Adorable Guinea Pig Breeds You Should Know

There's a lot to recommend guinea pigs as the perfect family pet: They're small, easy to care for, and have sweet temperaments. Also known as cavies, there are 13 breeds of guinea pigs officially recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association. We've included them here, as well as a few other types of guinea pigs that are popular. The good news is that you don't have to pick just one: guinea pigs are social creatures, and the Humane Society recommends adopting them in pairs to prevent them from becoming lonely or bored.

While guinea pigs are relatively low maintenance pets, they do need to be taken out of their cage and cuddled each day, as well as groomed regularly, so be sure you're able to commit the time required before adopting. Food wise, guinea pigs should be given a steady supply of high-quality hay, guinea pig pellets with Vitamin C, and leafy greens like parsley, lettuce, or spinach. They'll also need an ample-sized enclosure that should be cleaned weekly. Guinea pigs live an average of five to eight years so be prepared to care for any furry family members for years to come. Ready to bring guinea pigs home? Be sure to check your local animal shelter, which often has small pets in need of a home.