Hairless Guinea Pig (Skinny & Baldwin): Vet Guide 2025 🐹✨

— Written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet —

1. Introduction: What Makes Them Unique?

Hairless guinea pigs, known as Skinny pigs and Baldwin pigs, are special breeds that lack fur due to spontaneous mutations. Skinny pigs were first documented in Canada in the late 1970s, while Baldwins emerged in the U.S. more recently :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Their bare skin makes them affectionate, charming pets—but also demands extra care.

2. Skinny vs Baldwin: Key Differences

• Skinny pig: Born nearly hairless, with occasional hair on muzzle, feet, or legs. Developed by crossing a hairless lab strain with haired guineas :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Baldwin pig: Born with a coat that sheds completely within a few weeks—end up fully bald like Skinny pigs :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3. Genetics & Appearance

• Both breeds are recessively inherited—two copies needed for hairlessness :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Wrinkled, rubbery skin may show any coloration seen in haired guinea pigs—Dutch, Brindle, self-colors, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Skinny pigs are typically 9–12 inches and 1–2 lbs—slightly smaller in appearance due to no fur :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

4. Temperament & Social Needs

• Like all cavies, they are friendly, social, gentle, and bond well with companions and people :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• They thrive in pairs or groups; never house alone :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Often affectionate—some seek warmth from your lap or body :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

5. Special Care Considerations

a. Temperature & Housing

• Require warmer indoor temperatures (~68–75 °F/20–24 °C) due to no fur insulation :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Protect from drafts, sunburn, frostbite—never leave outside unsupervised :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Use fleece liners or soft blankets—clean often to prevent skin issues :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

b. Skin Care

• Skin prone to dryness, irritation, or fungal infections :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Moisturize lightly with a vet-approved oil like coconut oil—but never over-bathe :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Trim nails carefully—long nails can scratch delicate skin :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

c. Diet & Nutrition

• Eat more than haired guinea pigs—higher metabolism to maintain warmth :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Provide unlimited timothy hay, fresh veggies, vitamin C pellets; hay bars and fresh greens daily :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Ensure constant access to clean water; monitor weight and droppings due to increased appetite :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

d. Exercise & Enrichment

• Offer daily floor time in warm, predator-safe areas.
• Use hideaways, tunnels, chew toys, grass mats—mimic natural behavior :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

6. Health Monitoring

• Annual veterinary exams are essential—check skin, dental, respiratory health :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Skin inspection for redness, flaking, wounds, or fungal infection.
• Monitor appetite, weight, droppings, energy and temperature tolerance :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

7. Common Health Issues

• Dermatitis, fungal infections, sunburn—prevent with hygiene, moisturizers, avoided sun exposure :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Urinary, dental or respiratory problems can affect any guinea pig—watch closely.
• Eye issues slightly more common—due to exposed skin around orbital area :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

8. Is a Hairless Guinea Pig Right for You?

9. Role of Ask A Vet

• 📸 Remote assessment of skin, coat, behavior.
• 📚 Care planning: diet adjustments, skin care, temperature management.
• 🔍 Alert for health issues: dryness, weight loss, infections.
• 🛎️ Follow-up reminders: vet checkups, nail trims, skin care routines.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

• Do they need sunscreen? No—avoid the sun and moist skin with Cool roofs, shade, and sun-free indoor space :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Can they live with haired pigs? Yes—provide similar housing and companionship :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Are they hypoallergenic? They produce less dander, but still shed skin cells—may help some allergy sufferers :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

Conclusion

Hairless guinea pigs are affectionate, intelligent, and unique pets—but they require thoughtful care: consistent warmth, gentle skin maintenance, nutritious diet, and close health monitoring. With expert veterinary guidance through Ask A Vet and your attentive care, Skinny and Baldwin pigs can live healthy, happy lives—up to 5–7 years—bringing joy in their warm laps and friendly chatter 🐾.

Thinking about adopting a hairless piggy? Prepare a warm, safe home, and connect with Ask A Vet for tailored care advice from day one 📱

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet