Looking for a small, cute, and friendly pet? Rex guinea pig! The soft downy fur of these little creatures is velvety to the touch. They drop helpful verbal hints on you when they spot you. And they love to play! I bought my first Rex guinea pig, Buddy, last year. He comes running to me as soon as I open the door, and he squeaks when he hears me preparing food. It’s the most fun to have a Rex guinea pig!
Origins and History
Originating from South America, rex guinea pigs. These rugged little animals lived in the mountains before people began trying to keep them as companions around 5,000 years ago. Residents of the Andes mountains ate them and took them during religious ceremonies. And now we keep them as pets that we love!
Now that I was trying to buy my first Rex guinea pig, I was reading up about where they were from. Learning about how they went from wild mountain animals to pets in our homes made me like them even more.
Physical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Size and Weight | 8-15 inches, and weigh 1-3 pounds. |
| Coat Color | Including white, brown. |
| Coat Patterns | Fuzzy or bristly coat texture. |
| Hair Length | 1.27 cm |
| Eyes & Nose | No specific differences compared to other guinea pig breeds. |
| Legs, Paws and Tail | Short legs and paws; no tail. |
| Top Speed | No specific documented top speed. |
| Heart Rate | Between 180 and 340 beats per minute. |
| Estrus Cycle | 16 days. |
| Duration of Pregnancy | Approximately 59 to 72 days. |
| Litter Size | 1 to 8 pups. |
| Normal Body Temperature | 102°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C). |
| Lifespan | 5 years up to an impressive 8 years. |
Temperament and Behavior
Rex guinea pigs are extremely social Caring and friendly pets. They tend to be calm and peaceful, and love being held once they get to know you. I’m a guinea pig owner (to my Rex guinea pig, Coco), and when she hears me coming, she runs to see me! No two Rexes are alike – some are adventurous and brave, while others are shy at first. With patience and gentle handling, these little fuzzies will be your devoted pets.
Training & Socialization
These canines are intelligent and trainable. You may even be able to train them to use a litter box by putting it out where they go to potty and rewarding them with treats. They can even learn to come when called if you work on it every day with kind words and treats in your hand. Keep your training sessions short, fun, and heavy on the praise. The more time you spend cuddling and talking to them the more they trust you, and the happier and friendlier a pet they will become.
Nutrition and Diet
They get fresh hay every day (it keeps their teeth from overgrowing and aids digestion). Vitamin C, which leafy greens such as romaine and kale provide, is something they cannot make for themselves. Small quantities of vitamin C-enriched guinea pig pellets are also fine. Give fruit only as a special treat, since it’s high in sugar. And always ensure that it has not been served a cup! of clean fresh water to drink.
Foods to Avoid
For your pet’s safety, never feed them:
- Animal products or dairy
- Avocado (toxic to guinea pigs)
- Onions, garlic, or leeks
- Processed human foods like bread or chips
- Chocolate or caffeine
- Iceberg lettuce (low nutritional value and can cause diarrhea)
Housing & Space Needs
Rex guinea pigs need room to roam and explore! The minimum recommendations include:
- At least 7.5 square feet per guinea pig (more is always better)
- Well-ventilated cage with proper bedding
- Hiding places and tunnels (they need to feel secure)
- Toys for mental stimulation
- Exercise area for daily activity
My guinea pigs have their own dedicated space with a large C&C cage (cubes and coroplast) that gives them plenty of room to popcorn—that adorable little jump they do when they’re happy! Trust me, seeing your Rex do a joyful popcorn makes all the cage cleaning worthwhile.
Grooming
Brushing
They sport short, bristly coats that don’t tangle very easily. But brushing can help keep their fur clean and shiny. Brush your sphynx cat gently one to two times a week. Brush only in the direction their fur grows to pull off any loose hair and dirt.
I whisper to Sprinkles when I brush her. She starts to relax and she’s even purred a time or two! If your guinea pig is wiggly, brush while cuddling.
Nail Trims
Trim them every 1–2 months, as long nails can be painful for your guinea pig to walk on. You’ll need small pet nail clippers and only clip the very tip. Now, make sure that you don’t cut the pink part (the quick) where the blood vessels lie.
It helps me to contain Sprinkles in a towel. I clip a small amount each time and I give her a treat after each paw. If you’re unsure, have a vet show you the first time.
Bathing
You do not have to bathe them frequently — only if they get dirty or smelly. A mild small animal shampoo and warm water should be used. Fill a shallow tub and dampen their body, ensuring no water reaches their face. After a good rinse, towel them dry.
I bath Sprinkles once or twice a year, and it’s usually because she is messy. She is not a bath baby, so I keep it brief and snuggle her afterward.
Do remember: Never use human shampoo—it’ll harm their skin!
Ear Cleaning
Check guinea pig ears weekly. Moisten a cotton pad with warm water or a pet-approved ear cleaner and carefully clean the outside of the ear.
Sprinkle’s ears will be a bit waxy at times, then I have cleaner and she munches down on a carrot. If you see redness or an offensive odor, consult a vet; it could be an infection.
Dental Check
Guinea pig teeth never stop growing! Check their teeth weekly to make sure they aren’t too long or crooked. Gently lift their lips to peek at their front teeth.
I always check Sprinkles’ teeth during her grooming time. Lots of hay and chew toys help keep her teeth healthy and short.
Grease Gland Wipe
They have a grease gland near the base of their back. It can get oily and dirty. Clean it once a week with a damp cloth and a little warm water or a drop of coconut oil.
I quickly wipe Sprinkles’ grease gland and reward her with a treat. If it looks crusty or smells bad, it’s a good idea to call a vet.
Health Issues
Here are the most common health problems Rex guinea pigs face, with signs to watch for and steps to take. Always consult a vet if you’re worried—guinea pigs need special care from vets who know small animals.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are common in guinea pigs, especially if their cage is damp or drafty. These infections can start as a cold but get serious fast.
Signs to watch for:
- Sneezing or wheezing
- Runny nose or crusty eyes
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
- Lethargy or not eating
What you can do: Keep their cage clean, dry, and type as well as warm (not hot). If you notice these signs, go to the veterinarian immediately. They might even prescribe antibiotics. A gooey nose sent Sprinkles to the vet, but after a small-dose antibiotic, and a little more cleaning of an already immaculate cage, she was back to her well-cared-for, chirpy self.
Heatstroke and Flystrike
Rex guinea pigs are sensitive to heat and bugs. Heatstroke happens when they get too hot, and flystrike is when flies lay eggs on dirty fur, leading to infections.
Signs of heatstroke:
- Panting or drooling
- Weakness or lying flat
- Red or warm ears
Signs of flystrike:
- Small white eggs or maggots in fur (often near the bottom)
- Bad smell or irritated skin
- Restlessness or scratching
What to do: Ensure their cage is kept under 80°F (27°C) and in a shady location. Change their bedding every day to keep down flies. While you would move the victim to a cooler place and offer water for heatstroke, know she must get to a vet ASAP. A vet should clean the area and, in some cases, may give medicine for flystrike. I look at his cage when it’s summer to see if he’s cool and clean.
Diarrhea
Loose poop can happen if your guinea pig eats the wrong food or has an infection. It’s serious because guinea pigs can get dehydrated fast.
Signs to watch for:
- Soft or watery poop
- Dirty fur around their bottom
- Not eating or acting tired
What to do: Feed your pet hay, vegetables, and guinea pig pellets. Avoid sudden food changes. If diarrhea goes on for a day or more, go to a vet — they could need fluids or medicine. One time, Sprinkles had runny poop because I gave her an excess of lettuce. But then I learned to gradually introduce new foods!
Dental Issues
Guinea pig teeth grow constantly, and problems happen if they don’t wear down properly or grow crooked.
Signs to watch for:
- Drooling or wet chin
- Not eating or dropping food
- Weight loss or small poop
What to do: Give them plenty of hay and chew toys to keep teeth healthy. Check their front teeth weekly for overgrowth. A vet can trim or file teeth if needed. I make sure Sprinkles always has hay to munch on—it’s like a toothbrush for her!
Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a painful foot infection caused by rough cage floors or dirty bedding. It’s common in guinea pigs with sensitive feet.
Signs to watch for:
- Red, swollen, or sore feet
- Limping or not walking much
- Scabs or open sores on paws
What to do: Use soft bedding (like fleece) and keep the cage clean. If you spot sores, head to a vet — they can swab the feet and prescribe ointment. I switched Sprinkles to fleece bedding, and her story has had a healthy ending for her feet!
Scurvy
Guinea pigs can’t make their vitamin C, so a lack of it causes scurvy. This is a big deal for Rex guinea pigs because it weakens their body.
Signs to watch for:
- Lethargy or moving slowly
- Sore joints or limping
- Bleeding gums or loose teeth
- Rough fur or hair loss
What to do: Daily feed a couple of vitamin C-rich foods, such as bell peppers or kale. You can also offer vet-approved vitamin C supplements. You can include a vitamin C boost from a vet if you see those signs. I give Sprinkles a slice of red bell pepper every day—she loves it, and it keeps scurvy away!
Urinary Problems
Urinary issues, like infections or bladder stones, are common in guinea pigs. They can be painful and need quick attention.
Signs to watch for:
- Blood in urine or pink pee
- Straining to pee or small amounts
- Squeaking when peeing
- Lethargy or not eating
What to do: Keep their water fresh and encourage drinking. Clean the cage often to prevent infections. If you see these signs, a vet can test your urine and may give antibiotics or suggest surgery for stones. I always make sure Sprinkles’ water bottle is full to keep her hydrated.
Care and Maintenance
Daily maintenance for your Rex guinea pig includes:
- Fresh hay (unlimited supply)
- Fresh vegetables (about 1 cup per day)
- Limited pellets (1/8 cup per day)
- Clean water (check twice daily)
- Spot cleaning of the cage
- Health check and socialization time
Weekly tasks include:
- Complete cage cleaning
- Bedding replacement
- Grooming session
- Weight check (to monitor health)
How Long Do Rex Guinea Pigs Live?
With proper care, Rex guinea pigs typically live between 5-8 years. Factors that contribute to a longer lifespan include:
- Balanced nutrition
- veterinary care
- Appropriate housing
- Daily exercise
- Socialization and mental stimulation
- Stress-free environment
My first Rex guinea pig lived to be 7.5 years old, which I attribute to a diet rich in fresh vegetables and lots of floor time for exercise.
How Many Different Breeds of Guinea Pigs Are There?
There are approximately 13 recognized breeds of guinea pigs, each with unique characteristics:
- American guinea pigs (short, smooth coat)
- Abyssinian (rosettes/swirls)
- Peruvian guinea pigs (long, straight hair)
- Silkie/Sheltie (long, flowing back hair)
- Teddy (dense, springy coat)
- Rex (short, bristly coat)
- Coronet (long hair with a crown)
- Texel (curly, long coat)
- Merino (curly coat with a crown)
- Lunkarya (long, rough coat)
- Alpaca (long, curly hair)
- Baldwin (hairless)
- Skinny (partially hairless)
Are Rex Guinea Pigs Friendly?
Yes! Rex guinea pigs are generally known for being friendly and docile. In my experience, they’re among the most handleable guinea pig breeds once properly socialized. They typically enjoy gentle interaction and can form strong bonds with their caretakers.
Are Rex Guinea Pigs Good for Kids?
While guinea pigs are gentler than many small pets, they aren’t ideal for very young children (under 8) without supervision. Rex guinea pigs can make wonderful family pets when:
- Children are taught proper handling techniques
- Adults supervise interactions
- The guinea pig has a safe space to retreat
- Everyone understands that guinea pigs are fragile animals
My niece was 9 when she got her first Rex guinea pig, and with proper guidance, their relationship blossomed into something special. Her guinea pig would even sit calmly in her lap during family movie nights!
Why Choose a Rex Guinea Pig?
- There are many compelling reasons to add a Rex guinea pig to your family:
- Their distinctive, velvety coat texture is unique
- They’re generally playful, gentle, and intelligent
- Their grooming needs are moderate compared to long-haired breeds
- They tend to be sociable and form strong bonds with owners
- Their expressive behaviors make them entertaining companions
Are Rex Guinea Pigs Noisy?
Yes, Rex guinea pigs can be quite vocal! They produce various sounds to communicate:
- Wheeking (loud whistling) – typically when excited or anticipating food
- Purring – can indicate contentment or sometimes annoyance
- Chattering teeth – shows aggression or irritation
- Rumbling – often mating behavior
- Chirping – a less common, bird-like sound
Every morning, my Rex guinea pig starts wheeking loudly when he hears me open the fridge. He lets the whole house know it’s breakfast time!
Conclusion
Rex guinea pigs are good pets for responsible owners who can care for them, their space, and their social needs. Their one-of-a-kind appearance is ever-charming, and if properly trained, they can make anyone happy with their warm disposition and fun tricks.
The most important thing to remember is, that guinea pigs are social animals and usually do best with at least one same-sex friend (unless of course, you want a bunch of babies!). If you’re considering adopting a Rex guinea pig, look first for local animal shelters and rescue groups. You might be surprised at how many guinea pigs out there are in need of loving homes.
Have you ever shared your life with a Rex guinea pig? So brave, so inspired! I would love to read your own stories about this in the comments!
Have you ever owned a Rex guinea pig? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
FAQs About Rex Guinea Pigs
Are Rex guinea pigs good pets for beginners?
Yes, Rex's are a great breed for beginners. They are mild mannered and affectionate, they are easy to control and are a great first pet. They’ll bond quickly with daily contact and love to be cuddled.
How rare is it to find a Rex guinea pig?
Rex guinea pigs aren’t very rare, it’s just not as common as guinea pig breeds like the American or Abyssinian. They have one-of-a-kind fur and a friendly disposition, so finding one can feel like discovering something special.
What size can you expect a Rex guinea pig to grow to?
Rex guinea pigs are generally 8 -15 inches in length and averaging 1-3 lbs in weight. Stout and proudly stout they are, being so great are still of a size to fit comfortably in your lap for cuddle time.
How do Rex guinea pigs differ from Teddy guinea pigs?
Rex has the distinctly rougher, more ‘upright’ hair than the softer, denser fur of Teddies. Rexes tend to be even more low-key, while Teddies tend to be even more playful and inquisitive, yet both are affectionate.
What special care does a Rex guinea pig need?
Rex guinea pigs must be brushed regularly to keep their unusual fur in check, get their nails trimmed every month or so, and have plenty of hay and chew toys for good teeth. They also love to be with people so should have plenty of space to roam, and also require human interaction, and may also need a daily cuddle.
