Guinea Pigs in the United States

In the United States, specialized breeding of guinea pigs for exhibition began in the early 1900s. In 1910, the National Pet Stock Association was formed to govern the breeding of small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. In 1923, the organization changed its name to the American Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association, and it dealt only with rabbits and guinea pigs.

Cavy breeders opted to leave the American Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association in 1952 and formed their own organization, the American Cavy Breeders Association (ACBA). The American Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association became the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and began dealing only with rabbits.

Eventually, the American Cavy Breeders Association reunited with the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and now the ACBA functions as a division of the ARBA. To this day, the ARBA is still the governing body for the guinea pig fancy in the United States.

The guinea pig is now a popular pet in the United States because of her affectionate nature and easy care. Guinea pig fanciers breed their animals to exhibit in events around the country. The guinea pig has also thrived as a companion, and millions of children—and adults—have developed relationships with this sweet little creature.