Downloadable Resources

New Zealand Plume & Peruvian Breed Profile Posters

The New Zealand Plume and the New Zealand Peruvian are two pillars of Kiwi breeding innovation, tracing their roots back to the dawn of our domestic cavy fancy in 1976. Developed locally when imported bloodlines were strictly limited, these heritage breeds showcase decades of meticulous selective linebreeding by passionate breeders.

While both capture attention with their dramatic coats, they present entirely different visual masterpieces on the show bench:

• The New Zealand Plume is an architectural roughcoat variety.  It features a crisp, upright, 1cm mohawk-style ridge running down the shoulders, culminating in a dramatic, high-arched "rooster tail" at the rump.

• The New Zealand Peruvian is a triumph of long-haired density and radial flow.  Unlike the imported English Peruvian with its central parting, the unique Kiwi variant focuses on immense coat volume, cascading outward in a flawless, unbroken full circle from a single, dominant center-back rosette.

Tweed & Panda Breed Profile Posters

The Panda and the Tweed represent the incredible evolution of colour and texture within New Zealand's cavy fancy.  Both of these highly distinct varieties were originally created and stabilized right here in New Zealand by renowned cavy judge and breeder Christa Krey of Lessentine Cavy Stud.

Through her decades of meticulous linebreeding, these complex genetic traits were successfully transformed into stable, recognized show-standard breeds.  Rather than random color variations, both the Panda and Tweed require rigorous, calculated pairing based on Christa Krey's foundational work to maintain their striking visual characteristics. They stand as proud examples of local innovation, proving that New Zealand continues to pioneer beautiful cavy varieties.

Bonnet Breed Profile Poster & Cavy Club Poster

The loss of the Bonnet serves as a powerful, sobering warning to the entire Kiwi cavy fancy. It proves that without vigilant protection, decades of dedicated local breeding history can vanish in an instant.

Today, the NZ Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs Club acts as a definitive shield to ensure our remaining kiwi breeds - the New Zealand Plume, New Zealand Peruvian, Panda, and Tweed never suffer the same fate.  Backed by Independent Cavy Clubs, we are fiercely dedicated to celebrating our heritage, fighting harmful breed bias, and providing the show benches where these beautiful living treasures can be preserved for generations to come.