A nearly hairless guinea pig with soft, wrinkled skin and just a fuzz of hair on the muzzle and feet. Warm to the touch and endearingly odd, it looks like a tiny hippo.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Nutritional deficiency
- Respiratory issues
- Skin conditions
- Urinary stones
Care at a glance
- ExerciseLow
Happy pottering around a roomy enclosure with things to explore.
- GroomingLow upkeep
They keep themselves clean โ just keep the enclosure fresh.
- Living spaceCompact setup
The enclosure is their whole world โ fits easily in any home.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment4โ6 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Nutritional deficiency ยท Respiratory issues ยท Skin conditions
๐ Care guide
The Skinny Pig is a mostly hairless cavy breed created by crossing hairless laboratory guinea pigs with haired breeds. It retains a little hair on the nose and legs but is otherwise bald, exposing smooth, often pigmented skin. Body size matches other cavies at 0.7-1.2 kg, though its lifespan can be slightly shorter at four to six years, and its metabolism runs high to stay warm. Skinny pigs are social herd animals needing same-sex companions and a spacious ground-level cage kept reliably warm and draft-free, as they lose body heat quickly. Their exposed skin needs protection from direct sun, cold, and rough surfaces, plus occasional gentle wiping; use soft bedding. They eat more than furred cavies to fuel heat production, so provide generous unlimited grass hay, a vitamin C-fortified pellet, and daily fresh vegetables. Watch the skin for dryness, scratches, or fungal issues, and never house them in chilly rooms.
Frequently asked questions
How much activity does a Skinny Pig need?
Low. Happy pottering around a roomy enclosure with things to explore.
How much grooming does a Skinny Pig need?
Low upkeep. They keep themselves clean โ just keep the enclosure fresh.
How much space does a Skinny Pig need?
Compact setup. The enclosure is their whole world โ fits easily in any home.
Is a Skinny Pig a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Skinny Pig live?
4โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Skinny Pig?
Keep an eye out for Nutritional deficiency, Respiratory issues, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
Similar breeds
Skinny Pig community
0 members
Be the first to join this community!
Community feed
Not sure this is the breed for you?
Answer 7 short questions and get ranked matches for your lifestyle.
Try the match quiz