Baldwin guinea pig
- Adult size
- About 20–25 cm long; 0.7–1.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 5–7 years
- Origin
- United States (California)
- Company
- Keep in pairs or small groups
- Affectionate
- Friendly
- Sociable
- Hairless
About the Baldwin guinea pig
The Baldwin is a hairless guinea pig that, unlike the Skinny pig, is born with a coat and loses it within its first weeks of life, becoming almost entirely bald. The trait appeared in the United States in the late 1980s, reportedly in a line of White Crested guinea pigs.
Baldwins tend to have smooth, rubbery skin with some wrinkling and no hair on the feet. They need the same warmth and skin care as other hairless guinea pigs.
Temperament
Baldwins are often described as friendly, affectionate and sociable. Many enjoy gentle handling and seek warmth from their owners and companions. They do best living with other guinea pigs.
Housing
Keep Baldwins indoors in a warm, stable, draught-free room. Provide soft bedding such as fleece and cosy hides to snuggle into. Protect them from direct sunlight and from rough surfaces that could scratch their skin.
Diet
Feed unlimited hay, daily vitamin C-rich vegetables and measured guinea pig pellets. Hairless guinea pigs often eat more to maintain body heat. Fresh water must always be available.
Exercise & enrichment
Soft tunnels, hides and foraging opportunities keep them engaged. Floor time should be in a warm area free of hazards. Many enjoy calm cuddles wrapped in a soft blanket.
Grooming
Check their skin regularly for dryness, cuts or irritation, and ask a vet before applying anything to it. Clean skin folds gently if they become dirty and trim nails regularly.
Health
Like other hairless guinea pigs, Baldwins are vulnerable to skin injuries, infections, cold and sunburn. They also share common guinea pig risks such as scurvy, dental problems and respiratory infections. Information on breed-specific problems is limited.
Prone to
- Skin injuries and infections
- Cold stress
- Sunburn
- Vitamin C deficiency
Call a vet if you notice
- Not eatingEmergency
- Lethargy and cold skinEmergency
- Breathing difficultyEmergency
- Wounds, sores or redness on the skin
- Thickened, cracked skin on the feet
A vet with experience of exotic pets is best placed to help. Find one before you need them.
Common questions
What is the difference between a Baldwin and a Skinny pig?
Baldwins are born with hair and lose it within weeks, ending up almost completely bald. Skinny pigs are born largely hairless and usually keep some hair on the nose and feet.
Are Baldwin guinea pigs rare?
They are less common than haired breeds and Skinny pigs, and availability varies by country.
How do I keep a Baldwin guinea pig warm?
House them indoors in a warm, draught-free room, provide soft hides and fleece bedding, and keep them with companions.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.