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Coronet Guinea Pig: Pictures, Lifespan, Behavior & Care Guide

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

coronet guinea pig outdoor

Did you know that guinea pigs are available in long and short-haired varieties? Coronet guinea pigs are one of several recognized longhaired breeds whose flowing locks might catch your eye. Are you curious about what it takes to keep a Coronet guinea pig as a pet? Keep reading to find out more about these gorgeous guineas!

Breed Overview

Size: Average
Weight: 1 ½-3 pounds
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Similar Breeds: Silkie, Crested
Suitable for: Experienced owners
Temperament: Curious, affectionate, playful

As a combination of the similar Silkie guinea pig and the Crested breed, Coronet guinea pigs are recognized for their beautiful coats and mullet-like hairstyle. Besides their physical beauty, Coronet guinea pigs are social, playful, gentle animals who adapt quickly to family life and regular handling.

All longhaired guinea pigs require higher levels of care than their short-coated cousins. In this article, you’ll learn about the personality and behavior of the Coronet guinea pig, along with a detailed care guide.

Coronet Guinea Pig Breed Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

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How Much Do These Guinea Pigs Cost?

Coronet guinea pigs were developed in England in the 1970s by crossing Silkie and two varieties of Crested guinea pigs. They are not as common or well-known as other long-haired guinea pig breeds, like the Silkie or Peruvian. However, the Coronet is usually available for sale from breeders and possibly pet stores.

You can expect to pay between $35–$80 for a Coronet guinea pig. One point to remember is that the Coronet is a popular show pig due to its luxurious coat. Show-quality guinea pigs may be more expensive.

Guinea pigs are often available at animal shelters or rescue groups, so you might discover a Coronet for adoption. Unfortunately, unsuspecting guinea pig owners often underestimate the time commitment of caring for a long-haired breed like the Coronet and may surrender their pets to shelters if they do.

Pet stores often have guinea pigs for sale but may not offer much variety in available breeds. Your best bet for finding a Coronet guinea pig is to search for a breeder specializing in long-haired breeds.

coronet guinea pig in the grass
Image By: Pernille Westh, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Coronet Guinea Pig

Coronet guinea pigs are known to have gentle, laid-back temperaments. They are playful, energetic, and social animals who love attention. Coronet guinea pigs typically tolerate handling quite well, especially if they are socialized from an early age.

Coronet guinea pigs are popular show animals who can be taught to accept handling even by strangers. They require long grooming sessions to keep them looking red-carpet-ready.

Do These Guinea Pigs Make Good Pets?

Coronet guinea pigs present a bit of a dilemma for potential owners. On the one hand, their social, adaptable, gentle personalities would make them ideal pets for any owner. However, longhaired guinea pig breeds require much more care than inexperienced owners might be prepared to give.

Guinea pigs are often popular first pets for kids because they’re typically low-maintenance animals. Coronet guinea pigs don’t fall into that category. While they can still make great pets for kids, adult supervision is essential to ensure the pigs are well cared for. Coronet guinea pigs make excellent companions but can also be a lot of work.

Does This Guinea Pig Get Along with Other Pets?

Guinea pigs are social animals, and the Coronet is no exception. Many Coronet guinea pigs prefer to live with a friend. Same-sex pairs can usually live together if they start young enough. Males and females can live together but will reproduce rapidly if they are still sexually intact.

Small prey animals like guinea pigs should be kept away from dogs and cats, who they will view as natural predators. Even if the cat or dog has no interest in chasing the Coronet guinea pig, the mere presence of a predator can cause harmful stress to small exotic pets. Guinea pigs should not live with other rodents or rabbits.

guinea pigs in an enclosure
Image By: Aija Freiberga, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Coronet Guinea Pig:

We’ve mentioned a few times that Coronet guinea pigs are more work to care for than other breeds. In this section, you’ll find out what we’re talking about. Here’s what you need to know when owning a Coronet guinea pig.

Food & Diet Requirements

Coronet guinea pigs are herbivores who should only be fed plant foods. Unlimited quantities of hay should always be available to them. They should also eat a portion of guinea pig pellets daily, supplemented with fruits and vegetables.

Guinea pigs can’t manufacture Vitamin C and will develop health problems if you don’t supplement their diet with this essential nutrient. One way to provide it is to feed your guinea pig fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if additional supplementation is required.

white and gray coronet guinea pig
Image Credit: alexis j schell, Shutterstock

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Habitat & Enclosure Requirements

Coronet guinea pigs need a spacious cage and, ideally, a safely enclosed larger play area for daily exercise. Choose a cage with a solid floor and sides at least 12” high. Avoid glass or wire cages.

You’ll need a cage at least 30”x 36” for one Coronet guinea pig. For two pigs, increase to at least 30” x 50”. For substrate, use about 2 to 3 inches of paper bedding, not wood shavings.

Inside the habitat, your Coronet guinea pig should have food and water bowls, a litter box, hide boxes, and various enrichment items, especially chew toys. Place the cage in a safe location, away from drafts, heating sources, other pets, and small children.

Coronet guinea pigs enjoy being around their human family, so try to locate their habitat in a quiet corner where they can still see what’s happening around them.

Exercise & Sleeping Needs

Coronet guinea pigs are often most active in the morning and evening. If possible, take them out of their cages to exercise in a larger, safely enclosed area each day. Brief, strictly supervised outdoor exercise is also okay, but only in good weather and moderate temperatures, between about 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Guinea pigs already overheat easily, and long-haired Coronet guinea pigs are especially vulnerable. Coronet guinea pigs need a quiet space to retreat and sleep in their cage. Provide at least one hiding box for each pet.

Training

Coronet guinea pigs can be trained to use a litter box, which will make daily cleanup easier for you. You’ll need to handle young Coronet guinea pigs frequently because they need more hands-on care than other breeds. Ideally, you should also start training them to accept their grooming routine early.

Besides practical training, good-tempered Coronet guinea pigs can also learn tricks or how to come when called. Use treat rewards and patient, consistent training methods. Training can be an excellent way to bond with your Coronet guinea pig and keep them entertained.

coronet guinea pig on the floor
Image Credit: yykkaa, Shutterstock

Grooming

Grooming the Coronet guinea pig can be time-consuming. They are naturally messier than short-haired guinea pigs, so you should expect to spend time each day keeping them clean. Be prepared to comb your Coronet guinea pig daily and clean pee, poop, and food from their fur.

Coronet guinea pigs need regular baths and often professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Many owners choose to keep their pig’s hair trimmed short for hygiene purposes. You can learn to bathe your Coronet guinea pig at home, but you’ll need to be cautious and teach them to accept the process.

Like all guinea pigs, Coronets must constantly chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. You’ll also want to keep their nails trimmed short.

Lifespan and Health Conditions

On average, coronet guinea pigs live about 4-6 years, but longer lifespans are possible. A lot depends on the care you give them, including the right diet, safe habitat, proper grooming, and plenty of exercise. The following are common health conditions found in Coronet guinea pigs.

Minor Conditions
  • Inner ear infections
  • Fungal infections
Serious Conditions
  • Respiratory infections
  • GI Stasis
  • Scurvy
  • Skin and mammary tumors
  • Bladder and kidney stones

Male vs Female

Male Coronet guinea pigs are larger than females and may be less social with other males. Unlike females, who can frequently live in larger herds or groups, male Coronet guinea pigs can typically only live as a bonded pair. In general, male guinea pigs are more confident than females and may be easier to handle and train.

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3 Little-Known Facts About Coronet Guinea Pig

1. They Are Sometimes Called English Guinea Pigs

As mentioned earlier, the Coronet guinea pig was first developed in England. Because of that, you’ll sometimes find them listed or referred to as English guinea pigs instead of Coronets.


2. They Get Their Name From Their Hairdo

Coronet guinea pigs are named after the crown or rosette of hair on their forehead. Most of their long hair flows backward towards their tail, but the front portion is shorter and sticks forward.


3. They Are One of 13 Recognized Guinea Pig Breeds

Casual pet owners may not be aware that there are several guinea pig breeds. The Coronet is one of 13 breeds recognized by the American Cavy Breeder’s Association, which also organizes the guinea pig shows frequented by Coronets.

coronet guinea pig on white background
Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

Coronet guinea pigs are sweet, beautiful, and affectionate animals. With the proper care, they can provide years of companionship. However, their long coats require daily upkeep, which inexperienced guinea pig owners may be unprepared for.

You’ll also need to budget for professional grooming expenses, which aren’t an issue for short-haired guinea pigs. If you’re considering a Coronet guinea pig for your family, ensure you know what it takes to keep one safe and healthy. Guinea pigs are not a hands-off pet, and the Coronet requires even more attention than most.


Featured Image Credit: Hurianova Olga, Shutterstock

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