Self Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Also called English Self, Self, Self cavy

Recognised breedShort profile

From A one-colour, smooth-coated variety standardised in the United Kingdom by the British Cavy Council as the English Self. Guinea pigs as a species come from the Andes of South America.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length20 to 30 cm3

Lifespan4 to 8 years4 3 5

Sizemedium

rich, even single colour

classic sturdy show shape

easy-care short coat

2 6

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat of one even colour

The Self is all about evenness: one solid colour from nose to tail with no ticking, patches or white markings. Show Selfs are short and cobby with deep, broad shoulders, a strongly curved 'Roman' nose and large ears that droop with the lower edge level with the ground. The undercoat can be a shade paler than the top coat.2 6 7 8

Coloursblackwhite (pink-eyed or dark-eyed)cream (pink-eyed or dark-eyed)golden (pink-eyed or dark-eyed)buffsaffronredchocolatelilacbeigeslatebluecaramel (new and emerging)1 2 9 6

Personality what they are like

Owners describe Selfs as affectionate and good with children, though each has its own character. Regular gentle handling from a young age helps them stay confident rather than shy.6

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs stay active for much of the day and night, resting in short naps. Give them daily time in a bigger, safe space with tunnels and hides to explore. Happy guinea pigs often jump and twist in the air, which owners call 'popcorning'.4 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat only needs an occasional brush. Check nails regularly and trim when needed, and keep hay available at all times to keep the teeth worn.4 8

Home where they are happiest

A spacious enclosure with a solid floor and a deep layer of dust-free bedding, tall enough for the guinea pig to stand up on its back legs. Offer at least one more hiding place than the number of guinea pigs. Keep them in a comfortable room temperature of about 17-20 C, shield them from heat above about 26 C, and bring outdoor guinea pigs indoors when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and clean thoroughly at least once a week.10

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of good hay, available all the time, should form most of the diet, with fresh grass where possible. Add a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a daily mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs need vitamin C from their food every day because their bodies do not make it. Keep fruit as a small, occasional treat and make sure clean water is always available.11 4 3

Company who they like around

A very social animal that should share its home with at least one compatible guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, cavies live in small family groups.4 10

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were first domesticated in the Andes of South America and reached Europe with traders in the 1500s, where they became popular pets. Fanciers later selected smooth-coated guinea pigs for a single, perfectly even colour, and in Britain these became the English Self. Each Self colour was once treated as its own variety, and today the English Self Cavy Club looks after them all.3 6 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
White Selfs come in two eye colours: pink-eyed white and dark-eyed white.2
2
Mating a buff Self with a white produces all cream babies, while two creams give about half cream, a quarter buff and a quarter white.6
3
In the British standard the head, eyes and ears are worth 30 of 100 points, as much as the colour itself.2
4
Show Selfs should have ears that droop so the lower edge sits level with the ground.2
5
Caramel is the newest Self colour, listed as new and emerging.9

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council: Full standard as the English Self, looked after by the English Self Cavy Club. Points: head, eyes and ears 30, body shape 25, colour 30, coat 15. Satin Selfs are also standardised, with 20 points for satin sheen.2
English Self Cavy Club: 15 full-standard colours, with Caramel listed as a new and emerging Self colour.9
British Cavy Council: Breed-club listing of all Self colours under the English Self Cavy Club.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Self Guinea Pig. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Nail trimevery month
Weigh inWeekly weighing spots changes earlyevery week
Teeth checkevery week
Vitamin cFresh veg rich in vitamin C every dayevery day
Fresh hayevery day
Spot cleanevery day
Full cleanevery week
Floor timeDaily time out to exploreevery day
Vet check-upevery year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Guinea Pig Veggie Sushi

A fun, crunchy treat that encourages foraging and provides a mix of safe vegetables and fruit.

You need

1 courgette
1 small piece of yellow pepper
1 small piece of apple (no pips)
A few fresh mint leaves
1 small piece of broccoli stalk

How

Cut the courgette in half widthways and scoop out the centre to make a tube.
Slice the pepper, apple, and broccoli stalk into thin sticks that will fit inside the courgette tube.
Pack the vegetable and fruit sticks into the courgette tube, adding mint leaves between them.
Slice the filled courgette tube into small discs, about 1-2 cm thick.
Serve one or two discs as a treat, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

How much: One or two small discs per guinea pig, once or twice a week.

Recipe from RSPCA

Guinea Pig Forage Box

Encourages natural foraging behaviour and provides mental stimulation with safe herbs and treats.

You need

A shallow tray or planter
A handful of fresh hay
A handful of shredded paper (plain, non-toxic)
A small bunch of safe herbs (e.g. dandelion leaves, marigold petals, basil, coriander, cress, mint, dill)
A small amount of pulled fresh grass
A few guinea pig-safe treats (e.g. small pieces of carrot, apple, or bell pepper)

How

Fill the shallow tray or planter with a layer of hay and shredded paper.
Scatter the fresh herbs, pulled grass, and any edible flowers over the top.
Hide the small pieces of fruit or vegetable treats throughout the box in random spots.
Place the forage box in your guinea pig's enclosure and let them dig and search for their goodies.
Remove any uneaten fresh food after a few hours to keep the box clean.

How much: Offer the forage box for 30-60 minutes at a time, a few times a week.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Fruit and Veg Treat Plate

A simple, healthy treat idea using safe fruits and vegetables, perfect for bonding with your guinea pig.

You need

1 small piece of carrot (about 2 cm)
1 small slice of apple (no pips)
1 small piece of broccoli
1 small piece of kale
1 small piece of spinach
1 small piece of bell pepper (any colour)

How

Wash all the fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
Cut everything into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your guinea pig.
Arrange the pieces on a small plate or directly in the enclosure.
Offer the plate as a treat, and remove any uneaten portions after a few hours.

How much: Offer a small selection once or twice a week, in addition to their normal diet.

Recipe from RSPCA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Self Guinea Pig?

Hay should be available all the time, and you should give a measured daily portion of grass-based pellets plus a daily mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay every day and provide vitamin C-rich fresh veg daily. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.11 4 3 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Self Guinea Pig eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Most of the diet should be unlimited good hay and fresh grass, with a daily portion of grass-based pellets and a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs need vitamin C from food every day. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.11 4 3 12

Should I bathe a Self Guinea Pig?

Guinea pigs generally do not need baths; they keep themselves clean. Only bathe if advised by a vet for a specific reason, as bathing can stress them and dry their skin.

Does a Self Guinea Pig need brushing?

The short, smooth coat only needs an occasional brush to remove loose hair and keep it tidy. Regular gentle handling from a young age helps them stay confident.4 8 6

How do I look after a Self Guinea Pig's nails and teeth?

Check nails regularly and trim when needed; Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a nail trim every 28 days. Keep hay available at all times to help wear down teeth naturally, and check teeth weekly. Ask your vet or a good breeder for nail-trimming guidance.4 8 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Self Guinea Pig need?

Provide a spacious enclosure with a solid floor and deep bedding, tall enough for them to stand up. Give daily time in a bigger, safe space with tunnels and hides to explore. Furry Diary's plan includes daily floor time for exercise.10 4 3 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Self Guinea Pig live alone or with friends?

They are very social and should share their home with at least one compatible guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, they live in small family groups, so a companion is important for their wellbeing.4 10

How long does a Self Guinea Pig live?

Self Guinea Pigs typically live between 4 and 8 years, with proper care and a good diet. Regular vet check-ups and weekly weighing help catch any health changes early.4 3 5 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Self Guinea Pig a good pet for children?

Owners describe Selfs as affectionate and good with children, though each has its own character. Regular gentle handling from a young age helps them stay confident. Always supervise interactions to ensure gentle handling.6

How do I hold a Self Guinea Pig?

Support the whole body with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters, keeping them secure and calm. Always handle gently and let them feel safe; ask a good breeder or vet for a demonstration if unsure.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.