How to Make a Show Hog Shiny

A hog show is your opportunity to display all the hard work that went into raising your swine. It allows you to show off your animal's overall appearance and training. There are two main aspects to a swine show: your hog's behavior and the animal's preparation. Judges evaluate the hog's health and how well it follows your direction. Presenting a clean, well-mannered pig is crucial, but you can also improve the hog's appearance by making its coat gleam.

Things You'll Need

  • Hose
  • Soap
  • Scrub brush
  • Brush
  • Talcum powder
  • Mineral oil
  • Pig oil
  • Cloths
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn on a hose and adjust the water to a moderate temperature. Very cold water can stress your pig. Let him get used to the water gradually by wetting the legs for a few minutes.

    • 2

      Rinse the hog all over to loosen dirt and manure, but be careful around its head. Never get water in its ears, or it will carry its head in an odd way. Apply a mild animal-safe soap and scrub the pig's body and legs with a scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly to avoid the development of dandruff.

    • 3

      Place the hog in a clean pen to allow him to air dry before the show. You might want to wash the hog several times in the weeks leading up to the show to time how long it takes the animal to dry.

    • 4

      Brush the hog from its head to its tail, traveling in the natural direction of the coat. Avoid leaving an unnatural part on the back.

    • 5

      Powder white pigs. Sprinkle a light dusting of talcum powder along the hog's back and sides. Work the powder into the coat with the brush.

    • 6

      Apply mineral oil or a commercial pig oil to spotted, black or red hogs. Apply the oil to a soft, clean cloth and rub it along the hog's body and legs.

    • 7

      Use another clean cloth to wipe off excess oil.