The scientific of the common species is
Cavia porcellus, with porcellus being Latin for "little pig".
How the animals came to be called "pigs" is not clear. They are built somewhat like pigs, with large heads relative to their bodies, stout necks, and rounded rumps with no tail of any consequence.
Some of the sounds they emit are very similar to those made by pigs, and they also spend a large amount of time eating.
Guinea pigs are social animals, and you should consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. They are very vocal mammals and communicate their needs through different sounds. Some of the sounds are
:
- Wheek – A loud noise, also known as a whistle. An expression of general excitement, it may occur in response to the presence of its owner or to feeding. It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are running. If a guinea pig is lost, it may wheek for assistance.
- Bubbling or purring – This sound is made when the guinea pig is enjoying itself, such as when being petted or held. They may also make this sound when grooming, crawling around to investigate a new place, or when given food.
- Rumbling – This sound is normally related to dominance within a group, though it can also come as a response being scared or angry. In these cases the rumble often sounds higher and the body vibrates shortly. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, swaying and circling the female in a behavior called "rumblestrutting". A low rumble while walking away reluctantly shows passive resistance
- Chutting and whining – These are sounds made in pursuit situations, by the pursuer and pursuee, respectively.
- Chattering – This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth, and is generally a sign of warning. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound. A more relaxed type of gnashing often means the guinea pig wants a treat that is somewhere nearby but out of reach.
- Squealing or shrieking – A high-pitched sound of discontent, in response to pain or danger.
- Chirping – This less-common sound, likened to bird song, seems to be related to stress, or when a baby guinea pig wants to be fed. Very rarely, the chirping will last for several minutes.
There are a few breeds of Guinea Pigs, namely:
- American Short-haired
- Abyssinian
- Peruvian
- Silkie
- Crested
- Teddy
- Texel
- Skinny or hairless
- Coronet
Those that we carry are the long-haired Abyssinian Guinea Pigs, also called Sheeba Mini Yaks.
