About Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs

Considerations for Pet Owners

• Early pet breeders left pet owners with the impression that their potbellied pigs would stay little and cute. This is not the case. A full-grown potbellied pig can as much as weigh 150 lbs. and sometimes reach a weight of 200 lbs. Feeding them less does not make them stay small, and underfeeding can be dangerous to the pig's health. These pigs love to root. If not controlled, they can turn a well-manicured lawn into a disaster. Pigs do not like to be held as they are prey by nature so picking them up can alarm them. Vietnamese potbellied pigs will display aggressive behaviors if not neutered or spayed. Dogs and potbellied pigs are a bad combination. Dogs have been known to attack and injure potbellied pigs. Hundreds of potbellied pigs are abandoned every year because their owners are not fully prepared to care for them as pets. Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, so having a potbellied pig as a pet is a lifetime commitment. Consider the special needs of Vietnamese potbellied pigs before making the decision to have one as a pet.

Physical Characteristics

• Vietnamese potbellied pigs are a miniature breed of swine. Adult pigs average in size from 70 to 150 lbs., are 3 feet long and 15 inches tall. Originally, colors were solid black or white with spots in between. Creative breeding efforts have produced varieties of white, tan, red and silver colors. All varieties have characteristic short legs, straight tails and a large potbelly, thus the name. Their hair is firm and prickly; the skin, sometimes dry and flaky.

Traits of Potbellied Pigs

• Potbellied pigs are generally good- natured. They love to root. It may be a good idea to provide a rooting box filled with sand and stones large enough not to be swallowed. Contrary to popular belief, pigs are clean animals and enjoy cooling off in a pool filled with cool water. Vietnamese potbellied pigs are smart and can be taught to perform tricks, including sitting and fetching.

Potbellied Pig Diet

• Your pot-bellied pig requires a special diet. In the wild, natural foods would be roots, plants, insects and a variety of other natural foods. For proper nutrition, you should consult your veterinarian for a specialized feed for potbellied pigs. There are varieties of starter, grower and maintenance diets. The nutritional needs for Vietnamese potbellied pigs are different from that of commercial pigs. Fruit treats can be offered occasionally and used as rewards in training. Potbellied pigs have a tendency to become overweight so do not overfeed them.

Caring for your Pet

• If your pet will be staying outside, make sure he has a warm, dry and sheltered area, such as a doghouse. Provide plenty of blankets and straw. Vietnamese potbellied pigs are most comfortable at a temperature around 70 degrees. Pigs are sensitive to extreme hot or cold and are unable to sweat. Sunscreen should be used to prevent sunburn. They will need a place to cool off from the heat, such as a child's swimming pool. Indoor pets will need adequate space to move around with a litter area. Litter areas should not be next to the feeding area. A large tub will work well lined with newspapers and pine chips. Annual vaccinations are required. Hooves should be trimmed at least once a year. Males should be neutered before they are 3 months old. Females may be spayed as early as 6 weeks old.