The Texel Guinea Pig breed is one of the most recent recognised breeds in the present day. Despite their newly appointed status, they have quickly become a very popular and sought after addition to the guinea pig scene. Their long, curly hair is a product of their initial origins. Texel Guinea Pigs were originally a cross between the well recognised Rex Guinea Pig and the Silkie Guinea Pig breeds.
Before the final breed was founded, it is quite likely that other breeds attributed to the formation of the modern Texel Guinea Pig through various generations of breeding prior to it being recognised as its own breed, and not just a cross of others. Rex Guinea Pigs feature a short, dense coat, with either straight or wavy haired variants. They are known to have a calm nature, being very placid and love to be handled. Like the Texel Guinea Pig, Silkie Guinea Pigs, also commonly known as Sheltie Guinea Pigs, have very long hair which gets longer further down their backs. Unlike the Peruvian Guinea Pig, their hair does not part along its back. This too is a newer breed of guinea pig, discovered in the 1970s. Again, this breed is gentle and friendly, like the Rex Guinea Pig, so this attributes to the Texel Guinea Pigs desired nature. Combined they have developed a unique curly-haired, long coat that is one of the main features that have attributed to their popularity among the guinea pig community. The Texel Guinea Pig joins the increasing number of popular crossbreeds, such as the Teddy Guinea Pig and the Skinny Pig. This mixed breed was originally thought to be first adopted in England, during the 1980s. Since then, many generations and several crossings later, it was first recognised by the ACBA (American Cavy Breeders Association) in 1998 and has been increasing in popularity from this time. From then, they have been entered into shows across the board and have been becoming more and more prominent as the years progress.
The US standard for these cute critters is that they should possess tightly woven curls that cover the entire body of the Texel Guinea Pig, this includes the hair covering the stomach. The hair on the face is much shorter than the rest of its body, this ensures that they have full use of their facial features. For show purposes, a part along the body lengthwise is acceptable. By English standards, the country from which the Texel Guinea Pig originated, it is stated that this breed, due to the evident crossbreeding it is a product of, is defined as a rexoid equivalent of the Silkie Guinea Pig. As such, for showing it should be combed in the same style as the Silkie Guinea Pig while maintaining a rexoid appearance, to accentuate its origin. Texel Guinea Pigs and their unique appearance, make them not only lovable pets and companions but also a perfect show quality breed, one like no other.