Longhair Group
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The Longhair is a breed of cavy that do not, or at least should not, moult, their coat continues to grow throughout their life. They can be any colour or combination of colours. All longhairs are a lot of work to keep in show condition, as they must be kept spotlessly clean and knot free, with daily combing, and wrapping of their coat, so they are not recommended for beginners. Any damage to the coat is usually the end of a Longhair’s show career. As pets they will need to have their coats cut in order to keep them from getting dirty and matted and will still need combing at least twice a week. However they usually have good temperaments and make gentle pets.
Peruvian: The Peruvian has 2 rosettes on the rump, that if properly placed, will make the hair sweep forward and cover the face. Often making it hard to tell which is the front end! The coat should be soft and silky, with even length and density all round.
Alpaca: The Alpaca is like the Peruvian, having the hair that comes forward and covers the head, but it has a curly coat instead of straight hair. Two rump rosettes are responsible for the forward sweep of the hair. The coat should be soft and springy and be of even length and density all the way around, which can be difficult to achieve.
Peruvian: The Peruvian has 2 rosettes on the rump, that if properly placed, will make the hair sweep forward and cover the face. Often making it hard to tell which is the front end! The coat should be soft and silky, with even length and density all round.
Alpaca: The Alpaca is like the Peruvian, having the hair that comes forward and covers the head, but it has a curly coat instead of straight hair. Two rump rosettes are responsible for the forward sweep of the hair. The coat should be soft and springy and be of even length and density all the way around, which can be difficult to achieve.
Sheltie: The Sheltie is one of the more common breeds of longhairs. The coat should be soft, silky and of even density and length. The Sheltie has straight hair and unlike any other longhair, the hair of the shoulders, known as the mane, is brushed back over the body.
Texel: The Texel is also one of the more common longhairs. It is the same as the Sheltie except that it has a curly coat. The cavy is shown with a part down the middle of it's back and not with the hair swept back like the Sheltie. The coat should be soft and springy, even and dense. The Texel is the breed that is often recommended for those who are starting out in showing Longhairs as they are slightly easier to prepare than other Longhair breeds.
Texel: The Texel is also one of the more common longhairs. It is the same as the Sheltie except that it has a curly coat. The cavy is shown with a part down the middle of it's back and not with the hair swept back like the Sheltie. The coat should be soft and springy, even and dense. The Texel is the breed that is often recommended for those who are starting out in showing Longhairs as they are slightly easier to prepare than other Longhair breeds.
Coronet: The Coronet is similar to the Sheltie but has a crest. As well as needing a soft, silky, even coat, the Coronet must also have a deep, pin point crest that is symmetrical. The crest must be neither too big nor too small and be in balance with the head of the cavy.
Merino: The Merino is the same as the Coronet, only with a crimped coat. The coat should be soft and springy and of even length and density. Belly should be curly, woolly and dense.
Merino: The Merino is the same as the Coronet, only with a crimped coat. The coat should be soft and springy and of even length and density. Belly should be curly, woolly and dense.