As both a pet and show animal, the Abyssinian is a breed of guinea pig that is relatively common.
Other breeds of guinea pigs do not have the Abyssinian's coat, which is marked with radially growing swirls or cowlicks of hair referred to as rosettes.
One of the oldest guinea pig breeds is the Abyssinian.
It did not originate in Abyssinia, which is now Ethiopia, despite its name.
Although its actual origins are not known, it is known to have originated in South America.
Because of its unique coat, the Abyssinian drew much attention as an exhibition cavy in Victorian England.
An Abyssinian's hair is approximately an inch and a half long and is marked with swirls of hair known as rosettes.
The coat of an Abyssinian is unique and requires special grooming.
Because its inquisitive nature makes it easier to train, the Abyssinian is described as being more energetic than most other cavy breeds.
To keep the Abyssinian's coat from becoming tangled, it requires frequent brushing.
A roan Abyssinian can be safely bred to any other color.
A roan Abyssinian can be safely bred to any other color.