Owning a small teacup pig is becoming a quick growing trend all over the place. For many though when they hear the word pig, they come up with a mental picture of a farm and this huge pig that is rolling around in the mud and eating slop. For others they sometimes picture a well-mannered pig that is sitting in a living room with people like any other house pet.
These are people that have experienced a pig like this or have had one as a pet and in the house. The population that have a pig as a pet has grown. Teacup pigs are part of this increase in popularity. Why is this? It is simply because they are a much smaller than your standard farm pig and regular pot belly pig. Despite their name they are not really a teacup size, only when they are born are they small enough to literally fit in a teacup. So how big are they really? If you take a look at the standard pig that is 600-800 pounds fully grown and a pot belly big fully grown that can reach between 120-200 pounds, your teacup pig will come in at 30-65 pounds.
A Teacup pig is fully grown at 2 to 3 years old and is only about the height of the average cocker spaniel. Their life span is between 15-20 years, but some do live longer. These great pets are relatively low maintenance animals, if you have had a dog or have taken care of a dog they require about the same daily care as your everyday dog. Believe it or not these types of pigs are popular city pets and even apartment living pets due to their size. With this said you also must remember and realize that they are pigs with short legs, so they can manage small flights of stairs but not large ones.
Believe it or not their intelligence is compared to that of dogs and some even say higher. Keep in mind like dogs they can be prone to being lazy and even aggressive, if they are not properly exercised and socialized. They can be trained pretty easy if done properly with the motivation of food treats. Also keep in mind when they are corrected for something done wrong they should never be physically punished.
Pigs require the same level of commitment as a dog. They need regular veterinary care, exercise, and interaction with people. They must not be allowed to be dominant or demanding, have a life expectancy of about twenty years, and like to be scratched on the head and lie on your lap. They do not bark, so are not much use as watch pets, but then they don’t annoy the neighbors or break the noise ordinances.
Like other miniature breeds, micro pigs may have congenital health problems, so make sure you deal with a reputable and experienced breeder. Many health conditions are caused by letting the animal gain too much weight, so you have to be smarter than a pig and able to withstand begging, no matter how cute. You ain’t seen cute until you’ve seen a pig who wants a cookie.
Many localities treat pigs as livestock under the zoning laws and do not allow them in residential areas, so check before you get a pig and get attached to it, as you inevitably will. You will want to be sure there is a vet nearby who understands and works with pigs. If the legalities can be met and there is a support system for your pet’s health care, and if you know you are tough enough to give your green pig beans instead of cookies, you can go ahead and get one of these amazing little pigs for your very own.
Teacup pigs make great pets for those who want to make a long-term commitment to an intelligent, devoted, and unusual animal.