Rex
The rex guinea pig has a short, dense coat that stands erect and feels coarse, springy and resilient. Its crimped hair gives an even plush outline rather than the smooth lie of an American or the rosettes of an Abyssinian. A rex coat should return to its upright position after gentle handling. The British Cavy Council recognizes the rex with a Full Standard, and the current Rex Cavy Club standard was updated in 2024. The European standard also includes the rex among rough coated varieties.
It is not one of the recognized cavy breeds in ARBA's 2026 to 2030 Standard of Perfection. In British shows, color and markings divide classes but do not receive points; the quality of the coat is the main distinction. Teddy is a different breed despite its similar short, raised coat, and the two names should not be used interchangeably. Rosettes and flat areas are not part of the desired rex show coat. British show guidance allows for the softer coat of a youngster when assessing texture.
