What Are Mini Pigs?

Also known as teacup pigs, mini pigs are a mix of several breeds of pigs. These include the Kunekune, Tamworth, Gloucester Old Spot and breeds originating from Africa, China, Europe, Central America and Mexico. Mini pigs weigh a little less than a pound at birth. When they become adults they weigh approximately 65 lbs and measure 12 to 16 inches in height.

  1. Types

    • There are six breeds of mini pigs namely Juliani, Yucatan, Vietnamese, Ossabaw Island, African Pigmy and Kunekune. The Juliani pig is of European origin and comes in colors such as red, black, silver, white or a combination of these colors. Additionally, the Juliani pig is a mix of several breeds and has a slight potbelly, sway back, short hair, straight tail and small to medium ears. With ancestry from Mexico and Central America, the Yucatan pig is slate gray to black in color with a short snout, medium-sized ears, sparse hair coat and straight back. Coming in colors of black, white or black and white, the Vietnamese pig has a swayed back, straight tail, small erect ears and a potbelly. The Ossabaw Island pig is of medieval Europe ancestry. Classified as feral due to its wild nature, the Ossabaw Island pig comes in solid colors of gray, red, blue or striped or spotted breeds such as red, black and calico and black and white. As it name suggests, the African Pigmy is of African origin with a curled tail, straight back, non-wrinkled skin, medium-sized ears and coarse hair. The Kunekune, believed to be of Chinese origin, has tassels hanging from its lower jaw and comes in tan, brown, gold, black and white.

    Nature

    • Mini pigs display an intelligent, non-destructive and affectionate demeanor. These pets can be house-trained and taught to perform tricks. Additionally, they are clean and odorless. Because of their high hygiene level, mini pigs are ideal pets for persons allergic to cats and dogs.

    Care

    • Mini pigs require regular exercise and mental work to prevent them from becoming lazy and violent. Requirements for caring for mini pigs include daily walks and minimizing the time that they spend alone. It is essential that they spend most of their time in the company of others. Having an area to play such as a garden is ideal for mini pigs to root and dig. Since mini pigs are unable to defend themselves against dog attacks, protection must be provided from dogs with which they are not familiar.

    Bonding

    • These low maintenance pets demand the same amount of attention and care as a dog of similar size. Consistency is an important factor in strengthening the bond between you and your mini pig. Therefore, you must ensure that the rules for caring for your mini pig are never broken by those who are entrusted with its care.