Iconic New Zealand Plume with Rooster Tail
New Zealand Plume is a unique and rare pedigree guinea pig (cavy) breed that was created in January 1976 in Wellington, helping to start the Kiwi Cavy Fancy.
With a well raised "mohawk" like ridge about 1cm in height and progressing from the shoulders straight down the body and sharply rising in length to form a spectacular high-arched rooster tail. The plume of hair is raised up by two rump rosettes, with more hairs in the tail the better.
New Zealand Plume is a roughcoat breed, and there is also a satin variety that we focus on too. Satins have a very shiny and polished look, and their hair is very fine compared to the original variety.
New Zealand Plume can be in any colour and patterns, which we personally love the individuality and creativity that comes with that. We find overall they are easy to tame and have fun characters. They like interacting with us.
Our New Zealand Plume Accomplishments
- We introduced satin into the New Zealand Plume around the year 2000 and it took many years to achieve a good satin plume; we are not one to shy away from a challenge.
- Our current challenge is developing a good lilac coloured plume which we have currently been working on for a few years and is nearly achieved.
- With over 30 years exhibiting New Zealand Plume we have achieved a few Champions
Our Experience with New Zealand Plume
When we joined our local club over 30 years ago when we lived in the Wellington region, we decided New Zealand Plume was one of the breeds we wanted to have in our stud really quickly, and we are so proud that we are still devoted to them after all this time, they really are a part of our family.
They are a great breed, they love interacting with people, they have fun personalities and we have found them to be easier to tame than other breeds.
Over the years we have definitely improved the breed. Examples are more hair and longer hair in the rooster tail, no skirts or fan tails, solid ridge. These are the good traits all New Zealand Plume breeders work for.
Exhibiting New Zealand Plume
Independent Cavy Clubs are the only clubs that continue and have always supported and recognised New Zealand created pedigree breeds, which is why we only exhibit with Independents. New Zealand unique pedigree breeds mean they were created in New Zealand by New Zealanders. Do you agree they should always be supported in our country?
To read more about New Zealand Plume and all other New Zealand unique pedigree breeds visit NZ Unique and Rare Guinea Pigs
