Mangalica Pigs: The Essential Guide

Do you think that all pigs look the same? Well, here’s an interesting breed for you. Mangalica pigs are pigs that look like sheep and behave like dogs! They are definitely a unique breed that can be really adorable.

Curious already? The Mangalica pig is the only thick haired breed of pig that still exists today. Though there are other hairy pigs, Mangalica pigs have thicker woolly coats that make them stand out so easily.

Aside from their curly hair, they can offer you great companionship. In this article, you’ll find out everything you need to know about Mangalica pigs.

History and Origins

The Mangalica Pig is a rare Hungarian breed of domesticated pig. They are also called as “Mangalitsa” (US Spelling) or “Mangalitza” (UK Spelling) and you can refer to it using any of these terms. The original Hungarian spelling is “Mangalica”.

Its name means “hog with a lot of lard”. The pig’s unique appearance and behavior earned them the nickname “Sheep Pig” over the years.

The curly haired pig that looks like a sheep is said to be a product of crossbreeding certain Hungarian breeds from Szalonta and Bakony with the European wild boar and the Serbian Šumadija breeds.

It is said that Mangalica pigs were originally bred for lard. However, because of the insufficient demand for lard, Mangalica pigs began to decline in population and began to be considered as a “rare breed”

Another reason why this breed almost turned extinct is because of the war related issues related to the country in the past.

Luckily, an animal geneticist named Peter Toth did all that he could to gather the last of the remaining Mangalica pigs in hopes of saving the breed from extinction.

Appearance and anatomy

Mangalica pigs are becoming popular mainly because of their appearance. Read on and find out if there’s still something you might not know about Mangalica pigs yet!

They are small to medium sized breed of pigs, so keep in mind they may always grow larger than you expect them to be.

4 Types of Mangalica Pigs

Since these pigs are a product of crossbreeding, it resulted into four different types. They are all the same, but may differ a bit in terms of color and appearance.

A. Red Mangalica

This type of Mangalica is the product of crossbreeding the Blonde Mangalica with the Szalonta breeds. This color is described as ginger.

B. Swallow-bellied

The result of crossbreeding Blonde Mangalica with the now extinct Black Mangalica. Swallow-bellied has two colors. It is black on the back and blonde in the belly.

C. Blonde Mangalica

The common color for Mangalica breeds.

D. Black Mangalica (extinct)

The original coloration of Mangalica breeds is all black and blonde. However, the black Mangalica is now extinct because of the previous wars.

Though it may still be possible to produce a black colored Mangalica by using selective breeding.

Size, Height, Weight, etc.

COLORS — As mentioned above, the common color is blonde but can also be dual colored or ginger colored.

HEAD — looking at their face from a certain angle, it may appear as a “U” shaped head that is not too big but not too small either.

EARS — The Mangalica ears can be drooped downwards or pointed down. This “droopy” ear is also part of the reason why more people find them “cute”!

Though their ears are usually droopy, it can still be pointed upwards and can be controlled by the pig.

SNOUT (THE NOSE) — A Mangalica’s nose is long and often has a dark color like dark brown or plain black.

WEIGHT — The average body weight of a mature male Mangalica pig ranges from 68 kg to 77 kg (149 pounds to 169 pounds) and the average body weight of a mature female Mangalica pig ranges from 64 kg to 73 kg (41 pounds to 160 pounds)

The weight for Mangalica pigs depends on their age, from one year old they are usually 70 kg up to 80 kg (154 pounds to 176 pounds) and they will continuously grow. Once they are fully grown, they may reach 200 kg up to 300 kg. (440 pounds to 661 pounds)

HEIGHT — An average adult Mangalica can grow from 70 cm to 90 cm. (27 inches to 35 inches) When measured from snout to their tails, the average length is 120 cm to 140 cm. (47 inches to 55 inches)

TEETH — Mangalica pigs will have normal and non-sharp teeth but can still bite really hard onto food. All pigs usually get their needle sharp teeth clipped moments or hours after birth.

The sharp teeth get replaced by normal teeth afterwards.

TUSKS — all pigs grow tusks including domestic breeds like Mangalica pigs. Male or female, wild or domestic, there are no exceptions.

Females usually have shorter or smaller tusks that rarely grow long or large enough to stick out of their mouths. Because of this trait, it was one of the easy ways to identify the gender of the pigs in the wild.

The tusks serve as a pig’s offensive and defensive weapon. However, domestic pigs usually have their tusks completely removed as it serves no purpose in captivity.

For those who may not be aware, the tusk is actually part of the jawbones and is considered part of the teeth. This means that if you cut off their tusks, it will not grow back.

However, trimming is a different task and is only done to care for the pig.

NAILS AND HOOVES — Mangalica pigs also have hooves and “dewclaws” that may need trimming. On an average, a pig should have trimming at least once a year.

Indoor pigs will require more trimming while outdoor pigs that have a stable, solid footing may only require lesser trimming sessions.

TAIL — Mangalica pigs often have straight tails but is capable of curling them. There is no actual explanation why pigs curl their tails but there are a lot of theories as to why they do.

The only known purpose of a pig’s tail is to drive away insects like flies. It is to reach the areas their legs and mouth cannot reach.

Curious why pigs have curly tails? We have an article about that for you here.

Characteristics and Personality

Like most domesticated pigs, Mangalica pigs are known to be friendly, smart, energetic, social, gentle and fun to have around. They are most commonly known for their dog-like behavior!

“If you treat them nicely, they’ll become as tame as dogs—they’ll follow you, play with you.”
— Wilhelm Kohl, a Mangalica Breeder

Intelligence

Did you know that pigs are so intelligent, they ranked fifth among the most intelligent animals in the world? Mangalica pigs are proven to be as smart as their large counterparts.

Within that small to medium body of theirs, awaits a big brain and big personality! Who knew that underneath that thick coat of theirs awaits a surprise for you?

They are also capable of outsmarting chimpanzees, one of the top smartest animals we’ve ever known! Many people also say they can be smarter than dogs.

The intelligence of pigs such as Mangalica pigs make them popular as pets. This also makes them unique from other regular pets.

Mangalica pigs can also really surprise you with their great memory as well as how fast they can learn and pick up hints about certain things.

Aside from ranking fifth in the world ranking, scientific studies and research also stated that an average pig have the same intelligence level as a 2 year old human child.

They discovered that pigs can have better focus and produce a higher success rate when it comes to tests and challenges unlike dogs and chimps.

Not all dogs can learn as fast as a pig can, as some dogs are known to be stubborn or even be full of pride. Although they are usually submissive, many dogs can be stubborn when it comes to training.

Unlike pigs that seem to naturally learn without feeling forced. They tend to learn faster because of their ability to focus better. Dogs can be easily distracted because of their playful nature.

The advantage of being a prey

Another reason why pigs such as Mangalica pigs have such great intelligence compared to others is because they are prey animals.

Although mangalica pigs have never known the wild because they were domesticated from the moment they were born, they still retain their wild and natural traits.

Most pets that we have kept and raised are predator animals like cats and dogs so now we are being surprised by a prey like pigs and their capabilities.

Prey animals need to be on alert more than predators and thus, may develop a more sensitive way of living. They need to be smarter than their swift and strong predators.

Pigs possibly learned to enhance their intelligence by adapting and learning how to outsmart their predators.

Predators do not have to be on guard most of the time, they are usually comfortable anywhere and don’t struggle as hard as a prey when searching for food.

I have a personal saying regarding this aspect in life. The poor may be poor, but they can definitely be wiser than the rich.

It’s because when you are always on edge, you become desperate to cling on for survival. While those who are at the top have it easy and tend to forget the meaning of challenges.

When life is hard, it teaches you to become strong. Even if they are prey animals, if their minds are strong, their chances of survivability will definitely increase.

Mangalica pigs can be house trained

Many owners say they can learn even faster than dogs. Mangalica pigs or just pigs in general, can be house trained. They may learn how to use the litter box, play fetch and do several other tricks.

It has been proven that the “treat rewarding” method works very well with pigs when training them.

Compassionate

In relation to their intelligence, pigs like mangalica pigs are capable of being compassionate. Their smart brains allow them to feel both negative and positive emotions.

This means that they can also feel pain, become depressed, be excited and many more! Because of this, many people are convinced that the cruel treatment towards livestock pigs should come to an end.

Mangalica pigs can sense grief

Pigs are capable of sensing grief from other animals, their companions or their human owners. When they do, they have a tendency to console them for comfort.

Mangalica pigs are aware when a companion passes away or when they get left behind or abandoned. They can be sad, depressed and lonely to the point of crying real tears when mourning their loss or simply missing something or someone.

Mangalica pigs are sensitive

Since they have almost the same mentality or intelligence level as a child, you can expect them to behave similarly to a child. Mangalica pigs can grow easily bored when isolated or irritable when kept in an uncomfortable place and more.

They are capable of throwing tantrums, being stubborn, being spoiled, become manipulative or dominant. However, they are rarely violent.

When a pig is mistreated or abused, they WILL remember it. They know how to hold grudges, remember the faces of their abusers but they can also be grateful and remember those who cared for them.

This is part of the reason why they are lovely pets, because they exhibit a behavior where the owners must be emotionally prepared as Mangalica pigs can be emotionally sensitive too.

Most people would think pigs are good for first time pet owners, but in reality, it is not. They are not that simple and must be handled with genuine love and care!

Breeding and Life Expectancy

Most pigs become sexually matured at six to seven months of age. This includes miniature pigs. Some pigs can become pregnant at around five months but for miniature pigs, they are normally bred around six months or one year of age.

Offspring

Mangalica pigs are commonly expected to have 5 up to 10 piglets when giving birth.

Fully grown pigs can rarely give birth to 25 pigs, but is possible. The average number of piglets that can be born from most breeds starts at 5 piglets up to 10 piglets.

If you’re interested in learning more about breeding, you can check our article about that here.

Life expectancy

The Mangalica pig’s average life expectancy is 15 years up to 20 years.

Since their popularity was shrinking in the past, there were fewer people that wanted to raise Mangalica pigs. However, those who did not give up on them fully support the claim that they can live up to 20 years.

This information brings us to the conclusion that there are times that they can live longer than their expected lifespan as long as they are healthy and loved.

Habitat and Environment

Domesticated animals such as mangalica pig breeds often thrive in a better condition compared to their wild or natural counterpart. Still, it’s important to know their natural habitats.

Natural habitat

A mangalica pig’s natural habitat is similar to other common pigs.

In general, the wild habitat for most pigs generally moist forests, swamps and woodlands, especially oak forests and regions where seeds are abundant.

Environment

All pigs especially small to medium breeds like Mangalica pigs will prefer to inhabit places with favorable climate. Although they function better under cool temperatures, they can still be sensitive to severe cold or extreme heat.

Their thick woolly coat protects them from the cold but it can be fatal when left under extreme heat. It is still best to keep them in an area that is cool.

If you’re looking to keep one as a pet, you must read on to understand their preferred environment when under captivity.

Mangalica pigs are prey animals and also need to be kept away from possible predators. If they have a wide space to graze outside, there must be fences to keep out animals like wolves, coyotes or even regular stray dogs.

Like every other pig, Mangalica pigs have a hard time cooling off because of their inability to sweat. Given with thick hair, it will become an extra difficult task for them.

Again, it’s important to make sure they are always cool.

Most pigs are sensitive to harsh weather conditions and thus must be protected from extreme heat and severe cold. They must be shielded from rain and any kind of storms.

Space

Mangalica pigs are domesticated pigs that always live in captivity and will need specific space and conditions in order to thrive properly on a daily basis.

Since they are smart and can be sensitive, if they are cramped up in one place for too long, they may grow bored which may lead to destructive behavior.

If they do not have enough space or freedom to roam and explore, they may become depressed. Pigs are naturally curious animals and prefer living outdoors as much as possible.

Depending on the number of other pigs that will live with them, a Mangalica pig should be able to have a pen of at least 2 meters in size.

If they are being kept as indoor pets, the best solution is to give them access to at least one or two rooms to give them comfort.

Know more about how much space most pigs need by reading our article about it here.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Every animal including humans have its own imperfections. All pets will have its own pros and cons.

This pros and cons may be applicable to almost any breed of pig as they have a general shared behavior which highlights their personalities.

PROS	CONS
Not a picky eater	Sensitive to severe heat
Loves human companionship	Needs enough space
Friendly and social	Can be sensitive
Clean animals	Can get fleas

PROS

1. Not a picky eater

Pigs of any breed including Mangalica pigs have an opportunistic mentality when it comes to feeding. As long as it looks edible, they will accept and eat it.

They have what we call a “stomach of steel” which means they can eat almost anything without getting sick from it.

However, just because they can eat anything including junk, doesn’t mean we should feed them with just anything. Certain food can still be harmful to their health and will weaken their immune system.

2. Loves Human Companionship

Regardless of gender, Mangalica pigs make good pets because of their fondness towards humans. They can easily be attached and will enjoy physical contact such as cuddling and lap visits, just like dogs!

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.

They are very patient and capable of being really sweet!

3. Friendly and Social

Aside from being generally kind, Mangalica pigs are also capable of getting along well with other pets like cats. They can get along with dogs too, but it’s safer to leave them with animals that are close to them in size.

Dogs may be as large as a pig, but they are clearly more powerful than pigs and can cause unwanted injuries or accidents when put together.

As long as you trust your dog won’t hurt your Mangalica pig, then they can definitely be great friends too. Sometimes, the best friendships start off rough and unstable!

Who knows? Maybe your dog and pig can be best friends… just properly guide them until they are comfortable with each other.

Mangalica pigs are great companions or playmates for your kids and other house pets or animals too. They are definitely a great animal to raise.

4. Clean animals

Unlike what we originally thought of them, Mangalica pigs are clean and prefer to keep their living area clean too.

As much as possible, they will assign a corner to become their toilet area in order to avoid soiling their living space.

They will enjoy baths and prefer water more than mud. Most pigs only rolled around in mud to keep cool because it’s the only thing they can do when there is no pond of water around them.

CONS

1. Sensitive to Diseases & Severe Heat

The disadvantage of being a non-picky eater is the risk of eating a harmful food that can infect their systems.

Mangalica pigs can eat nearly anything including scrap food, junk, rotten food, spoiled food, decomposing food and decaying carcasses.

This is why it’s important to supervise your pig during feeding time or letting them outside in order to prevent them from eating unwanted food.

They are also strictly prohibited from eating meat (including any other meat products and food that has had contact with meat) as it is the easiest way for them to be infected by a disease that may be transmitted to humans.

See our article about what to feed your pig here.

Because of their thick coat as well, they are much more prone to heatstroke when left under a severe hot condition. If necessary, you may trim your Mangalica’s coat to keep them cool.

2. Needs enough space

This has been mentioned many times in this thread. But yes, many first time owners are not aware that pigs need space! Other animals may tolerate being kept in one spot, but not Mangalica pigs.

They might try to make several escapes or even attempt to break through obstacles just to get to freedom. If they do not try to be free, they will become lonely and depressed.

This is why it’s frequently mentioned in order to remind potential owners that they need to be ready for adjusting their homes and make it “pig-proof”!

It might take some effort which is why it is considered as a disadvantage when owning Miniature pigs or any other pigs.

3. Can be sensitive

Did you know that raising your voice can also leave a bad impact on your pigs? Mangalica pigs are no exception to this. For some, they might perceive it as a hostile behavior.

Little actions such as slight hitting will also be remembered by your Mangalica pig. They remember a lot of things, be it good or negative.

Leaving them alone for long hours can also be unhealthy when your Mangalica pig doesn’t have enough space to explore or companions to interact with.

To some, it may be similar to leaving a child alone.

This is why, people who plan to own Mangalica pigs or just pigs in general should be aware of their emotional sensitivity. Remember, your piggy friend remembers!

4. Can get fleas

Pigs are usually not easily infected by parasites like ticks but if they are left exposed to them for too long, the parasites may succeed in inhabiting the hair of your pig, especially thick haired ones like Mangalica pigs!

Most pigs have very thin hair that fleas or ticks can’t really nest on them. But for Mangalica pigs that have thick hair, they can be infested by fleas.

If this happens, it’s highly suggested to get it removed as soon as possible before they start growing in numbers and can potentially harm your pig’s health.

Proper care and needs

Miniature pigs will have a lot of needs and buying one as a pet comes with great responsibility, patience and commitment.

Aside from being mentally prepared, one must be financially prepared too when it comes to the costs and physically ready to care for them.

Caring

1. Proper Feeding

An average pig should eat at least two times a day. Pigs are not picky eaters and you can feed them almost anything!

However, pigs are strictly NOT ALLOWED TO CONSUME MEAT.

The reason behind this is to prevent pigs from getting sick. The easiest way for them to get infected with a disease is by eating meat.

This can turn into a virus that may be transmitted to humans and cause yet another outbreak.

Instead, you may feed your pig with various fruits and vegetables. Real pig pellets are the best choice for your pet pig as it provides a balanced diet for them.

Pigs can also eat grass, so if you have a yard or lawn that has grass, you may let them graze on it. They may occasionally dig the ground up to eat roots and certain insects. (Safe for them to consume)

You may learn more about what to feed your pet pig by checking one of our helpful articles about it. Read “What Do Pigs Eat”

2. How much water they need

On a daily basis, an average pig can drink 5 to 10 liters a day. A pregnant or mothering pig might need twice the regular amount in order to produce enough milk.

Pigs are unable to sweat which is why they have a hard time cooling off. Drinking lots of water will help them keep their body temperature cool.

Make sure that their water tanks or drinking bowls cannot be tipped over as they have a tendency to play with food or water. Sometimes, they can be careless or clumsy.

It’s important to ensure they always have enough water to drink as dehydration can make them sick or if it’s too hot and they can’t cool off, pigs are easily prone to heat stroke.

Know more about what pigs need by reading our article about it here.

3. Living Area

As mentioned above, your pig has a hard time cooling off due to their dysfunctional sweat glands.

Studies say that they function better under cool temperatures but harsh weather conditions could easily affect them or make them sick.

Severe cold or extreme heat could give pneumonia or heat stroke. There have been cases where pigs passed away due to extreme temperatures.

To properly care for your pig, it’s important to pay attention to the temperature. The room must be averagely cool or warm. They must also be able to remain dry and protected from parasites such as flies.

Despite being kept indoors, pigs will also need sufficient amount of sunshine. You can take them out or let them outside to bask under the sunlight in the morning.

Doing this will also be a soothing activity for your pet pig as they enjoy the outdoor life, they like the morning sun and have the opportunity to graze on grass.

If you don’t have an area where they can stay out, an optional solution is taking your pet pig out for a walk. This could also serve as an adequate exercise for your pet pig.

Most pigs will enjoy a walk in the morning as they are adventurous animals that appreciate exploring their surrounding areas.

Note: Walking your pig may require legal permissions.
Read our article about legalizing your pet and getting a pig license.

“How to get a License for your Pig”

As a pig owner, you will also need to buy a proper bed for your pet. If they are still growing, it’s safe to go for the long term product as they might grow twice their current size!

Miniature pigs can grow larger than expected, so to help you save, it’s advisable to anticipate growth for your pet pig. With a good bed that they can fit in, they will be comfortable to stay in your home.

4. Healthcare

Since pigs can be sensitive when it comes to health, it’s highly recommended to let your pet pig have annual medical checkups. Vaccination is necessary while spaying and neutering is also deeply encouraged.

Another reason why owning a pet pig will require frequent visits to the veterinary clinic is because you might need help with trimming. Hooves, nails and tusks trimming are important and crucial to your pig’s health.

Overgrown and unmaintained hooves, nails and tusks could cause soreness and severe pain when it starts injuring the body structure. It may also cause infection, appetite loss, locomotive issues and more.

Trimming can be a challenging task for a new owner which is why we advise to seek professional help or assistance from a veterinarian.

If you are curious on how to do the entire process of trimming and caring for their hooves, nails and tusks, you may read our article about it here.

5. Registration for Legal Documents

Raising pig especially small ones like miniature pigs may be illegal or restricted depending on where you live. Laws differ on every country especially regarding animal welfare. It’s highly recommended to check with your local officers to verify first before you adopt a pig.

If it requires a license, please register your pig for its safety and yours too. It might also come with various benefits, so it’s worth the cost. This step is very important and must be done if required.

Read our guide on how to get a license here.