Rex guinea pig: description of the breed

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In our article we will talk about the Rex guinea pig. We will describe it, consider the features, character, habits. The article will also give recommendations on the maintenance and feeding of this rodent at home.

Note that from the moment guinea pigs came to Europe and America, breeders were able to bring out many new breeds that differed from the rest in coat structure, size, and so on. Among these species was the rex. First, let's look at some points from the history of the breed.

The history of this species of rodents

The breed has another name - the royal guinea pig. This species is one of the oldest. The first description about him appeared in 1919. However, the breed and its standard were finally formed after almost half a century. The first cubs of such a guinea pig were obtained in 1975. All babies had curly hair.

Appearance of a rodent

All representatives of the breed have slightly hanging, rounded ears. Breeders compare them to rose petals. Newborn guinea pigs may have protruding ears. With age, they will become drooping. What is the size of a rex guinea pig? Body length averages 23 cm. Females are usually slightly smaller than males.

Next, consider the features of the appearance of the Rex guinea pig. This breed is characterized by the following features:

• broad shoulders;
• strong physique;
• thick, short, straight neck;
• wide but neat head;
• straight, even back;
• slightly protruding, expressive shiny eyes;
• well-developed muscles;
• straight, even legs;
• wide chest;
• rounded nose with a slight neat curve;
• smooth claws;
• slightly drooping, rounded croup;
• tightly clenched fingers.

Disadvantages and vices in representatives of the breed

Let's look at the possible vices and flaws of the exterior. These include:

• raw lower eyelid;
• non-breed standard size;
• sagging back;
• curvature of limbs (back or front);
• narrow shoulder blades;
• light bones;
• narrow chest;
• clubfoot;
• narrow elongated body;
• too oblique croup;
• humpback.

Rex guinea pigs that have at least one of the above deficiencies are not allowed for breeding.

Animal hair

The breed standard specifies not only the possible colors, but also the allowable coat length. Its optimal length is up to 17 millimeters. However, shemaybe a little more. The fur of a rex guinea pig (its photo is shown below for clarity) is short, dense, thick, slightly curly.

Tousled and upright coat not allowed. Also, the disadvantages of the "fur coat" include:

• loose, uneven or too smooth coat;
• hair length over 20 mm.

Guinea pig color

According to the standard, there are four color groups of representatives of the breed. These include:

1. Original Rex.
2. Agouti. The color is solid or with spots (lighter) around the eyes.
3. Solid.
4. Combination of agouti with a different color.

What is agouti color? It involves dyeing the hairs in three shades of different saturation. There are six basic forms of this color, namely: brown, lemon, golden, wild, silver and chocolate.

Rex guinea pig. Grooming

From the age of one, an adult curly coat begins to grow. She looks plush. Therefore, many breeders compare representatives of the breed with the American Teddy.

Although even visually these two breeds have a lot of differences. The main one is that the Teddy has a softer and shorter coat. Note that the Rex guinea pig still needs to be carefully looked after. Doing this is easy. Everyone will be able to cope with the task. A daily brushing with a soft brush will suffice.from natural bristles. A similar procedure must be carried out not only in order to give shine to the coat, but also to comb out the remnants of straw, dust and hay. If the rodent is not combed out, then it may develop dandruff.

In no case should you bathe such an animal. For him, water procedures are the strongest stress. In addition, such events have a bad effect on the condition of the skin and coat. If there is a need to clean the rodent, then you should use dry shampoo for this purpose. You can also wipe the Rex guinea pig with a damp towel to clean the coat.

Price per rodent

Representatives of this breed are quite sociable, friendly. They have a fairly balanced and calm disposition. The cost of a guinea pig ranges from 500 rubles to several thousand dollars. In this matter, everything depends on the correctness of the exterior and the rarity of the coloring of the rodent. Show class rex are the most expensive. You can buy such a rodent for about 20 thousand rubles.

Rodent feeding. What is in his diet?

But how to feed representatives of the Rex breed? The nutrition of such pigs is not much different from the rest. It is important that hay is included in the diet. You also need to always have clean water in the bowl. Juicy food should prevail in the diet. The fact that the rodent is thirsty for a long time can lead to stomach problems.

All fruits and vegetables that you plan to feed the rodent should be well washed and chopped. Rex guinea pigs will be happy to eat:

1. Watermelons
2. Cucumbers.
3. Chanterelles.
4. Sweet pepper.
5. Zucchini
6. Beets (fodder, sweet).

In the summer and spring, it is worth supplementing the diet: dandelion leaves, nettle, chamomile, parsley and dill. Guinea pigs will like clover and alfalfa. But very often, due to eating the last grass, gases are formed in the intestines of rodents.

If succulent foods predominate in the Rex guinea pig's diet, then you can refuse grain. Since its consumption (especially excessive) can lead to obesity.

Rodent maintenance. Choosing a cage for him

In reviews about rex guinea pigs, people note their activity. Therefore, the animal needs a spacious cage. Its minimum dimensions (for one animal) are 60 x 45 x 35 cm. Place the cage in a protected, dry place. There should be no drafts.

It is advisable to buy a cage with a plastic (removable) bottom. Thanks to this design, the pet house can be easily washed. Wooden models are not suitable for keeping rodents, although they certainly look more attractive. But they will quickly become useless.

Regardless of the size of the cage, the animal must be released daily for a free walk around the apartment. Movement has a positive effect on the he alth of the pig, on the functioning of the digestive system. In addition, joint games with the owner will bring a lot of joy to the rodent.

Small conclusion

Now youDo you know what a rex guinea pig is? We described it, examined its features. We hope you found this information useful and interesting.