July 9, 2024, 11:57 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The Texel guinea pig is quite impressive with its curly coat. However, this makes them high-maintenance and suited to more experienced guinea pig owners.
Appearance
The Texel guinea pig was created by crossing long-haired Shelties and curly Rex guinea pigs. Their head, which is broad and rounded, and coat, which is short and curly, show their origins in the Rex. The whiskers are also curly, which is a trait of Rex guinea pigs. This characteristic can hinder their communication and is considered a result of breeding practices that lead to suffering.
The guinea pig’s coat is long and forms large curls on its compact body. These are corkscrew-like and soft. On the belly, the coat is dense, woolly, and curly. This breed does not have vertebrae.
The coat may be any of the following colors: red, white, roan, or russet. The agouti and tricolored Texel guinea pigs are not allowed in all countries. Along with the smooth-haired guinea pigs and Sheltie varieties, Texels are among the smaller breeds of guinea pigs.
Behavior
Texel guinea pigs are considered to be very curious. They like to explore their enclosure and enjoy a variety of play options. The young ones in particular are very active and love to run around, which is why daily exercise is particularly important for them. Texels are open-minded, friendly, and sociable, so they should never be kept alone. They require the company of other guinea pigs. As is typical of guinea pigs, they tend to be a little shy around people. However, with the right treats, you can quickly earn their trust.
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Correct keeping & care
Like other long-haired guinea pigs, the Texel is not suitable to be kept outdoors due to the nature of its coat. Outside, the coat would get dirty and damp too quickly, creating an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other diseases.
When keeping Texels indoors in an enclosure, care should be taken to ensure that they get enough exercise outside the enclosure every day. The exercise area should be safe and appropriate for them. Particular attention should be paid to potential sources of danger, such as cables.
Grooming Texels is time-consuming. Dirt and grime can quickly get caught in their long coat. This is not always easy to remove due to their curly coats. Therefore, daily grooming requires time and patience. It is best to comb the coat gently with a soft brush to remove the dirt.
If the coat is so long that it drags on the floor, it should be cut.
To prevent the guinea pig from carrying bedding material in its fur, choose a type of bedding that is less likely to cling to the coat. Care should also be taken to ensure that the bedding is always clean and is changed regularly, more frequently than with other breeds.
If you do let your guinea pigs outside during the summer, make sure they have enough shade. This is because they quickly heat up under their long, thick fur.
As grooming Texels is more time-consuming than other guinea pig breeds, they are more suitable for experienced guinea pig owners. However, if grooming proves too time-consuming, consider choosing a short-haired breed.