign of a genetically pure pedigree is the paired number of rosettes: 8 or 10. When mixing different individuals, the appearance of different quantities such islands of wool. The color is not important, because the whole feature is in the direction of hair growth.

Personality of the rosette guinea pig

Breeders who have experience in breeding pigs of different breeds talk about the differences in character between Abyssinians and other pigs:

• they are energetic and love outdoor games;
• enjoy exploring new territories;
• males have a pronounced need for leadership among their cage neighbors;
• they are very trainable;
• clearly demonstrate their mood, be it joy or sadness;
• Due to their inquisitive mind and good skills, it seems that they understand their owner no worse than a dog.

That is why the Abyssinian guinea pig is an ideal friend for a child.

Caring for the Abyssinian

Caring for such a guinea pig is a pleasure: it clearly expresses its positive response to a fresh treat, the appearance of its owner, and the opportunity to walk freely. True, you will have to tinker a little with swimming:

From time to time, especially in the heat, it begins to smell unpleasantly, despite the fact that this guinea pig, like all its fellow tribesmen, loves to look after itself;

It is necessary to comb its rosettes several times a week so that the rodent is recognizable by its breed.

In hot weather, the animal must be protected from direct sun rays, because its thick cover is an unpleasant opportunity to get heatstroke.