Over the years, I’ve seen Berkshires with their impressive growth rates, Tamworths with their inquisitive nature, and the lovable Pot-Bellies that have won over over a few hearts. The hog world is wide and varied, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience the richness of this diversity first-hand.
Best Pet Pig Breeds
In this article, I’ll be taking you through a tour of the most popular pet pig breeds out there. We’ll explore their unique characteristics and delve into their pros and cons. Most importantly, I’ll help you figure out which breed might be the best fit for you.
Whether you’re a homesteader, a pet enthusiast, or just someone with a love for these intelligent and fascinating creatures- you’ll find a pig you love! So, pull up a chair, get comfortable, and let’s take a good look into the world of pig breeds. Buckle up. It’s going to be quite the journey!
Pot-Bellied Pig
Pot-bellied pigs are relatively smaller than hogs or farm pigs, making them an ideal choice if you have a small farm. They are also known for their affectionate personalities, activeness, and curiousness – these attributes make them easier to train than other pig breeds.
Originating from Asia, the Pot-Bellied pig is a favorite among pig breeds for pet enthusiasts due to its manageable size when compared to traditional agricultural pigs or hogs.
They boast a playful, curious demeanor and can be extraordinarily affectionate. Pot-Bellied pigs are also renowned for their ease of training in contrast to other pig breeds.
Pros: Due to their small size, they’re suitable for those with limited space. They’re also highly intelligent, making them relatively easy to train. Their playful and affectionate nature often makes them a hit with families.
Cons: Despite their smaller size, they still require a decent amount of space to roam and forage. They can also become obese if not fed a proper diet, leading to potential health issues.
Check out more information on Pot-Bellied Pigs here!
Teacup Pigs and Miniature Pigs
I am sorry to break this to you, but teacup pigs don’t actually exist. Teacup pigs are a marketing ploy by pig owners seeking to sell their pigs for a higher price.
“Teacup pigs” are usually pot-bellied pigs that have been cruelly starved to stunt their growth. They can still grow to as much as 200 lbs, although most will be about 150 lbs at full size. That is smaller than many farm pig breeds, which can grow to over 1,000 lbs.
Miniature pigs, even smaller than the Pot-Bellied variety, are another popular breed amongst pet lovers. Their intelligent and affectionate demeanor coupled with a petite size make them excellent indoor pets.
Pros: Their small size makes them ideal for indoor living or those with limited space. They also exhibit high levels of intelligence and can be trained quite easily.
Cons: Their popularity has led to some unethical breeding practices aiming to keep them “teacup” sized, which can lead to health issues. They also require mental stimulation and social interaction to avoid boredom and destructive behavior.
For more information on Teacup Pigs, check out this article.
Kune Kune Pig
Kuneune pigs can grow on low inputs because they are grazing animals, making them ideal for keeping in areas where grain prices are high. The kunekune pigs are small and ideal for confined spaces. They are also the mild-mannered and friendliest pigs you will ever come across.
The Kune Kune pig, originating from New Zealand, is a small breed known for its docile, friendly nature. This, along with their relatively easy care, makes them a great choice for a pet that can be kept in a backyard.
Pros: Their friendly and calm demeanor makes them great pets, especially for families with children. They are relatively easy to care for and require less space than larger breeds.
Cons: Despite their small size, they still need enough space to forage and roam. If confined to a small area, they may exhibit destructive behaviors.
Learn more about Kunekune pigs.
Juliana Pig
Juliana pigs are a petite breed celebrated for their sociable, affable nature. Renowned for their intellect, they can even be trained to perform tricks. They are a fantastic choice for a pet if they have a backyard or outdoor space to explore freely.
Pros: They are intelligent, sociable, and easy to train. Their size makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor living, provided they have enough space to roam.
Cons: They require social interaction and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. They also need access to outdoor space to forage and roam.
Tamworth Pig
Tamworth pigs are a medium-sized breed acclaimed for their friendly, inquisitive nature. This active breed thrives best when provided with ample space to explore. A Tamworth pig could be an engaging pet to consider if one possesses a large outdoor area.
Pros: Tamworths are hardy pigs with a curious and friendly nature. Their active lifestyle can make them a joy to watch and interact with.
Cons: Due to their larger size and active nature, they require a significant amount of space. If kept in smaller environments, they may develop behavioral issues.
Berkshire
The Berkshire pig, originating from the United Kingdom, is well-regarded for its dark, springy meat packed with flavor and high-fat content, leading to enhanced marbling. With its distinctive black and white coat, erect ears, and medium size, the Berkshire is hard to miss.
Pros: The Berkshire pig is known for its rapid growth and high feed conversion, making it an excellent choice for meat production. Its high fat content results in juicy, tender pork with a unique flavor profile.
Cons: The breed’s high fat content can be a drawback for those looking to produce leaner pork. Additionally, they are not as large as some other breeds, which could potentially limit their yield.
Large White
The Large White, known in the U.S. as the Yorkshire pig, is one of the world’s most popular breeds. It is large, as its name suggests, with a solid white coat. This breed is favored for its lean meat and high fertility rate.
Pros: Large Whites are known for their excellent feed conversion and fast growth, leading to high-quality lean meat. They are also prolific breeders, which can lead to increased production.
Cons: Their lean meat can sometimes lack the flavor found in fattier cuts. Additionally, their larger size means they require more space and resources, which might not be suitable for smaller farms or homesteads.
Duroc
The Duroc pig, known for its red coat and drooping ears, is an American breed admired for its hardiness and the quality of its meat, particularly for bacon production.
Pros: Durocs have a robust nature and good adaptability to various climates and conditions, making them ideal for a range of farming environments. They grow rapidly and produce high-quality, flavorful meat.
Cons: Durocs are not as large as some other breeds, so the meat yield per pig might be less. They are also more aggressive than some breeds, which may make handling more challenging.
Pig Size By Breed Chart
| Breed | Female Size | Male Size | LifeSpan |
| Potbellied pig | 80-140 lbs | 120-200 lbs | 12-15 years |
| Kunekune Pig | Up to 200 lbs | Up to 250 lbs | 10-15 years |
| Mulefoot Pig | 250-400 lbs | 350-600 lbs | Unknown. Rare, only a few hundred known |
| Ossabaw Island Hog | Under 200 lbs | Under 200 lbs | 15-20 yrs, Rare |
| American Guinea Hog | 150-200 lbs | 200-300 lbs | 10-15 yrs, Very Rare |
| Meishan Pig | 300-400 lbs | 275-375 lbs | 9-15 yrs, Critically endangered |
| Juliana Pig | 50-80 lbs | 50-100 lbs | 12-15 years |
| Yucatan Hairless Pig | 150-200 lbs | 150-200 lbs | 10-15 years |
Pig Breeds For Pets FAQs
What are some common pig breeds kept as pets?
Some popular pig breeds kept as pets include Pot-Bellied pigs, Miniature pigs (often called “teacup pigs”), Kune Kune pigs, and Juliana pigs.
Are pigs easy to train?
Yes, pigs are known for their intelligence, which is comparable to dogs. They can be trained to understand commands, and even perform tricks with consistency and positive reinforcement.
Do pigs make good house pets?
Pigs can make good house pets for the right owners. They require a lot of attention and care and enough space to roam. Smaller breeds, like Miniature pigs or Juliana pigs, are more suited for indoor living, but they still need access to an outdoor area.
How much space do pet pigs need?
The amount of space needed will depend on the breed and size of the pig. Even smaller pig breeds need outdoor space to forage and explore, so a yard is recommended. Remember, pigs are active and intelligent animals that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Can pigs live with other pets?
Pigs can live with other pets like goats, chickens and dogs, but it’s crucial to introduce them slowly and under controlled conditions to ensure safety. Remember that every animal has its own personality and temperament, so careful supervision is required.
What do pet pigs eat?
Pet pigs typically eat a diet of commercial pig pellets, which are designed to meet their nutritional needs. They can also eat fruits and vegetables, but these should be given in moderation.
Are pet pigs clean?
Yes, despite common misconceptions, pigs are clean animals. They don’t sweat much and don’t produce body odor. They can be house-trained and will usually designate a spot far away from their living or eating areas to use as a bathroom.
How long does a pet pig live?
The lifespan of a pet pig will depend on its breed and care, but on average, they live for 12-20 years. A healthy diet, enough exercise, and regular veterinary care can help ensure your pig’s long, happy life.
How big will my pet pig get?
The size of your pig when it’s fully grown will depend on its breed. Despite terms like “miniature” or “teacup”, all pigs grow much larger than when they are piglets. Research the breed thoroughly to understand how big your pig is likely to get.
Are pet pigs legal in my area?
This depends on local laws and regulations, which can vary widely. Some areas may require permits to keep pigs, while others may prohibit them entirely. Always check local regulations before getting a pig as a pet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of pig breeds is as varied as it is fascinating. From the petite and playful Miniature pig to the friendly and inquisitive Tamworth, there’s a breed out there for every type of pig enthusiast.
Whether you’re looking for a companionable pet to share your home with, or a hardy breed to start your homesteading journey, these incredible animals have so much to offer.
However, it’s essential to remember that every pig, regardless of breed, is a commitment. These intelligent creatures require time, space, and plenty of care to thrive. But for those willing to provide these needs, the rewards are immense. Pig’s companionship, affection, and fascinating characteristics make them truly unique additions to any household or farm.
My Most Used Pig Supplies
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Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.
A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.
Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.
A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.
When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.
You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.
Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.