Adorable Hairless Guinea Pigs, Known As 'Skinny Pigs' Look Like Tiny Baby Hippos

The skinny pig is an almost hairless breed of guinea pig they typically have hair on their muzzles. But their bodies are completely hairless. The hairless strain was a spontaneous genetic mutation that was first identified at Montreal's Armand Frappier Institute in 1978.

'Skinny pigs' reportedly came from a lab in the 80s: It turns out the hairless creatures are nothing new — in 2015, Mother Nature Network called them the "new pet craze," adding that at the time, they cost around $150. BoredPanda reported that the modern "skinny pig" is a cross between a breed created in a lab in the 80s, and a haired guinea pig. "It is believed that the hairless strain is most likely related to a spontaneous genetic mutation first identified back in 1978," according to the site. "A few years later, in 1982, these type of baby guinea pigs were sent to Charles River Laboratories to continue breeding them. Now they are commonly used in dermatology studies." Now popular in North America and parts of Europe as household pets, some in the animal industry remain concerned about their welfare. However, with some special care, they appear to be the perfect compact pet.