Hairless Guinea Pig

There are actually two varieties of hairless guinea pigs. The Skinny pig, which does actually have a bit of hair, and the Baldwin guinea pig. There is some controversy about the introduction of these guinea pigs to the pet industry. They were originally bred for laboratory research, and concerns about their immune system function and overall hardiness have been raised. Others say that through careful breeding, it is possible to produce hairless guinea pigs that are hardier than their lab-bred ancestors. And while some people find their unique appearance unappealing, others find them quite irresistible. Their care is much like that of other guinea pigs. However, lacking a coat they are a bit more sensitive to temperature extremes and must be protected from drafts as well as direct sunlight. They also tend to eat more to maintain their metabolism and body heat (an excellent quality diet is a necessity, but should be provided to all guinea pigs, hairless or not).

MEET THE LATEST DESIGNER PET

A bizarre breed of guinea pig that was created for laboratory testing more than 30 years ago has become the latest designer pet.

The skinny-pig has no hair on its body except for tufts on its face and feet - so needs strong suncream in the summer and a jumper in winter.

They eat three times the amount of a normal hairy pig and their dry skin requires moisturising.

Skinny Pigs were created using mutated genes during the Seventies and their bare skin was used for dermatological experiments.

Research labs eventually handed the creatures over to breeders who have mated them with traditional guinea pigs to strengthen their immune system.

They are now becoming a surprise hit, particularly with allergy sufferers.

But Skinny Pigs are becoming so popular that demand is now outstripping supply for the wacky looking rodents.

Traditional breeders are skeptical about the craze, frowning on the breeding of a creature that need's Sun Protection Factor 50 in the summer and a custom-knitted jumper in the winter.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-488116/Meet-latest-designer-pet--hair...

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• hairless guinea pig
• north american pet products
• global pet expo
• gpe
• fetching communications
• skinny pig
• baldwin guinea pig
• designer pets

[strothersr71]

It looks like a really small pig

[HamsterHelpOnline]

That is the cutest thing ive ever seen <3

[VPCyd]

I feel sry dor that guinea pig. It was laughed at.

[hitman30009]

looks like a bull terrier

[LifeInMyEyesx3]

@Bebe12232 its a breed of guinea pig. it was born that was.

[Shrbarnett]

I like fuzzy hairy guinea pigs!!!

[kitkat4546]

Cutee, It looks like a ICKLE piglet. :'DD!!! xoxo

[ivoryandnicky]

cute skinny pig

[heavenshorses123]

poor dude!!! :())

[Bebe12232]

Poor guy!!!!!! Y is he like that

[myreborns101]

awwwe so cute