Pigs are becoming very popular as pets, finally clearing the stigma that formed a negative symbol pigs. One of the most popular breed lately is a potbellied pig.
What is a potbellied pig? The Vietnamese Potbellied pig is an endangered breed of small domesticated pigs. Their common color is black and has short legs and a low-hanging belly where they got the name “Potbelly” from. Potbelly pigs are also known as “miniature pigs”, “teacup pigs” and “micro pigs”. These “mini pigs” are bred through careful and selective breeding. An average purebred Potbelly could grow 13 to 26 inches for height and 60 to 175 pounds in weight. It is very small compared to other breed of pigs.
Since Potbellies are also a product of careful and selective breeding, there is a possibility that any potbelly could be smaller or grow larger than expected.
There is no guarantee that a pig will stay the same size as there is no absolute control over their growth unless their diet is cut strictly in an abusive way in order to stunt their growth. However, doing such thing will only cause problems for the breeder and the pig.
If you’re looking to adopt or buy a potbelly pig, look for a reputable breeder who takes good care of his investments to earn good rewards.
There is also a little history about potbellied pigs. The traditional name for the Vietnamese Potbelly pigs is “Lon I” or “I” pig.
Over the years, the “Lon I” pig were used to develop the “miniature” breed which is now popularly known as the Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs.
All potbellied pigs are considered “miniature pigs”.
Despite their differences from other breeds, potbellied pigs managed to become one of the most popular breed of pigs to become as pets because of their size and personality.
Before getting yourself one, make sure you are prepared for their needs. They may have a small body, but they have big personalities!
It may be difficult to handle at first, but as long as you follow a proper guide, you will be able to befriend your potbellied friend in no time.
PERSONALITY & BEHAVIOR
Before deciding you want a potbelly just because it’s cute, think twice and get to know your animal friend and learn if you’re compatible to be good companions with each other.
PERSONALITY
- Pig are highly intelligent.
- Pigs are curious animals.
- Pigs are social animals.
- Pigs can be sweet and empathic.
- Pigs feel emotions, both negative and positive.
In contrast to the bad reputation pigs have as they are often used to present a negative meaning, they’re actually one of the most wonderful animal friends/pets you can have in your life.
Pigs are intelligent.
Their intelligence can be quite challenging especially for owners who are not experienced in handling pets and even toddlers.
A pig’s intelligence level is almost on par with a 2 year old human child.
They can be very clever when you’re trying to confine them to one area, there’s a good chance that they might try to break out one way or another if they’re not used to it.
Which is why it is very important to adopt from a reputable breeder who knows how to properly condition a pet pig’s behavior.
The best side of the pig’s intelligence and what makes them a good candidate as house pets is the fact that you can train them like dogs. They can learn basic tricks and you can just use the treat-reward method
Pigs are curious because they are intelligent enough.
Just like a little child, pigs are adventurous and curious. They love wandering around and will desire the freedom to explore.
This curiosity – if not dealt with properly, could lead to negativity. If a pig is not given freedom or enough space to run freely, they have a tendency to grow depressed, irritable or at rare times, territorial and aggressive.
Which is why it’s important to be prepared before taking one in.
If you are keeping them as indoor pets, there should be no problem as they are not destructive. Destructive behavior can only occur if a pig is in pain, sick, lonely, depressed or any other negative emotions.
Pigs are social animals.
If a pig is raised properly, they are normally social animals. They may function even better with a fellow pig companion.
They can easily be befriended by humans and they can get along well with other house pets such as cats and sometimes dogs too.
Before putting your pig together with a different animal, take safety precautions first and carefully observe how the two animals will interact.
Pigs are prey animals and may tend to be easily frightened. When cornered, they might have no choice but to fight. Although, their main priority most of the time is flight.
If a pig has been abused or mistreated and thus behaves unnaturally, all you need to have is patience and understanding. As long as you slowly give them the right love, they will open up and trust you.
Pigs can be sweet and empathic.
Studies say that pigs can work well as a therapy animal or as an emotional support animal. They are capable of helping depressed owners and reduce depression.
Their intelligence allows them to be emphatic. Similar to dogs, they can probably sense grief and negative emotions from another animal or person.
When it happens, they may approach the animal or person to console them for comfort.
On a regular day, as long as your pig is feeling great, they may enjoy lap visits and may even cuddle with you.
Older pigs may not be used to getting picked up or cuddled, don’t force them, they will come to you on their own.
Pigs feel emotions, both negative and positive.
As mentioned above, their intelligence enables them to feel emotions. Pigs are capable of crying real tears when they are grieving or extremely depressed.
One must carefully know a pig’s personality as they can be sensitive.
A happy or contended pig may run around in joy, wag their tails and roll around the ground (even if there is no mud!) Sometimes they might even salivate when they’re excited or caught scent of a treat.
Lonely or depressed pigs might intentionally get sick or starve to death which is why it’s important to take care of them properly.
Some studies even claim that pigs are aware when a long time companion passes away which is why they know how to grieve and cry. Knowing this, anyone who comes across a pig should be kind to them.
Humans must be kind to nature.
COMMON BEHAVIORS
- Pigs are not picky.
- Pigs are very clean.
- Pigs are not dangerous.
Pigs, any breed, can eat almost anything that we can, too. Like us, they are omnivores. However, it’s strictly prohibited not to feed your pig with any kind of meat.
Feeding meat to your pig is dangerous as it is the easiest way for them to be infected by a disease that could be contagious.
To know more about proper pig caring, needs and what to feed them, you may check one of our articles that may be helpful for you!
“What do pigs need?”: https://petpigworld.com/what-do-pet-pigs-need/
“What can I feed my pig?”: https://petpigworld.com/what-can-i-feed-my-pig/
Unlike what the world believes them to be, pigs are actually one of the cleanest farm animals.
The reason why they are often seen playing in mud is because this is their easiest way to cool off.
All breeds of pig have a hard time cooling off or adjusting to temperatures due to their dysfunctional sweat glands. They are more likely unable to sweat!
As long as possible, a pig would also rather take their dirt in one place or corner unlike other animals that don’t care wherever they leave their droppings.
Pigs owners are encouraged to bath their pigs and get them used to it. They definitely can’t fly, but pigs can learn how to swim! It might serve as good exercise and bonding activity too.
Pigs are not dangerous.
Yes, pigs are generally not dangerous. They are prey animals and rarely attack. Wild pigs may attack if threatened, but domestic pigs will most likely run away when cornered.
The main reason a pig could be dangerous is if they are sick. This is why it’s very important to have annual medical checkups and vaccinations.
Disease prevention is also the main reason why owning a pig REQUIRES A LICENSE or REGISTRATION. Rules may differ depending on your area, but for most places, you might need to register your pig for safety precautions.
You may read one of our articles about how to get a license for your pig.
Another reason is if they are abused and mistreated as mentioned above. They may develop an aggressive behavior and could attack.
Older pigs or mature pigs that have a “status” similar to “alpha male” may develop territorial and aggressive behavior.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- What’s the life expectancy of a pig?
The life expectancy of an average pig is 15 to 20 years. This is long compared to their wild counterpart that only lives 4 up to 8 years.
Although the popular pet breed “mini pigs” are said to have shorter lifespan due to their complicated and selective breeding, many pig owners claim their pets lived up to 15 years and more.
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.
- How much does it cost to raise a pig?
An estimated total could take up to $600 and more. It’s natural to wonder about the total costs after finding out about their needs, so here’s a helpful page that can explain all the costs in full detail for you.
Link: https://lovelivegrow.com/cost-to-raise-a-pig/
To explain further with more detail, the feed alone could get expensive. You must also consider the amount of water supply for drinking.
Housing or bedding if they are indoor pets is necessary for comfort too. Medications and treatments should be added to your calculations and lastly, if it’s required, licensing may cost some money as well.
Please be reminded that prices may differ depending on your country or area therefore we can only provide an estimated amount.