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Abyssinians

Abyssinian Satin

Note: when the name Abyssinian is used with a * below, it also means Abyssinian Satin.

Information about the Abyssinian and Abyssinian Satin

Description/About the Abyssinian: The Abyssinian is known as the 'character' of the cavy world, and is like a terrier. They are very busy little people, and though they are bubbly and outgoing they don't like to hold still. The purebred Abby is supposed to have at least eight rosettes - if possible, ten. There are many mixed breed Abbys, and their rosettes are everywhere. The ideal placing of rosettes on an Abyssinian is: 2 rump rosettes, 2 hip rosettes, 4 saddle rosettes, and, if possible, two shoulder rosettes. See the photos above to see rosette placing. A show Abby should have rough coat, and harsh rosettes that are well-defined. Each rosette center should be a pinpoint, and the hair should radiate evenly from the center. Less than eight rosettes will disqualify an Abby from competition. 

Description/About the Abyssinian Satin: The Abyssinian Satin is fairly rare. The coat characteristics are the same as the Abyssinian, except that the hair is extremely shiny.

Note: Satin types of any breed can get a problem called 'hypocalcaemia', where the animal goes into a 'calcium shock', has tremors, gets shaky, and looks like it's having a seizure. If your cavy is exhibiting signs of this, you can crush up a calcium tablet (TUMS, etc.) in water and give some orally to the pig every few hours until they stop. If not caught, this condition can progress to death.

Grooming: Very simple. Besides regular nail trimming and ear cleaning, just keep your cavy's cage as clean as possible, and use a toothbrush to groom your Abby's* rosettes. You can wash your Abby*, but it will soften the coat and your cavy will not compete well. If you must wash your cavy because he/she is very dirty, do so with a shampoo or soap that has no conditioning qualities, and wash him a week or more before the show. If you show your Abby*, it is easier to just keep its surroundings clean and not have to wash it and risk softening its coat.

Availability: Abyssinians can be hard to find - if you're looking for a show-quality cavy. Abyssinian Satins can be extremely hard to find.

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