A Priority Imported Breed
The Dark Eyed White (commonly known within the fancy as the DE White) is a standardized pedigree breed that holds a rare status in New Zealand. Unlike locally developed varieties such as the Tweed or Panda, the Dark Eyed White is an established imported breed requiring dedicated conservation efforts to maintain its presence in the country.
The NZ Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs platform began officially advocating for the variety in 2018, responding to concerns from exhibitors regarding its declining population and uncertain future. Today, the breed is classified as a high priority for preservation to safeguard its bloodlines for future generations of breeders and exhibitors.
Appearance and Show Standards
Coat and Color: The coat must be pure white throughout, completely free from staining or off-colored hairs. The hair should be short, smooth, and exhibit a lustrous, even sheen across the entire body, head, and feet.
Eyes: Large, bright, and dark, typically displaying a characteristic deep ruby cast under direct light.
Conformation: The body must be short, stocky, and "cobby" with broad shoulders. The profile should feature a prominent, wide Roman nose and a well-developed head.
Ears: Large, neat, and drooping, conforming to the classic rose-petal shape.
Varieties and Genetics
Recognized Varieties: While primarily exhibited as a Self (smooth-coated) variety, the breed is also recognized in Satin and Crested forms. The Satin variety displays a highly reflective, shimmering coat resulting from hollow hair shafts that amplify the natural sheen.
Genetic Background: The Dark Eyed White (DEW) is genetically distinct from the Pink Eyed White (PEW). While the PEW gene serves as the closest cavy equivalent to true albinism, the DEW possesses unique pigment markers that retain dark ocular pigmentation, establishing it as a separate, standardized breed.
Key Differences: DEW vs. Panda
Origin & Preservation Status
Dark Eyed White (DEW): An established imported rare breed integrated into official club advocacy guidelines in 2018.
Panda: A foundational New Zealand heritage breed developed over 30 years ago by local cavy judge Christa Krey.
Skin Pigmentation & Dermal Traits
Dark Eyed White (DEW): Features uniform, flesh-toned skin underlying a pure white coat. The ears, muzzle, and foot pads must show no dark pigmentation or spotting.
Panda: Demands deeply pigmented black skin on all key points. The ears, muzzle, nostrils, and foot pads must be as solid black as possible, creating a sharp contrast against the white coat.
Ocular Characteristics
Dark Eyed White (DEW): Displays large, dark eyes with a characteristic deep ruby cast visible under direct light.
Panda: Features bold, dark eyes framed by a distinct, clean circle of solid black skin that contrasts against the white facial coat.
Genetic Profile & Outcrossing
Dark Eyed White (DEW): Governed by a specific dilution on the C locus, functioning independently from both the Panda lineage and the Pink Eyed White (PEW) gene.
Panda: Genetically identified as a Silver Agouti variant with suppressed black coat hair. Viable outcrosses are strictly limited to Silver Agoutis or Silver Agouti dilutes.
Recognized Show Bench Varieties
Dark Eyed White (DEW): Officially recognised and exhibited in Self, Satin, and Crested forms.
Panda: Fully standardised and exhibited primarily in Marked, Satin and Crested forms.
