Cavy Breeds Created by Kiwi's

New Zealand Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs is an independent cavy club that supports and celebrates New Zealand's unique and rare pedigree guinea pig (cavy) breeds.

We use the word 'unique' to describe pedigree breeds that were created in New Zealand by talented Kiwi Cavy Judges, who belong to the New Zealand Cavy Judges Association (NZCJA).  Additionally, we advocate for any rare breeds when needed.

We provide an amazing resource for everything you need to know about our vulnerable NZ and rare breeds.  Including history, genetics, photos and more.

Breed preservation is needed to protect and save our beloved unique breeds from disappearing.  We must preserve the breeds we currently have so future generations can enjoy the kiwi guinea pig breeds that New Zealander's have created.  We believe every pedigree breed deserves to have equal status, rights and opportunities for exhibition at cavy shows.

Unique And Rare Breeds We Advocate For:

New Zealand Plume

New Zealand Plume was created in 1976 in Wellington.  With a well raised ridge about 1cm in height and progressing from the shoulders straight down the body and sharply rising in length to form a high-arched, luscious rooster tail.  Find out more on New Zealand Plume Cavy Breed.

Panda

One of the many appeals of this 30-year-old unique breed is the contrast between hair and visible skin.  All hair is white without masking, with exposed skin as black as possible.  Panda has black eyes, ears, mouth, nostrils and foot pads.  Find out more about the Panda Cavy Breed.

Bonnet

Devastatingly this New Zealand breed was declared 'A Lost Breed' in 2024 by our club.  Bonnet was created in Whangarei over 20 years ago and was one of a kind.  It is sad this breed could not be saved.  Find out more about the Bonnet Cavy Breed.

Tweed

Tweed is the epic new pedigree breed that achieved full show standards in 2016 by the New Zealand Cavy Judges Association.  With an even mixture of chocolate and white hair and named after the tweed material.  Created by senior cavy judge Christa Krey.  Find out more on Tweed Cavy Breed.

New Zealand Peruvian

A New Zealand Peruvian recently won Best in Show! Our kiwi longhair breed with their long glamourous locks falling from a full circle on their backs rather than a parting line, like the English version. Find out more on New Zealand Peruvian Cavy Breed.

Dark Eyed White

We currently support this rare but not unique breed.  Dark Eyed White with pure snow-white coat and dark eyes which look quite remarkable.  There is also a satin and a crested version.  Find out more about the Dark Eyed White Cavy Breed.

Why do New Zealand Guinea Pig Breeds Need Support?

Sadly, in 2015 there was a need to create our cavy club as our unique pedigree breeds were declining in numbers and disappearing from cavy shows.

Fortunately, Independent Cavy Clubs continue to support unique breeds and are the only cavy clubs where you can see New Zealand Pedigree Guinea Pigs beautifully displayed in front of the cavy judge for exhibition.

New Zealand breeds should always be exhibited at shows in our own country, and not be excluded and forgotten about.

Rare Guinea Pig at NZ Cavy Show
New Zealand Cavy Club 1970's

Featuring a New Zealand Plume at a New Zealand Cavy Club show in the 1970's.

Independent New Zealand Cavy Clubs

Exhibiting guinea pigs is a rewarding, challenging and fun hobby and is great for people of all ages.  A lovely way to bond with your guinea pigs and to keep an eye on their health and hopefully win some titles, championship points, ribbons and prizes together.

Independent Clubs are the only cavy clubs that continue to support our New Zealand unique and rare pedigree breeds and the exhibitors who wish to breed and show them.

The New Zealand Cavy Judges Association (NZCJA) was formed in 1976 with NZCJA judges officiating at New Zealand cavy shows ever since.  With each pedigree breed equal in status, rights and opportunities, our exhibitors have the freedom to pursue any breed they gravitate towards.

There are several pedigree and pet shows happening throughout the year.  New members and visitors are always welcome.

Locations

•  The Northern Rabbit and Cavy Club - WHANGAREI

•  Hamilton and Waikato Area Guinea Pig Club - HAMILTON

•  Taranaki Cavy Group - NEW PLYMOUTH

•  New Zealand Cavy Club - LEVIN

•  Capital Cavy Club - WELLINGTON

•  North Canterbury Guinea Pigs - RANGIORA

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

•  Show your support by joining our private Facebook Group

•  Read about the breeds, their history, genetics, photos and show results

•  Visit or exhibit at an Independent Cavy Club show

•  Become a member with your local Independent Cavy Club

•  New club brochures now available in link below.  Feel free to use them at your local places like at cavy shows, events, pet shops, libraries etc.

Raise Awareness with our Club Brochures

nz-unique-rare-guinea-pigs-brochure-2024.pdf nz-unique-rare-guinea-pigs-brochure-2024.pdf
Size : 180.742 Kb
Type : pdf

 Print Settings: use landscape, print on both sides, flip on short edge, front to back.

Four New Zealand Plume are being judged by a NZ cavy judge in New Plymouth.

© New Zealand Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs 2024