According to Sean O’Cluimhan, author of the e-book, Pot Belly Secrets, pot belly pigs "can be the best Pets in the world or the worst Pests in the world, depending of course, upon their owners attitude and knowledge."
Pigs are known for sweet and docile temperaments, intelligence, and inquisitiveness. For people who appreciate these characteristics, pigs can make good choices for pets. These positive pig characteristics have led some disillusioned "lap pig" owners to bond with their big pigs and learn to cope with larger-than-anticipated sizes and intellectual needs.
In addition to being sweet and smart, pigs are known to be quiet, clean, non-allergenic, easily trained, and playful. On the down side, not unlike dogs, pet pigs may damage property out of boredom or in pursuit of food, and some pigs show dominance aggression.
Do Pigs Make Good Pets for Kids?
Potbelly pigs seem to behave well in public around people of all ages. Eva Fine brought her pet pig to school and the Moser family brought their potbelly pig to a bluegrass festival. As with dogs, pigs and children, as well as other household pets, may or may not get along. Dominance-aggression can be an issue. Pigs are social herd animals and expect to establish a rank, so pigs should not be left alone with small children or other pets. Dogs can prove dangerous to pet pigs.
How Small are Miniature Pot Belly Pigs?
Compared to full-size pigs, "micro mini teacup" potbelly pigs are tiny. Full-sized pigs can reach seven or eight hundred pounds, whereas miniature pigs typically range from 60 to 175 pounds. That's a big difference.
How do breeders determine a piglet's future size? They make rough estimates. Potbellied pigs continue to grow for three to four years and produce offspring before reaching full size. Therefore, the parents' sizes don't necessarily predict the piglet's potential size. According to several miniature pig breeders who have weighed in on the actual sizes and other attributes of mini potbellied pigs, claims of 25 to 50 pound full-grown pigs aren't realistic.
Pig welfare professional, Priscilla Valentine, recommends that would-be owners for whom size is a concern consider adopting a small, full-grown adult from a pig sanctuary or animal shelter.
Pot bellies are also known as pot-belly, potbelly and pot bellied pigs and miniatures are also called mini pigs, micro pigs, tiny pigs, and teacup pigs. Pigs can make good pets for individuals and families who know what to expect.
References:
O’Cluimhan, Sean. Pot Belly Secrets. e-book. PotBellyPigSecrets.com.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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