Differences in the Two Types of Chinchillas

Chinchillas are rapidly becoming popular pets around the world. Not only are they adorable with their small size, fuzzy tails and thick fur, but they are also easy to take care of. Though the appearance of chinchillas varies widely according to their color, length and size, there are only two species: the Lanigera and the Brevicaudata.

  1. Universal Characteristics

    • Chinchillas originate from the Andes in South America, where the environment is arid and sandy. Their thick fur coats help to protect them from the extremes of weather: hot days and cold nights. Chinchillas are social animals; males will often fight to breed with females during reproduction time. They have a long reproductive cycle, with an average gestation period of 120 days, and they have a life span of 20 years. Chinchillas are one of the most expensive pets. These animals are most active during the night, when the temperature is much more mild. Their diet consists mostly of roots, bulbs and mosses.

    History and Endangerment

    • Since their discovery during pre-Columbian times, chinchillas have been hunted for their luscious fur. The Incas used their fur to make coats for royalty, and Spanish traders hunted and exported their fur to European markets during the 1500s. By the 1800s a surge in the demand for chinchilla furs left these animals endangered by 1920.

    Lanigera

    • Lanigeras are the slimmer breed of Chinchilla with shorter fur. They are also known as "pointed head chinchillas" because they have thin long heads. Their shoulders, ears and tails are also longer than those of the Brevicaudatas. Lenigeras also have a larger variety of skin colors, ranging from bluish gray to brown. These chinchillas are known as the best breeders because their gestation period is slightly shorter at 111 days. When in the wild, they live in the mid to lower altitudes of the Andes.

    Brevicaudata

    • Brevicaudatas are the pudgier and larger breed of chinchillas. They are characterized by shorter tails and bluish ears. Their fur is much thicker, slightly wavy in texture and less colorful; most Brevicaudatas are brown in color. These chinchillas have much rounder, broader heads and thick, full necks. Their gestation period is slightly longer, lasting for 128 days. When in the wild, they live in the highest altitudes of the Andes.