Editing Guinea pig (section)

=== As pets ===
{{See also|List of guinea pig breeds}}

==== Social behaviors ====
If handled correctly early in life, guinea pigs become amenable to being picked up and carried and seldom bite or scratch.<ref name=harkness/> They are timid explorers who often hesitate to escape their cage even when an opportunity presents itself.{{sfn|Vanderlip|2003|p=20}} Still, they show considerable curiosity when allowed to walk freely, especially in familiar and safe terrain. Guinea pigs that become familiar with their owner will whistle on the owner's approach; they will also learn to whistle in response to the rustling of plastic bags or the opening of refrigerator doors, where their food is most commonly stored.

==== Coats and grooming ====
[[File:Rene the long-haired Satin Peruvian Guinea pig.jpg|thumb|right|A lilac, orange, and white [[Satin guinea pig|satin]] [[Peruvian guinea pig]] with a show-length coat|275x275px]]

Domesticated guinea pigs occur in many breeds that have developed since their introduction to Europe and North America. These varieties vary in hair and color composition. The most common variety found in pet stores is the English shorthair (also known as the American), which has a short, smooth coat, and the [[Abyssinian guinea pig|Abyssinian]], whose coat is ruffled with [[cowlick]]s, or [[rosette (zoology)|rosettes]]. Also popular among breeders are the [[Guinea pig breed#Peruvian|Peruvian]] and the [[Guinea pig breed#Silkie|Sheltie]] (or Silkie), both straight longhair breeds, and the [[Guinea pig breed#Texel|Texel]], a curly longhair. Grooming of guinea pigs is primarily accomplished using combs or brushes. Shorthair breeds are typically brushed weekly, while longhair breeds may require daily grooming.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Guinea Pigs: The Right Pet for You?|journal=The Humane Society of the United States|date=April 21, 2010|url=http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pigs_as_pets.html|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=27 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627185728/http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pigs_as_pets.html?}}</ref>

==== Clubs and associations ====
Cavy clubs and associations dedicated to the showing and breeding guinea pigs have been established worldwide. The American Cavy Breeders Association, an adjunct to the [[American Rabbit Breeders' Association]], is the governing body in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution |url=http://www.acbaonline.com/constitution.html |publisher=American Cavy Breeders Association |date=2006-09-29 |access-date=2007-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405184705/http://www.acbaonline.com/constitution.html |archive-date=2007-04-05 }}</ref> The [[British Cavy Council]] governs cavy clubs in the United Kingdom. Similar organizations exist in Australia (Australian National Cavy Council)<ref>{{cite web|url = http://cavycouncil.org.au/|title = Official Website|publisher = Australian National Cavy Council|access-date = 2007-04-03|archive-date = 2011-07-06|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706124348/http://cavycouncil.org.au/}}</ref> and New Zealand (New Zealand Cavy Council).<ref>{{cite web|url = http://nzcavycouncil.org.nz/ |title = Official Website|publisher = New Zealand Cavy Council|access-date = 2015-02-26}}</ref> Each club publishes its standard of perfection and determines which breeds are eligible for showing.

==== Human allergies ====
[[Allergy|Allergic]] symptoms, including [[rhinitis]], [[conjunctivitis]], and [[asthma]], have been documented in laboratory animal workers who come into contact with guinea pigs.<ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov">{{cite journal|title=Severe Allergic Reactions to Guinea Pig|journal= Clinical and Molecular Allergy|date=October 27, 2005|volume=3|issue=2005|page=14|pmc=1282583|last1=Zacharisen|first1=M. C.|last2=Levy|first2=M. B.|last3=Shaw|first3=J. L.|last4=Kurup|first4=V. P.|doi=10.1186/1476-7961-3-14|pmid=16253140|doi-access= free}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Occupational Health and Safety for Staff with Substantial Contact with GUINEA PIGS|url=http://www.iacuc.ucsf.edu/Safe/awOhsGuineaPig.asp|publisher=University of California San Francisco|access-date=25 June 2014}}</ref> Allergic reactions following direct exposure to guinea pigs in domestic settings have also been reported.<ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov"/> Two major guinea pig allergens, Cav p I and Cav p II, have been identified in guinea pig fluids (urine and saliva) and guinea pig [[dander]].{{update after|2021|3|15}}<!-- See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040002/ --><ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov"/> People who are allergic to guinea pigs are usually allergic to hamsters and gerbils, as well.{{better source needed|date=November 2020}}{{medical citation needed|date=November 2020}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Pet Allergy Causes: Rodents|url=http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/basics/causes/con-20028932|website=www.mayoclinic.org|publisher=Mayo Clinic|access-date=25 June 2014}}</ref> [[Allergy shots]] can successfully treat an allergy to guinea pigs. However, treatment can take up to 18 months.{{medical citation needed|date=November 2020}}