Dogs and cats are not the only animals up for smooches and cuddles. Miniature pigs are up for those too. These pig breeds are also full of affection that would warm up a human friend’s heart.
1. Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig
Height: 15 inches on average
Weight: 50 to 200 pounds
Lifespan: (in the wild) 10 years
(domesticated) 15 to 20 years
Characteristics
This type of miniature pig is considered the smallest pig breed. Potbellied pig appears much smaller than a normal-sized pig. Its distinguishing characteristic is its “pot belly” that hangs down. A pot-bellied pig’s colours can be pink, black, or white. In the wild, their lifespan may reach up to ten years. On the other hand, if they are domesticated, it can extend to fifteen to twenty years.
Nature
Pot-bellied pigs are known to be tidy animals. They do not emit any foul odours and meticulously select one area when they want to eliminate. It also means that they can be litter-trained like cats.
A pot-bellied pig’s intelligence is also another one of its abilities that make them popular. Therefore, they are able to swiftly learn commands such as sit or come and follow the rules. Just like a dog, they too can be walked outside with a lead. However, if you leave them bored and unstimulated, it can lead to destructive behaviour issues.
2. Juliana Pig
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 15 to 50 pounds
Lifespan: 15 years
Characteristics
It is dubbed as the miniature painted pig because of the small symmetrical spots on its body. A Juliana pig looks like a tiny version of a feral pig or a large hog. It always sports red, black, or white spots on its base colour which can be cream, red, rust, white, silver, or black.
Nature
This miniature pig breed originates from Europe as a result of the selective breeding program to improve their intelligence, temperament, and small size. Aside from their tiny and snugly bodies, Juliana pigs are known to be inquisitive and brilliant animals that are easily motivated with food. These characteristics make it easier for their pet owners to train them.
They are also known to be social animals since they were specifically bred to work with humans. It makes them an ideal home companion for both humans and other pets. With their fun and entertaining personality, they would easily snatch and charm hearts.
3. Ossabaw Island Pig
Height: 14 to 20 inches
Weight: 40 to 90 pounds
Lifespan: 15 or more years
Characteristics
They have prick ears, long snouts, and heavy coats. Their colours can be grey, blue or red. There are also others that are spotted with colours ranging from black and white, red, black and calico, and red, black, and white. However, Ossabaw Island pigs with solid white colours are rare.
Nature
The original ancestors of this miniature pig breed were released by the Spanish explorers on the Ossabaw Island, Georgia, the United States of America in the 16th century. These explorers purposefully left their livestock on the island as a food source in the future. This is how the Ossabaw Island pig got its name and its origin.
For almost five hundred years, these Ossabaw Island Pigs were never domesticated or mixed with another type of pig breed. However, as they have spread throughout the mainland of the United States, they have crossed breed with other domesticated pigs.
This miniature pig breed is known to have excellent temperaments towards people. Therefore, it makes them easy to handle. In fact, they particularly love their bonding time with people who are special to them. Aside from their gentle temperament, they are also known for their liveliness and ingenuity which make them easier to train.
4. Yucatan Pig
Height: 16 to 24 inches
Weight: 100 pounds and up
Lifespan: 8 years
Characteristics:
Yucatan Pigs are dubbed as Mexican hairless pigs because of their lack of hair on their bodies. They have no potbelly but have straight backs, medium ears, and short snouts. They are slate black in colour.
Nature:
Just like the rest of the miniature pet pigs, Yucatan pigs are very brilliant, curious, and playful. With a good amount of positive reinforcement, they can learn commands and simple tricks like dogs.
Yucatan pigs also love to spend their time outside. Therefore, they require daily training and exercise. They should be taken out on walks regularly so as to prevent them from getting bored, which may lead to aggressive behaviours.
They are also people and pet-loving animals. They get along just fine with other animals in the house and will also appreciate having a fellow Yucatan pig companion. They are good for people who usually spend more time at home since a Yucatan pig tends to dislike the feeling of being left alone.
It’s not about the Size
Despite miniature pets becoming more and more popular, let us not forget that we chose them to be our companion not solely on their size alone. A common misconception about people who want to be miniature pig parents is that mini pigs don’t grow and stay small forever.
However, these pigs do grow bigger, just not the same size as normal pigs. Sometimes it does not end well for miniature pigs that have misinformed owners. They often end up abandoned. As pet owners, we should love and care for our pets no matter the size they grow into. More importantly, carry out all the necessary research and know the breed you are planning on getting to avoid any surprises.
In 2012, Steven Jenkins received a call from his life partner, Derek, asking him if he would like to adopt a rescued would-be miniature pet pig with him. Although Derek knew his partner was not as excited as he is, he decided to keep Esther and thought he could take care of the small pig on his own.
But surprisingly, there is nothing miniature about Esther! It seems like day by day, she just keeps growing bigger and bigger, exceeding the normal size of a micro pig. Despite the shocking turn of events, it did not faze Steven and Derek. They made up their mind to keep Esther in their life and raise the full-sized commercial pig.
Within a span of three years, the supposedly micro pig Esther gained an astounding weight of 600 pounds. The couple later decided to buy a farm where Esther could happily frolic without any restriction. Steven and Derek opened the Happily Ever Esther Sanctuary that became a warm and loving home for Esther and other animals in need.