Argente Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Also called Argente, Argente cavy

Recognised breedShort profile

From A ticked variety standardised in the United Kingdom by the British Cavy Council and looked after by the Rare Varieties Cavy Club. Guinea pigs as a species come from the Andes of South America.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length20 to 30 cm3

Lifespan4 to 8 years4 3 5

Sizemedium

soft pastel ticked colouring

bright, glossy coat

easy-care short coat

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, evenly ticked coat

A soft, silky, short-coated cavy whose coat is evenly ticked over the head, body, chest and feet, with a soft-toned undercolour of lilac, beige or slate reaching right down to the skin. The belly is a plain tone matching the ticking and the top colour should look bright and glossy. Most colours pair with pink eyes and ears, giving a gentle, pastel look.1

Coloursgolden/lilacgolden/beigegolden/slatecream/lilaccream/beigecream/slatewhite/lilacwhite/beigewhite/slate1 2

Personality what they are like

The Argente is a colour variety, so it shares the everyday guinea pig nature: social, talkative with its companions and usually gentle with regular, calm handling.4 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs stay active for much of the day and night, resting in short naps. Give them daily time in a bigger, safe space with tunnels and hides to explore. Happy guinea pigs often jump and twist in the air, which owners call 'popcorning'.4 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

An occasional brush keeps the short coat neat. Check nails regularly and trim when needed, and give unlimited hay for natural tooth wear.4 6

Home where they are happiest

A spacious enclosure with a solid floor and a deep layer of dust-free bedding, tall enough for the guinea pig to stand up on its back legs. Offer at least one more hiding place than the number of guinea pigs. Keep them in a comfortable room temperature of about 17-20 C, shield them from heat above about 26 C, and bring outdoor guinea pigs indoors when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and clean thoroughly at least once a week.7

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of good hay, available all the time, should form most of the diet, with fresh grass where possible. Add a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a daily mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs need vitamin C from their food every day because their bodies do not make it. Keep fruit as a small, occasional treat and make sure clean water is always available.8 4 3

Company who they like around

A very social animal that should share its home with at least one compatible guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, cavies live in small family groups.4 7

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were first domesticated in the Andes of South America and reached Europe with traders in the 1500s, where they became popular pets. The Argente was developed as a softer-coloured relative of the ticked Agouti and was for years shown in Britain as a rare variety. The British Cavy Council promoted it to a full standard on 1 January 2025.3 1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
There are nine Argente colours, made by pairing three ticking colours (golden, cream, white) with three undercolours (lilac, beige, slate).1
2
It only became a full British standard on 1 January 2025.1
3
Argentes with a lilac or beige undercolour have pink eyes, while slate-based ones have ruby eyes.1
4
The belly should be 'tipped' in one tone rather than ticked like the rest of the coat.1
5
Argente colours can also be shown on Dalmatian and Roan cavies.9

Recognised by the official bits

British Cavy Council: Promoted to full standard on 1 January 2025. Points: head, eyes and ears 20, body shape 20, ticking 30, colour 20, coat 10. Large patches of unticked hair disqualify.1
British Cavy Council: Looked after by the Rare Varieties Cavy Club, which lists nine Argente colours.2
British Cavy Council: Argente colours are also accepted for Dalmatians and Roans.9

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Argente Guinea Pig. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Nail trimevery month
Weigh inWeekly weighing spots changes earlyevery week
Teeth checkevery week
Vitamin cFresh veg rich in vitamin C every dayevery day
Fresh hayevery day
Spot cleanevery day
Full cleanevery week
Floor timeDaily time out to exploreevery day
Vet check-upevery year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Guinea Pig Veggie Sushi

A fun, crunchy treat that encourages foraging and provides a mix of safe vegetables and fruit.

You need

1 courgette
1 small piece of yellow pepper
1 small piece of apple (no pips)
A few fresh mint leaves
1 small piece of broccoli stalk

How

Cut the courgette in half widthways and scoop out the centre to make a tube.
Slice the pepper, apple, and broccoli stalk into thin sticks that will fit inside the courgette tube.
Pack the vegetable and fruit sticks into the courgette tube, adding mint leaves between them.
Slice the filled courgette tube into small discs, about 1-2 cm thick.
Serve one or two discs as a treat, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

How much: One or two small discs per guinea pig, once or twice a week.

Recipe from RSPCA

Guinea Pig Forage Box

Encourages natural foraging behaviour and provides mental stimulation with safe herbs and treats.

You need

A shallow tray or planter
A handful of fresh hay
A handful of shredded paper (plain, non-toxic)
A small bunch of safe herbs (e.g. dandelion leaves, marigold petals, basil, coriander, cress, mint, dill)
A small amount of pulled fresh grass
A few guinea pig-safe treats (e.g. small pieces of carrot, apple, or bell pepper)

How

Fill the shallow tray or planter with a layer of hay and shredded paper.
Scatter the fresh herbs, pulled grass, and any edible flowers over the top.
Hide the small pieces of fruit or vegetable treats throughout the box in random spots.
Place the forage box in your guinea pig's enclosure and let them dig and search for their goodies.
Remove any uneaten fresh food after a few hours to keep the box clean.

How much: Offer the forage box for 30-60 minutes at a time, a few times a week.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Fruit and Veg Treat Plate

A simple, healthy treat idea using safe fruits and vegetables, perfect for bonding with your guinea pig.

You need

1 small piece of carrot (about 2 cm)
1 small slice of apple (no pips)
1 small piece of broccoli
1 small piece of kale
1 small piece of spinach
1 small piece of bell pepper (any colour)

How

Wash all the fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
Cut everything into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your guinea pig.
Arrange the pieces on a small plate or directly in the enclosure.
Offer the plate as a treat, and remove any uneaten portions after a few hours.

How much: Offer a small selection once or twice a week, in addition to their normal diet.

Recipe from RSPCA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Argente Guinea Pig?

Hay should be available all day, every day. Offer a measured portion of grass-based pellets and a daily mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and provide vitamin C-rich veg every day.8 Pet Wiki plan

What should an Argente Guinea Pig eat, and which foods are dangerous?

The diet should be mostly unlimited hay, plus daily pellets and fresh veg. Guinea pigs need vitamin C every day. Avoid foods like chocolate, avocado, onion, garlic, and grapes, which can be harmful. Always check with a vet if unsure.8 10

Should I bathe an Argente Guinea Pig?

Bathing is rarely needed and can stress them. Spot-clean their coat if dirty, but only bathe if a vet advises it. Their short, silky coat stays clean with regular brushing.1

Does an Argente Guinea Pig need brushing?

Yes, an occasional brush keeps the short, smooth coat neat and glossy. It's also a nice bonding time. Check nails and teeth during grooming too.4 6

How do I look after an Argente Guinea Pig's nails and teeth?

Check nails weekly and trim when needed; Furry Diary suggests a nail trim every 28 days. Provide unlimited hay for natural tooth wear and have a vet check teeth weekly. Never cut nails too short.4 6 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does an Argente Guinea Pig need?

They need a spacious enclosure with a solid floor and deep bedding, plus daily time in a larger safe area with tunnels and hides. Room temperature should be 17-20°C, avoiding heat above 26°C.7

Should an Argente Guinea Pig live alone or with friends?

They are very social and should live with at least one compatible guinea pig, ideally in pairs or small groups. A solitary life can make them lonely and stressed.4 7

How long does an Argente Guinea Pig live?

They typically live between 4 and 8 years. With good care, a balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy a full, happy life.4 3 5

Is an Argente Guinea Pig a good pet for children?

Yes, they are usually gentle with regular, calm handling, making them suitable for older children. Always supervise interactions and teach gentle care. They are social and talkative companions.4 3

How do I hold an Argente Guinea Pig?

Support their whole body with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, keeping them secure and calm. Never grab or squeeze. Regular, gentle handling builds trust.4 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.