While it is theoretically possible to attempt a recreation using complex rough-coat modifier genetics (R) and (M) genes), there is no guarantee of success. Rebuilding the breed would require a highly experienced breeder with an intimate understanding of genetics, a massive amount of patience, and many years of dedicated work to safely replicate the exact placement of Ethel McKeown's original ruffles.
How are New Zealand breeds different from imported ones?
Only by the country of which they originated from.
We have five New Zealand pedigree guinea pig breeds that were developed by New Zealand Cavy Judges and accepted full show standards by the New Zealand Cavy Judges Association.
Our two heritage unique breeds, the New Zealand Plume and New Zealand Peruvian are now 50 years old and were created when the first cavy club named the New Zealand Cavy Club was formed which started the New Zealand Cavy fancy in 1976. Our two original kiwi breeds helped to start the cavy fancy when there weren't many imported breeds.
Through the years, the Panda, Bonnet and Tweed were born. Many countries have achieved the creation of their own pedigree breeds, for example the Swiss breed from Switzerland and the Minipli and Ridgeback from the UK and many more breeds that were created by crossbreeding or mutation, which is fascinating and remarkable. If these breeds are by no means inferior, there is no reason New Zealand breeds should be viewed as lesser.
New Zealand breeds and imports deserve a place on the show bench together, as equals. Like they were intended. All Independent Cavy Clubs support and adhere to this.
If New Zealand breeds are at a disadvantage for exhibition does this contribute to their extinction?
Yes, the knock-on effect of not being allowed at a club for exhibition will lead to less exhibitors having the breed in their stud, and the numbers will naturally become low. New Zealand breeds must be supported in our own country.
Why did the Bonnet become extinct if it was an official breed?
Without any dedicated recovery programs or national support when numbers drop, the Bonnet quietly vanished. Our club founded too late, and we declared the Bonnet extinct in 2024 as there were no sightings for several years. New Zealand Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs is the official platform to support and save NZ and imported pedigree cavy breeds.
Can a Bonnet be accidentally produced from an Abyssinian line?
No. While both are rough coated, the Bonnet requires specific modifying genes (MM or Mm) that alter hair direction entirely; mating two standard Abyssinians will not produce the characteristics of a Bonnet.
Is there any other breed in the world similar to the Kiwi Bonnet?
The Bonnet was a completely independent mutation that popped up as a natural "fur fault" from a pairing of two standard self-cavies.
When Ethel's smooth-coated self-cavies had that accidental litter, a spontaneous genetic mutation occurred. This mutation turned on the exact same dominant Rosette gene (R) that gives Abyssinians their rough coat. It happened naturally and completely on its own, without any crossbreeding. Because of its unique modifier genes (MM or mm variants), the coat doesn't turn into a full, multi-rosetted Abyssinian. Instead, it restricts the rosettes down to just one (or up to three) sitting far back on the hips, while pushing the rest of the coat into those side ruffles, uneven belly ruffles, and the signature forward-sweeping facial hood.
