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The Merino guinea pig, known for its gorgeous long, curly hair, is a breed of domestic guinea pigs. It is quite similar to the Coronet in both appearance and temperament except that it has short, curly hair on the forehead. The Merino is sometimes mistaken for the curly-haired Texel, but unlike the Texel, it has shorter hairs on the head and a crested coat. Not much is known about its origin, and it has not yet received recognition from the American Cavy Breeders Association.
| Kept As: | Show cavy, indoor pet |
| Suited For: | Singles, seniors, experienced owners |
| Origin: | England |
| Temperament: | Friendly, loving, intelligent, docile |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Lifespan: | 4-6 years |
| Association/Clubs: | None |
| Breed Standard: | None |
Size: 4-12 inches long
Weight: 1-3 lbs
Height: 5-13 inches
Width: About 5-14 inches
Fur Length: Long
Fur Texture: Soft, curly, crested rosette on the forehead
Color: Can be of any color, has white facial markings
Remove soiled bedding, as well as get rid of its poops on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean its cage every 3-4 days using pet-friendly disinfectant mixed with water.
Keep your English Merinos in an indoor cage that measures 30 X 50 X 20 inches at least; make sure that the enclosure has about 1512 square inches of floor space.
Plentiful timothy hay (70-80 percent of its daily diet), a small amount of quality pellets, a few slices of fresh fruits and leafy greens as treats per day
Regularly brush its fur using a soft bristle brush, trim its hair once or twice a month with a pair of rounded scissors, bathe your pet when its coat is dirty and it shows signs of fungal or parasitic infections
Allow your guinea pigs to play and run outside their enclosure for about an hour every day; provide them some safe toys to play with, including chews, paper rolls, cardboard boxes, and balls.
A Merino guinea pig can cost anywhere between $20 and $40; the cost of housing, feeding, and caring it is average
Seasonally high; it molts excessively in spring as well as early summer during which it needs frequent, regular brushing
