MAINTAINING THE MAJESTIC FULL-CIRCLE COAT
Daily grooming is required for the New Zealand Peruvian. Because of their dense, luxurious coat volume, they need consistent combing to prevent painful knots and mats from forming.
How you manage the coat depends entirely on whether your cavy is a show-bench competitor or not:
★ For a non-Exhibitor: If you do not exhibit your NZ Peruvian, it is highly recommended to give them regular hair trims, especially around the bottom area where the coat can quickly become dirty and wet. Trims should be performed carefully every 2–4 weeks using high-quality hairdresser scissors. A warm bath with a gentle small animal shampoo when needed, make sure to dry them well with towels and they are always warm.
★ For Show Exhibition: If you are preparing your Peruvian for a pedigree show bench, you must never trim the coat. Instead, you will need to invest more time into specialized maintenance, including daily paper wrapping and more frequent baths to keep the hair pristine and knot-free.
The Art of Paper Wrapping
Exhibitors use paper wraps to keep long coats clean, protected, and show ready. Always keep a close eye on the wraps and monitor how your cavy reacts to them, ensuring they are never applied too tightly. This maintenance must be done daily, always combing through the section thoroughly beforehand.
Essential Supplies:
★ Paper towels
★ Elastic bands (or loom bands)
★ Hairdresser scissors & a wide-tooth comb
Step-by-Step Technique:
Fold a paper towel into three equal parts.
Divide the guinea pigs coat into three clean sections: the left side, the right side, and the rump.
Place one section of hair onto the middle fold of the paper towel and fold the sides over.
Wrap the paper towel securely and smoothly around the hair.
Fasten the wrap safely in place using an elastic band.
Pro Tip:
Every exhibitor develops their own unique style over time. The absolute best way to master this technique is to attend an Independent Cavy Club show to see it done live and get hands-on advice from expert exhibitors.
