Skinny Pigs Are A Hairless Breed Of Guinea Pigs And Look Like Tiny Hippos

May 12, 2020 by apost team

A naturally hairless breed of guinea pigs called 'Skinny Pigs' has become quite popular as house pets and people think they look more like pocket-sized hippos. 

At first glance, these cute little pets might be mistaken to be a miniature version of a hippo but they are actually a distinct breed of guinea pig known as Skinny Pigs. 

They are a cross between haired guinea pigs and a hairless lab strain and are bred to be born nearly hairless. Still, they end up growing some tough wiry hair on their muzzles and feet as they grow up, according to White House Farm Centre.

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While Skinny Pigs don’t really resemble the normal guinea pigs people are used to, their personalities still happen to be quite similar to the ones of their furry counterparts. Both breeds are very approachable, sociable, and above all else incredibly adorable!

One of the biggest differences between the two is that Skinny Pigs are actually more limited in their ability to maintain their body temperature and need to eat more than normal guinea pigs to generate body heat. According to Wide Open Pets, it is therefore very important to make sure they’re always able to warm themselves up for example in a cozy blanket.

Furthermore, Skinny Pigs are also quite sensitive when it comes to sunlight. As their skin isn’t shielded by any hair it is often exposed to direct sunlight and owners, therefore, need to apply sunblock to their Skinny Pig to prevent it from getting sunburned, according to Wide Open Pets.

Besides that Skinny Pigs tend to have dry skin, dry spots should, therefore, be moisturized with unscented baby lotion as Wide Open Pets advises.

Have you ever seen a Skinny Pig before? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to pass this article along to all animal lovers in your life to let them see these hippo-looking guinea pigs for themselves.