New Zealand Introduced Animals > Guinea Pig

Guinea Pig

Pet - Domesticated Cavy

ORIGIN: The mountain areas of Peru and Chile.

BREED DESCRIPTION: The eyes are positioned at the side of the truncated head which allows them to see backwards almost as well as they can see forward. The upper lip is split at the front and the ears are generally small. They have a thick neck and a cylindrical body. Often thought to have no tail they actually have one that is very small and tightly curled. They are found in a wide range of colours, combinations of colours and coat type.

USE IN NEW ZEALAND: Showing and pets.

GENERAL: First used many centuries ago by the Peruvian Indians for meat and sacrificial purposes, and as a pet. It is still used for these purposes by the more inaccessible tribes of the Andes. The name guinea-pig is thought to have arisen from the mistaken idea that these animals originated from Guinea.


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