A pot-bellied pig was originally domesticated in Vietnam. Due to its small size, it was favoured by people in the mountainous regions. This small size caught the attention of pet owners in the 1980s. These pigs quickly became the mascot of choice for many families looking for an alternative to a traditional dog or cat.
This breed may come from the more remote regions of Vietnam. But these animals have captured the hearts and minds of pet owners worldwide. They were originally brought from Sweden and Canada and moved to several countries since then.
A farmer imported the first potbellied pigs in North America, he had no idea what he had started. Originally, it was intended to supply pigs to zoos. However, a private buyer interested in pigs as pets began the fame of porcine pets on their way to worldwide distribution.
Characteristics of Pot-bellied Pig
A pot-bellied pig is the same species as a domesticated pig. Unlike their corral cousins raised by farmers worldwide, the tummy is a smaller animal of similar size. To medium and large dog breeds. Potbellied pigs are easy to distinguish from other pigs. Not only their small size but also their straight tail.
An average-sized adult will be approximately 30-50 centimetres tall and weigh anywhere from 30 to 140 kilos. Other physical characteristics of the potbellied pig include a belly (hence the name), a wobbled back, and erect ears. You may also like to read Essex Pig.
While small size initially caught the attention of pet owners, the training and temperament ability of these animals made them desirable for those. Who wants a pet for their home? Pigs are very clean animals that do not like to be in dirty conditions.
Combine this with almost no odour and a non-allergenic layer and even. Those with allergies can enjoy owning one of these pigs. The colours range from black to white, with various places in between.
Originally, the colours were solid black or white dots in the middle. Creative breeding efforts have produced white, cinnamon, red and silver varieties.
Non-sterile females suffer from “premenstrual syndrome” and strong mood swings; whole males produce an acrid odour, as well as show other unpleasant traits.
It is a pig with short and straight ears and a short to medium-sized snout. The body is sturdy with pleats on the skin and a characteristic jowl. They have a calm temperament, but they are usually very intelligent pigs.
Food
Pot-bellied pigs have a great appetite, and the owners must ensure they do not receive excessive doses to keep them healthy.
Usage
Most people who buy these pigs want them as pets, but pigs may not necessarily stay small, cute, or stuffed. Their average weight is about 45 kg., This species does not like to be collected or maintained. You may also like to read Duroc Pig.
Unlike cats and dogs, pigs are prey to predators, so being picked up or having restrictions, makes the alarm extreme.
Special Feature
Even though pigs’ phrases are associated with pens and without cleaning, this is untrue. Like dogs, pot-bellied pigs are easily trained to do many things that make them not only easy to live with but fun. This training can include home training and walking on a leash so homeowners can take them for easy strolling and not deal.
With dirty cages or boxes of stinky trash that other domestic pets use. These little pigs are so cleverly intelligent that the owners can teach them tricks. Some tricks they do are to sit and lie down, and their curiosity makes them playmates, which is fun for adults as for children.
For those looking for a pet that is well cared for, is clean and does not cause allergies or leave behind a pile of hair many are realizing that pigs are the perfect solution. Not only are they easy enough to take care of, but they also have fun personalities that are hard to resist. You may also like to read Berkshire Pig.
Of course, as with most animals, keeping a pot-bellied pig takes a bit of work, but it will also give you a great return for that effort. Hundreds of pot-bellied pigs leave every year because their owners are not fully prepared to look after them like pets.
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, so having this breed as a pet is a lifelong commitment. Consider the special needs of Vietnamese potbellied pigs before making the decision to have one as a pet.
FAQ
What is a pot-bellied pig?
A pot-bellied pig, also known as a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig or a mini pig, is a breed of domesticated swine that originates in Vietnam. They are often kept as pets and have become increasingly popular over the past few decades due to their small size, intelligence and friendly personalities. Despite their name, these pigs can actually vary greatly in body shape – some being leaner and longer-legged than others.
What do pot-bellied pigs eat?
Pot-bellied pigs are omnivorous animals, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. While they do have some preferences when it comes to their diet, like most animals, they can meet their nutritional requirements by consuming a variety of foods.
How do pot-bellied pigs behave?
Pot-bellied pigs, also known as Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, are intelligent and affectionate animals that can make wonderful pets. Despite their adaptability to a variety of living environments, pot-bellied pigs have some distinct behaviours that you should be aware of before bringing one into your home.
Conclusion
Thanks for taking the time to read our guide on the pig. If you were only able to take one piece of information away from this article, we hope it was that Vietnamese Pot-bellied pigs are endangered and need more protection in order to survive. We encourage you to share this post with your friends so they can learn about these wonderful creatures too! What other breeds have you heard of? Do any of them sound like an interesting pet or meat source for cooking? Let us know what else would make a good blog post topic in the comments below, or contact us if there’s anything specific you’re looking for help with!
As a reference: Wikipedia
