Guinea pig American Crested
The American Crested is a rather rare breed, which is explained by the difficulties of obtaining offspring that fully meet high standards.
The American Crested is a rather rare breed, which is explained by the difficulties of obtaining offspring that fully meet high standards.
Contents
History of the American Crested breed
The white American Crested breed appeared not so long ago, in the early 80s of the last century. The first such guinea pig was the result of breeding work carried out in the United States, and was called “white crested”. Then, as they spread around the world, in other countries they began to call such pigs American Cresteds, so this double name was assigned to this breed. The American Crested breed has received official recognition in several countries. For example, the American ARBA included it in its list of recognized breeds in 1974.
In addition, there is also such a variety of American crested as the satin American crested, but this breed is not yet on the lists of official breeds in the USA and a number of other countries.
In Russia, the American Crested first appeared in the early 90s of the last century, in Moscow nurseries.
The white American Crested breed appeared not so long ago, in the early 80s of the last century. The first such guinea pig was the result of breeding work carried out in the United States, and was called “white crested”. Then, as they spread around the world, in other countries they began to call such pigs American Cresteds, so this double name was assigned to this breed. The American Crested breed has received official recognition in several countries. For example, the American ARBA included it in its list of recognized breeds in 1974.
In addition, there is also such a variety of American crested as the satin American crested, but this breed is not yet on the lists of official breeds in the USA and a number of other countries.
In Russia, the American Crested first appeared in the early 90s of the last century, in Moscow nurseries.
Features of the breed American Crested
It is a short-haired, guinea pig with a single rosette on its forehead, like all Cresteds. Its main distinguishing feature is that this socket is bright white. And there is no more white hair on the body. The color of the rest of the body can be any, but always one tone. It is because of this noticeable and attention-grabbing white “speck” that the guinea pigs of this breed were called white cresteds.
In another variety of cresteds – English cresteds – the rosette matches the color of the fur coat.
It is not uncommon to find cresteds with off-white rosettes. Such a pig will not apply to either American or English Cresteds. The most accurate way to determine its breed is simply a Crested, so an American Crested can only have a white rosette, and an English one can only have a rosette that matches the color of the rest of the coat.
Cresteds (both American and English) have short, smooth, flat fur, like American guinea pigs. In satin crested coats, the coat is more shiny and dense, having a beautiful glossy sheen and shimmering in the light.
It is a short-haired, guinea pig with a single rosette on its forehead, like all Cresteds. Its main distinguishing feature is that this socket is bright white. And there is no more white hair on the body. The color of the rest of the body can be any, but always one tone. It is because of this noticeable and attention-grabbing white “speck” that the guinea pigs of this breed were called white cresteds.
In another variety of cresteds – English cresteds – the rosette matches the color of the fur coat.
It is not uncommon to find cresteds with off-white rosettes. Such a pig will not apply to either American or English Cresteds. The most accurate way to determine its breed is simply a Crested, so an American Crested can only have a white rosette, and an English one can only have a rosette that matches the color of the rest of the coat.
Cresteds (both American and English) have short, smooth, flat fur, like American guinea pigs. In satin crested coats, the coat is more shiny and dense, having a beautiful glossy sheen and shimmering in the light.
American Cresteds are quite a challenge for guinea pig breeders in terms of breeding. This is due to the fact that only one in fifty born babies will meet the breed standards and be able to participate in exhibitions. Due to the strict requirements for American Cresteds, there are few show class animals among them, most have a pet class and are sold as pets. But despite the imperfect rosette or color error, all American Cresteds are cute and kind animals, responsive to affection and kindness, which will delight you for many years.
Cresteds are generally quite healthy, less prone to disease than other breeds of guinea pigs, and with the right level of care, the average life expectancy of these pigs is 6-9 years.
American Cresteds are quite a challenge for guinea pig breeders in terms of breeding. This is due to the fact that only one in fifty born babies will meet the breed standards and be able to participate in exhibitions. Due to the strict requirements for American Cresteds, there are few show class animals among them, most have a pet class and are sold as pets. But despite the imperfect rosette or color error, all American Cresteds are cute and kind animals, responsive to affection and kindness, which will delight you for many years.
Cresteds are generally quite healthy, less prone to disease than other breeds of guinea pigs, and with the right level of care, the average life expectancy of these pigs is 6-9 years.
Maintenance and care
American Cresteds, like other short-haired guinea pigs, are quite unpretentious in terms of maintenance and care. All you need to provide is a spacious cage, proper nutrition and simple care. Well, love and affection, of course.
A spacious, well-ventilated cage is one of the vital elements for a guinea pig, because it is here that the pig spends the vast majority of its life. Yes, of course, you regularly let her run around the room or on the grass outside, because pigs are active animals and they need to warm up regularly, but still, your pet spends most of the day in a cage. The area of the cage should not be less than 0,6 square meters, which corresponds to the dimensions of 100×60 cm. It’s great if the cage has two floors, but one is also good. Read about what the parameters of the cage should be in the article “Cage for Guinea Pig”
The optimum ambient temperature for guinea pigs is 18-25 C. Pigs are afraid of cold and drafts, as well as overheating. The latter may end in heat stroke.
As far as diet is concerned, the American Crested is an absolute vegetarian, as are other guinea pigs. Vegetables, fruits, special pellets for guinea pigs, fresh grass, hay, clean water – that’s all his diet. In addition, guinea pigs, due to their inability to synthesize vitamin C on their own, need an additional intake of this vitamin from the outside. Every day you need to add a couple of drops of the vitamin to water or food. The lack of this vitamin in guinea pigs leads to a deterioration in the appearance of wool, the appearance of bald spots and bald patches.
Thus, the entire care of the American Crested thus comes down to 3 meals a day, cleaning the cage (every 3-7 days), trimming the nails once a month and daily walks around the room or on the street. That’s all!
American Cresteds, like other short-haired guinea pigs, are quite unpretentious in terms of maintenance and care. All you need to provide is a spacious cage, proper nutrition and simple care. Well, love and affection, of course.
A spacious, well-ventilated cage is one of the vital elements for a guinea pig, because it is here that the pig spends the vast majority of its life. Yes, of course, you regularly let her run around the room or on the grass outside, because pigs are active animals and they need to warm up regularly, but still, your pet spends most of the day in a cage. The area of the cage should not be less than 0,6 square meters, which corresponds to the dimensions of 100×60 cm. It’s great if the cage has two floors, but one is also good. Read about what the parameters of the cage should be in the article “Cage for Guinea Pig”
The optimum ambient temperature for guinea pigs is 18-25 C. Pigs are afraid of cold and drafts, as well as overheating. The latter may end in heat stroke.
As far as diet is concerned, the American Crested is an absolute vegetarian, as are other guinea pigs. Vegetables, fruits, special pellets for guinea pigs, fresh grass, hay, clean water – that’s all his diet. In addition, guinea pigs, due to their inability to synthesize vitamin C on their own, need an additional intake of this vitamin from the outside. Every day you need to add a couple of drops of the vitamin to water or food. The lack of this vitamin in guinea pigs leads to a deterioration in the appearance of wool, the appearance of bald spots and bald patches.
Thus, the entire care of the American Crested thus comes down to 3 meals a day, cleaning the cage (every 3-7 days), trimming the nails once a month and daily walks around the room or on the street. That’s all!
Character of the American Crested
The American Crested is an excellent pet, firstly, because they are easy to care for and they are unpretentious, and secondly, because they are affectionate, kind and sweet animals. Many breeders say that cresteds are even a little shy. They love people, they love communication, when they are picked up or put on their knees.
The American Crested is just perfect for beginner breeders or for kids.
The American Crested is an excellent pet, firstly, because they are easy to care for and they are unpretentious, and secondly, because they are affectionate, kind and sweet animals. Many breeders say that cresteds are even a little shy. They love people, they love communication, when they are picked up or put on their knees.
The American Crested is just perfect for beginner breeders or for kids.
