What are your favorite facts about guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs are almost always on the go! Only about four percent of a guinea pig’s day is spent sleeping. During the other 20 hours, they are wide awake. When they do sleep, it is only for about 6 minutes at a time before they are awake and on the move again.

The American Cavy Breeders Association currently recognizes 13 guinea pig breeds: Abyssinian, Abyssinian satin, America, American satin, Coronet, Peruvian, Peruvian satin, silkie, silkie satin, teddy, teddy satin, texel and white-crested.

The Abyssinian breed is known for their “rosettes,” which are cowlicks that grow from the coat. If shown in competition, judges look for 10 rosettes — four on the saddle (side), two on the shoulder, two on the hip and two on the rump.