Pet pig breeds Feb 15, 2025 · Selecting the right breed is crucial for making a pig a happy pet. The miniature pigs are also known as teacup pigs and were initially for medical purposes. The pigs sold as ‘micro’ pigs are in fact usually a variety of potbellied pig; Vietnamese Potbellieds and Royal Dandies are the most popular, although many different breeds are sold as Aug 31, 2022 · Pig breeds commonly kept as pets, such as potbellied pigs, can live an average of 12 to 15 years. Learn about the most popular and friendly breeds of pigs that are kept as pets, such as pot bellied, Juliana, Kunekune and Tamworth pigs. Landrace Pig Breed. Micro or teacup pigs are often popular choices for indoor pets due to their smaller size, but it’s crucial to note that the term “teacup” can be misleading. The Pot-Bellied Pig, originating from Vietnam, is a popular option due to its small size and friendly demeanor. Regular grooming can further minimize shedding, ensuring a clean and hypoallergenic environment. Learn about different types of pigs that can be great pets for your family or homestead. Additionally, their docile nature and amiable temperament make them well-suited for those with sensitivities to pet dander. Despite the popularity of small pig breeds, there are still many misconceptions and concerns surrounding their size and care. They are kept as pets and differ from the pigs on most farms. The breed gained popularity in the early 2000s, particularly in the United States, where they became a favored choice for pet owners. Unlike other guinea pig breeds, the English-crested can be shy and reserved around humans. Storey Publishing. The kunekune pig breed got the recognition it deserves in the 19th century. Aug 11, 2024 · The Kunekune breed is deemed as the smallest out of all the small pigs’ breeds. The Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig is by far a better choice as a pet pig than any of the exotic miniature pigs because Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pigs have been extensively bred to be Nov 7, 2024 · Miniature Pig Breeds for Pets. It's usually labeled as grow or finish but you should still check labels. A pig that hits 100 lbs in 2 months is gonna cost more than a pig that hits 100 lbs in 6 months. This whorl of hair appears between the eyes and ears. While that’s certainly smaller than a 700-pound farm pig, it’s still an awfully big pet! Mini pig weights can vary quite a bit based on how much they eat, but here are some common breeds of mini pigs and their One of the popular breeds of pet pigs is the Göttingen mini pig. This means they will produce a large amount of fat, if allowed to eat a diet heavy in fatty food. Proper care and weight management can help extend your pet’s life. Kunekune like all small pet pig breeds is known for their Mar 10, 2022 · An American Mini Pig makes an excellent pet because it is easily trained and smaller than most small pig breeds. Jan 10, 2025 · There are around 14 breeds of true mini pigs in existence. For those looking for a pig as a pet, miniature breeds are the ideal choice. Commercial feed with a lot of lysine promotes appetite and weight gain. The Göttingen minipig (also known as the Göttinger or "Goettingen" minipig) is a breed of miniature pig. From Vietnamese Potbellied to Yucatan, these pigs are affectionate, intelligent, and friendly. The American crested guinea pig is similar in temperament. The smallest breed of domesticated pig in the world is the Kunekune. Feb 26, 2025 · Short-Haired Guinea Pig Breeds. Different breeds have unique needs and characteristics that can affect your living situation. Although there is no such breed as a ‘miniature pig’, some breeds are considerably smaller than the average domestic pig, making them popular as pets. The Potbellied Pet Pig is small weighing about 80 to 150lbs and about 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder. This cute black and white pig breed is becoming rare. Their short, sleek coats shed less than other pig breeds, reducing the potential for triggering allergic reactions. Their most recognizable feature is the crest (or crown) on the top of their heads. okstate. Gottingen Minipig is a breed of German pigs created from a crossing between 3 other pig breeds. Outdoor pigs need a nice dry place to sleep, like a strawfilled shed or doghouse. Regardless of gender, Juliana pigs make good pets as they do not have different behaviors unlike other breeds where certain male pigs could develop territorial behavior. 37- Gascon pig This rare pig can typically be found in remote regions of France. Pigs are intelligent animals, often compared to dogs and even toddlers regarding cognitive abilities. May 7, 2024 · Credit: @Efraimstochter / pixabay. Regardless of gender, Miniature pigs make good pets as they do not have different behaviors unlike other breeds where certain male pigs could develop territorial behavior. Landrace pigs are great mothers and are often used Apr 11, 2025 · The English-crested guinea pig has short, straight, dense fur. Furthermore, this breed is known for its friendly and docile nature, making it one of the most sought-after pig breeds as pets. May 2, 2020 · Credit: Getty Images / Image Source. Learn about the characteristics, sizes, and personalities of 10 pig breeds that can make great pets. Even small breeds can grow larger than expected, so it’s important to do The North American Pet Pig Association, Inc. These pigs typically weigh between 100 to 200 pounds and can grow to about 14 to 20 inches tall. edu. The first mini pig breed developed in the United States was the Minnesota Miniature, which emerged in the 1940s. Generally, pigs who average 350 pounds or less are considered mini pigs. Mission Statement: To educate, advocate, protect miniature pigs, improve breeding practices, as well as encourage responsible mini pig ownership, to further the progression of the breed through DNA parentage confirmation and future documentation of ancestry. 1. Mar 10, 2014 · God had a sense of humor when he made pigs, and you have to have a sense of humor when you own them. Their smooth or slightly textured coats require minimal brushing, making these cavy breeds a great choice for beginners and busy owners. ansi. Find out their traits, sizes, lifespans, and legal issues of owning them. From the tiny pygmy hog to the gigantic Eurasian wild pig, this family of mammals has it all. Kunekune is considered the smallest of all miniature pig breeds. Why Pigs Make Great Pets. Mar 5, 2024 · A mini pig is not a specific breed of pig – it refers to any pig that has been selectively bred to be smaller in size. Jul 23, 2023 · Most of the breeds mentioned here are considered to be a ‘Lard Pig’. Ekarius, Carol (2008). The public often sees these pets when they are tiny piglets and not fully grown, and that perpetuates the false notion that pet pigs can stay small. Feb 11, 2025 · Hairless guinea pigs were initially developed for laboratory research in the 1980s, although they were unsuitable for use as pets at that time. Kunekune Pigs: The Gentle Giants; Pot-Bellied Pigs: The Curious Companions; Berkshire Pigs: The Friendly Farmhands; Meishan Pigs: The Quiet Ones; Meeting Your Pig’s Needs; Making an Informed Decision; Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pet Pigs. Find out their characteristics, sizes, origins and care tips. Apr 9, 2025 · Factors to Consider Before Getting a Pet Pig; Popular Pet Pig Breeds: A Closer Look. Examples include Juliana pigs and Royal Dandie pigs. Key facts: Color: Black with white belt; Ears: Upright; Size: Medium; Known for: Lean meat and fast growth; The Hampshire is one of the oldest pig breeds in America. Potbellied pigs are smaller in size than farm pigs. The British Micro Pig. The Vietnamese potbelly pig’s average life expectancy is 15 years up to 20 years. Understanding Your Pet Pet Behavior Basics Learn about the pot-bellied pig, miniature pig, and kune kune pig, three lovable and friendly pig breeds that can be kept as pets. ” With a lifespan of at least 10 years, a pet pig is a big commitment. . For showmanship, genetic make-up and feeding patterns also determine which breeds of pigs are the best show pigs. 2. Understanding the different types of pigs suitable for pet ownership is essential for those considering this unique addition to their family. Though they may not be a good pair with kids as they will try to “dominate” kids or compete with them, they will never be violent or aggressive towards other animal or people. Best Pig Breeds To Own As Pets Pigs have gained popularity as pets in recent years - due in part to the abundance of online videos and photos of so-called “micro pigs. The origins of the British Micro Pig can be traced back to Cumbria, England. However, if you want a pet pig, some pigs are considered “miniature pigs” and are best suited as pets for manageability. Although the popular pet breed “mini pigs” which includes the Vietnamese potbelly pig breed are said to have shorter lifespan which is 12 years to 15 years due to their complicated and selective breeding, many pig owners claim their pets lived up to 15 years and more. Among the most popular pet pig breeds is the Vietnamese Potbellied Pig, known for its calm demeanor and friendly nature. The Göttingen minipig is the smallest domestic pig breed known in the world; as an adult, they weigh around 35 kg (77 lb). Yet, these three varieties of pigs are commonly kept as pets: Miniature pig ; Pot-bellied pig ; Kune Kune pig Oct 10, 2024 · About Small Breeds of Pigs. Are May 25, 2025 · Hampshire Pig Breed. If it turns out that owning a pet pig is not legal in your area, there are options available such as applying for an exemption or seeking a variance from the regulations. 3. The Best Breeds of Pigs to keep as Pets There are two different types of pigs that are commonly kept as pets, the Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig and the Exotic Miniature Pigs. "Breeds of Livestock - Swine Breeds". These breeds were the German Landrace, the Vietnamese Pot-Bellied, and the Minnesota Mini Pig. The kunekune pig breed is blessed with black, white, brown, gold tip, cream, and tricolors. ” While the claims of their Nov 11, 2024 · This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about keeping pigs as pets, including the misconceptions about “miniature breeds,” the importance of care, and key considerations before bringing one home. 7. The Kunekune pig is well-covered with either straight or curly hair. But just as someone can raise a fat Yorkshire, a lean Kunekune is attainable as well, if given a breed-appropriate diet. American Mini Pigs reach an average height of 16-20″ inches at the shoulder, and they weigh between 70-150 pounds when fully mature. This mission aligns with the mission of Forgotten Angels Rescue & Education Center, Inc. When choosing a pig as a pet, breed selection is critical. Always remember, the proper handling of these fundamental aspects assures a good life for your pet pig. Life expectancy. Oklahoma State University Dept. Aside from being raised with a good temperament, these Gottingen mini pigs are also very smart and easy to handle compared to larger breeds. These pigs are renowned for their friendly and sociable nature, making them ideal for both small-scale farms and as companion animals. After several generations of breeding with traditional, haired guinea pigs, the sturdier, pet-appropriate Skinny pig breed was developed and introduced as pets in the US in the 1990s. 9 If you’re thinking you can adopt a tiny pig that will be content to live in your apartment like a cat or small dog, a pig is definitely not the right pet for you. The original pig was a Danish Landrace and was mixed with different types of pigs; because of this, if you study this type of pigs bloodline, you will find a mixed breed. Avoid having your pig become obese, provide adequate stimulation, and allow for regular physical exercise. These charming animals captured the hearts of many, leading to a rise in the adoption of mini pigs, which are smaller breeds specifically bred for companionship. Apr 28, 2021 · In this guide, we’ll take a look at what breeds of pigs are suitable pet pigs. Numerous pig breeds exist, with a few common ones being the Vietnamese Potbellied pig, the American Mini pig, and the Kunekune. Mar 3, 2020 · Those that don’t may have been underfed to stunt their growth, 8 and some micro pigs are actually commercial breeds originally intended for food, and may even reach 500 pounds. Jan 2, 2024 · Smaller Breeds: For those looking for pigs on the smaller side, there are breeds like the Pot-bellied Pig, Juliana Pig, and Kunekune Pig. Gottingen Minipig is said to be the smallest domestic pig breed in the world. These breeds often combine different pig species to create a unique and adorable pet. Around year 2010, this breed began to rise in popularity when they became available in pet stores and sold by breeders in USA. They don’t typically take well to being picked up or May 5, 2025 · English crested guinea pigs are curious and calm, but they tend to be a bit more reserved and shy at first than other guinea pig breeds. Though they may not be a good pair with kids as they will try to “dominate” kids or compete with them, they will never be violent or aggressive towards other animal or Explore popular pet pig breeds perfect for your farm, with essential tips on their care, habitat, and behavior. To gain more insight into the world of small pig ownership, we reached out to professionals in the field for their thoughts on the topic. [9] [10]In the 1960s, Vietnamese Pot-bellied pigs that grew up to 91 kilograms (200 lb) were sent to zoos in Western cities [11] and were used for medical research in the fields of toxicology, pharmacology, pulmonology, cardiology, aging, and as a source of organs for organ Mar 20, 2025 · Popular Pig Breeds. Both breeds can reach about 12 inches long and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. Designer Breeds: There has been a rise in designer breeds of mini pigs that are bred to stay small. The Vietnamese Potbellied pig, for example, became popular in the West in the 1980s, as enthusiasts sought smaller pig breeds for companionship rather than traditional farming. This kind of pig is best with a companion. An adult Göttingen Minipig A young Göttingen minipig piglet. The earliest written evidence of a pig farm dates back to 3468 BC China, but many historians believe pigs were domesticated as long as 6,000 years ago. Many small breeds of pigs, such as the Vietnamese pot-bellied, the Kune Kune, and the Juliana (among others), have been cross-bred and selected for small size over A “breed type” will share common characteristics however they can look quite different from one another. Small breeds of pigs go by several names, including: Teacup pigs; Micro pigs; Mini pigs; Whatever you might want to call them, these breeds of adorable little pigs have become quite popular in many households, with the owners choosing to own them as pets. Because the pet pig is a breed type you will encounter a wide range of “looks” & in general they are small. Indoor pigs need comfortable, soft bedding – large crates or dog beds work well. Pigs come in various breeds, each with its own characteristics and size range. You should consider size, temperament, and care requirements before making your choice. Nope, it wasn't a breed of cat or dog—pigs were the very first animals to be domesticated by humans. Rather, "teacup" is a label that breeders give regular potbellied pigs that have been malnourished to stunt their growth. However, as they have spread throughout the mainland of the United States, they have crossed breed with other domesticated pigs. Storey's Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Pigs. Pigs have been domesticated for thousands of years, but the specific breeds classified as dwarf pigs were developed more recently. [1] Another popular small pig breed is the Kunekune pig, which originates from New Zealand and typically weighs between 100-200 pounds. Nope, "teacup" is not a breed of pig, and it's not quite a nickname for a new breed either. This miniature pig breed is known to have excellent temperaments towards people. Many people are drawn to miniature pigs or “teacup” pigs, but these terms can be misleading. This pig breed has a black body with a white belt across the shoulders and front legs. Apr 29, 2025 · Choosing the Right Pig Breed. Researching Pig Breeds and Characteristics. Becoming an educated pig person Feb 8, 2024 · Understanding Pig Breeds. May 24, 2025 · They were developed through selective breeding of various miniature pig breeds, with the aim of creating a small, friendly pig that would be suitable for companionship. Their manageable size and sociable personality make them a preferred choice for many families. Find out their sizes, personalities, needs, and benefits of raising them. Jan 2, 2025 · Pig Size Limitations: Certain communities might impose size limitations on pet pigs allowing only smaller breeds that are less likely to cause issues for neighbors. These words can conjure an incorrect image in the minds of those who are not familiar with the sizes of pig breeds. These petite pigs weigh between 50 and 200 pounds, making them ideal as pets and companions. There is no breed of pig called the mini, micro, miniature or teacup pig. , recently closed due to the retirement of its president, Lana Hollenbeck. If it's a pet pig, you'll want pet pig food and not heavily laced lysine feed. Health and temperament are the most important aspects of the breed since American Mini Pigs have been developed for the sole purpose of being raised as pets/companions. They have a brown, black, gold, and white tail tip. There are already hundreds of pig breeds in existence across the globe. Selecting an appropriate breed paves the way towards expert pet pig care. The Abyssinian pig breed is known for its uniquely striking appearance, characterized by a short coat with a distinctive brindle pattern. Learn the pros and cons of different breeds to find the ideal pet pig for your needs. Related Articles: Hampshire Pigs: Complete Breed Guide; Yorkshire Pigs: Breed Info, Lifespan, & More! For almost five hundred years, these Ossabaw Island Pigs were never domesticated or mixed with another type of pig breed. Pet pigs are losing their homes as people buy them and then quickly realize that the pigs get much bigger than anticipated — and have many needs they didn’t expect. The demand for small pigs as pets has led to an increase in pig breeding operations, with some breeders specializing in producing tiny pig breeds for the pet market. founded in 1989, is dedicated to providing education to enable pet pigs to have the highest quality of life possible. Similarly, the Teacup Pig, though not a distinct breed, is often marketed for its tiny stature, making it a cute companion What is the best pig for a pet? The top breeds of pig for pets are Miniature Pig, Pot Bellied Pig, and Kune Kune Pig. The American Mini Pig is a breed that has been developed over the years by combining a variety of breeds from around the world. Low-maintenance and easy to groom, short-haired guinea pigs are ideal for those looking for a fuss-free pet. May 18, 2023 · Popular Pig Breeds for Pets. In 1995, a man named Rob Rose was the first person in the UK to create the first generation of the breed we now call ‘Micro Pigs’. Different pig breeds vary significantly in size, temperament, and care requirements. ISBN 978-1-60342-036-5 Feb 28, 2025 · Pigs have increasingly gained popularity as household pets since the mid-1980s, primarily due to the importation of Vietnamese pot-belly pigs into the United States. of Animal Science. This comprehensive guide will explore various pig breeds, their traits, care requirements, and the responsibilities of being a pig owner. ckhf fzxub scwkb ejrin zweja cmw cygy gmfb wrrdzj ebapg