
AI-generated image
Cavia porcellus
A rex-type short curly breed with Abyssinian-style rosettes. Fluffy upright coat with whorls, easy to maintain thanks to its short length. Not an ACBA-recognized breed.
The Somali guinea pig combines the short curly rex coat with whorls like those of the Abyssinian (rosette) breed; in German it is described as a rex with rosettes reminiscent of a Rosettenmeerschweinchen. The fluffy upright curls change direction at each rosette, giving the coat more texture than a Teddy or Rex. It is not among the 13 breeds recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association (Abyssinian, Teddy, Texel and others) and its country and year of origin are not known; in Japan it is occasionally available through specialist guinea pig breeders. Keep them in pairs or more as herd animals and provide vitamin C daily, which they cannot synthesize. The short coat does not need the daily brushing of long-haired breeds, but rex-type fur collects oil and dirt, so regular brushing and bedding changes keep it clean. A room temperature of 17-20C is ideal; above 26C there is a risk of heatstroke.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Somali Guinea Pig lives 4-8 years.
Care matches other guinea pigs: 20-25 cm, 700-1,200 g, an average lifespan of four to five years and up to about eight.
The Somali Guinea Pig grows to 20-25cm / 700-1200g.
The ideal temperature for the Somali Guinea Pig is 17〜20℃.
Origin
Unknown (fancy breed)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Lifespan
4-8 years
Size
20-25cm / 700-1200g
Temperature
17〜20℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Timothy hay, guinea pig pellets, vegetables (vitamin C)
Wide-floored cage; change bedding often to keep the curly coat clean
Low-maintenance short coat; brush once or twice a week to remove oil and dirt
Gentle and sociable like other guinea pigs
Supply vitamin C daily. Heatstroke risk above 26C
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Somali Guinea Pig is 17〜20℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Somali Guinea Pig is 4-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Somali Guinea Pig typically reaches 20-25cm / 700-1200g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Somali Guinea Pig feeds on: Timothy hay, guinea pig pellets, vegetables (vitamin C). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Somali Guinea Pig varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026