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

The Merino guinea pig is one of the least common guinea pig breeds in existence, so it’s no wonder that so few people know about them. This breed’s origin is unclear, but we do know that this animal has been domesticated for centuries. It all started in the Andean regions of South America. Today, guinea pigs are popular household pets around the world, especially in the United States¹.

However, one rare breed of guinea pig that doesn’t get much attention and deserves more is the Merino guinea pig. This breed is most commonly thought to be similar to the more popular and better understood Coronet guinea. However, unlike the Coronet, the Merino has curly and/or frizzy hair.

Here’s everything that you need to know about the adorable Merino guinea pig, whether you’re interested in getting one as a pet or simply keen about the breed overall.

The Merino guinea pig is a cute little rodent that is thought to have been created by breeding the Coronet and Rex guinea pigs together. The coat pattern is similar to the Coronet, but the texture and curliness come from the Rex. Some people compare the looks of the Merino guinea pig to that of a lamb due to their thick, soft hair. Aside from their adorable looks, the Merino has many great characteristics, such as a calm demeanor, curious attitude, and affectionate temperament.

Merino Guinea Pig Characteristics

How Much Do Merino Guinea Pigs Cost?

The average guinea pig is sold for anywhere between $25 and $75, depending on things like where the breeder or retail store is located and the demand in said area. However, the Merino guinea pig is a rare breed that isn’t as easily found in stores. Therefore, these guinea pigs tend to go for a bit more money—somewhere between $50 and $100.

These prices are not set in stone, so you may find a Merino guinea pig for much less or even more. Keep in mind that guinea pigs are pack animals, and they tend to get lonely and even depressed if they don’t have a mate to spend their time with throughout the day. So, it’s a good idea to budget for buying two guinea pigs and a large cage habitat to ensure a high quality of life for them.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Merino Guinea Pig

The Merino guinea pig is highly intelligent and can excel in multiple areas, including the ability to differentiate between the different sounds and colors that they are exposed to in the real world. Most Merino guinea pigs are social and enjoy interacting with their human companions. They bond quickly and will happily spend time cuddling or playing a game with family members.

These smart creatures happen to have excellent memories and can recognize the faces of their family members and anyone else they meet throughout their lives. They can also trick predators by “throwing” their voices and making it seem as though they are making noise from somewhere else. These curious creatures are naturally outgoing and can get along well with people of all ages and activity levels.

Do These Guinea Pigs Make Good Pets?

The typical Merino guinea pig can make an excellent pet for singles, families, and seniors alike. However, it’s always best to have experience as a guinea pig owner or at least take the time to learn all that you can about caring for this animal before deciding to get one as a pet of your own. Potential owners should keep in mind that monthly maintenance can be costly because bedding, food, hay, and toys are all ongoing replacement necessities.

Does This Guinea Pig Get Along With Other Pets?

All guinea pig breeds need a friend to spend their time with, so they should be kept in pairs or groups whenever possible. Merino guinea pigs will also feel safer and more confident. Getting with other pets like cats and dogs is a different story. It depends on the disposition and temperament of the cat, dog, and Merino guinea pig in question.

Some Merino guinea pigs can get along well with cats and dogs that get along with them. However, some want nothing to do with cats and dogs. Fortunately, it is easy to keep guinea pigs and other animals separated, so it’s far from impossible to have a dog or cat and a Merino guinea pig in the same household, even if they don’t personally get along.

Things to Know When Owning a Merino Guinea Pig

There is nothing special about caring for the Merino guinea pig compared to other types of guinea pigs. They require a diet designed for guinea pigs, and the same goes for their habitat setup, exercise, and sleeping needs, training abilities, grooming requirements, and health conditions that should be regularly checked for.

Food & Diet Requirements

There are two important things that Merino guinea pigs should receive in their daily diets. First is an unlimited source of hay. Timothy and alfalfa hay are the most popular and nutritious options. In addition, your Merino guinea pig should be offered commercial pellets formulated specifically for this species. The pellets should be fed daily according to package directions and/or veterinarian recommendations.

Besides hay and pellets, a Merino guinea pig should be offered a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the week. It is important to make sure your piggy is offered multiple different types of produce each day to help ensure that they get all the nutrients that they need for optimal health. Variety also affords the opportunity to experience different textures and flavors, which can be delightful for guinea pigs. Suitable fruits and vegetables to consider include:

About 1/2 a cup of chopped-up vegetables can be offered to a Merino guinea pig each day. Fruit should be utilized as an occasional snack or treat. Just a slice or piece of fruit each day is enough to provide them with the vitamin C and other nutrients that they need without overdosing on sugar.

Habitat & Enclosure Requirements

Each guinea pig should have at least 7.5 square feet of livable space to themselves inside their habitat. Of course, the more, the merrier! The height of the cage habitat for any Merino guinea pig should be at least 12 inches. The habitat should be outfitted with bedding on the entirety of the floor. Suitable bedding options include shredded paper and commercial products. A guinea pig should have access to at least 2 inches of bedding at any given time.

A Merino guinea pig’s habitat should be placed where it does not get direct sunlight yet still gets light from the outdoors to replicate day and night hours. Guinea pigs prefer temperatures of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so a place in the home where this temperature can be maintained is ideal. These animals do not like strong sources of heat like fires and heating vents.

The habitat should also be outfitted with various toys to interact with, ensuring that the guinea pig has access to the mental and physical enrichment that they need and deserve. Places to hide, branches, and toilet paper rolls are all things that guinea pigs seem to enjoy. Of course, a dish for food and a water bottle should also always be available.

Exercise & Sleeping Needs

All guinea pigs are considered prey animals because they don’t act as predators themselves, yet they have many that would be happy to make them a meal. Therefore, they spend a great deal of time foraging with their ears and eyes wide open and hiding from possible predators when they are not hungry. They can get all the exercise that they need by interacting with toys and things in their environment. Merino guinea pigs should be let out of their enclosure at least once a day to run and explore farther than their habitat restricts them to.

Training

Merino guinea pigs are smart and can be trained to do things like recognize when their name is being called. These animals tend to be obedient and can build strong bonds with their human companions. Your pet can learn your voice and understand certain inflections and gain a deeper understanding of what is being communicated to them. Guinea pigs can learn to do many different things, including:

Grooming

Merino guinea pigs require daily grooming to ensure the health of their coat and a high quality of life overall. Since their hair is short, thick, and curly, they should be brushed daily to prevent knots, mats, and tangles. These animals shed excessively, so daily brushing will help keep it to a minimum and make habitat upkeep easier overall as time goes on. Guinea pigs do not like being submerged in water, but occasional baths or sponge cleanings can help keep dirt from piling up in the skin and/or ears.

Lifespan and Health Conditions

Most healthy Merino guinea pigs can live between 4 and 6 years if they are properly cared for. Even so, this guinea pig breed is susceptible to Certain health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of.

Male vs. Female

There are no noticeable differences between the male and female Merino guinea pig to the average person. The attitude and behavior of both males and females are virtually the same, but the males are a little heavier—sometimes up to a pound worth of extra weight. Males can sometimes be longer than females too.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Merino Guinea Pig

1. They’re Rare

Not many breeders focus on the Merino guinea pig breed, so they are quite rare in the domesticated pet industry. Therefore, they can be a challenge to find and are bound to be more expensive than the average guinea pig found in a pet store.

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2. They Can Be Human Food

These rodents are not just popular as pets. Guinea pigs are served as a viable source of protein at mealtimes all over the world, and the notion seems to be getting more popular in the United States. Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, as they are considered to be a decent piece of meat, similar to how Americans see chickens. That said, due to their rarity, Merino guinea pigs are unlikely to be on any menu!

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3. They’re Extremely Affectionate

It may seem weird to think of a rodent as affectionate, but that is just what the average guinea pig is. These cute little animals love cuddling in arms and interacting in many ways with their human companions. They enjoy creating bonds and love to greet their family members when they come home after a long day at school or work.

Final Thoughts

The Merino guinea pig is a cute bundle of joy that every prospective pet owner should consider. They do require daily care, grooming, and maintenance, but in return, they offer the opportunity to open your mind and understand how other living beings think, thrive, and survive overall. It’s important to make sure you’re prepared to care for a guinea pig (or two or three) by talking to a veterinarian and setting up an adequate habitat and other accessories before bringing home a Merino guinea pig for the first time.

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Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay