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    There are 13 breeds recognized by the ACBA (American Cavy Breeder's Association) and ARBA (American Rabbit Breeder's Association - the parent club of the ACBA). There are many more than 13 breeds, but I only included the 13 recognized breeds below (scroll down to bottom of page for unrecognized breeds/varieties). Click on a breed to learn more about the care, breed availability, type, conformation, and more.

To see a video on the 13 breeds, go here

Note: Satins are considered a separate breed from the normal coats, but they are grouped together below because the Satin breeds are just a satinized version of another breed and are similar in almost every way except for having a Satin coat.

Abyssinian & Abyssinian Satin

American & American Satin

Coronet

Peruvian & Peruvian Satin

Silkie & Silkie Satin

Teddy & Teddy Satin

Texel

White Crested

Why are there no recognized Satin White Cresteds, Texels, or Coronets? These three breeds are the most recently recognized breeds. Right around the time they were recognized, ARBA decided that in order to have a new breed recognized, the breed has to differ in more than one gene. Since Satin breeds only differ in one gene from normal-coated cavies, no more satin breeds can be recognized unless ARBA changes the requirements. This is also why ARBA will not recognize other breeds such as Merinos, Alpacas, etc. etc.

All these colors are recognized in all breeds except for a few that are not accepted in the White Crested. The * shows that this variety is not acceptable for the White Crested.

Click on a link to see that grouping of color varieties

- Cavies that are only one color

- Cavies that have two or more colors that make up a solid pattern

- Cavies whose hair has two colors on it and has a solid color on its belly

- Cavies that have patches of different colors or specific markings

- Cavies that are one self color on top, and another self color on the belly

Unrecognized Breeds/varieties