Micro or mini pig is a term used to describe the smaller breed of pigs like Göttingen minipigs, Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pigs, Juliana pigs, Choctaw Hogs, or Kunekunes. People mistakenly identified mini pigs as part of the small breeds of pigs. They have substitute terms like pocket pigs, teacup pigs, and micro-pigs. These cute pigs are not a distinct breed. They are a variety of mix-breeds that have been selectively breeding to be smaller.
In Ancient times, these mini pigs were used enthusiastically for medical research. Toxicology, pharmacology, pulmonology, and cardiology are the fields covered by the experimentation. These pigs are also a source of organ transplantation.
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Quick Facts: Mini Pig
There are about 15 recognized breeds of small pigs. These mini pigs are first domesticated as pets in Southeast Asia. During the 1900s, they became popular in the U.S. in the 1990s.
Higher Classification
Domestic pig
Scientific Name
Sus scrofa domesticus
Rank
Breed
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Size
70 – 120 lbs, Adult
Hygiene
Tidy, Clean and Odorless
Lifespan
5-10 years
#1 Micro Pig Lifespan
For the good news, micro pigs can live long. Their average lifespan is 5-10 years. A report claims that some of these mini pigs can live up to 25 years, long enough to make a happy and healthy lifestyle. If you have an adorable pet like these pigs, you need to know their maintenance for appropriate care. Once you see them, there is no turning back. Their cuteness will melt your heart, and you would not notice the next thing you do is bring them home and give them the best life they deserve. A deserving pet owner for these adorable pigs should provide all of their needs and ensure that they are loved and secured.
When they feel stressed or have any genetic disorders, they tend to live shorter, with an average life expectancy of 5-10 years. Another reason for their short life is the issues with their skeletal and immune systems. Unfortunately, in some cases, owners put them up for adoption after a year or two because they do not think they can handle it anymore because of the expenses. The truth is, having teacup pigs does not require spending thousands. You are only responsible for providing shelter, the proper care, and making them feel that they found a support system in you.
#2 Mini Pig Sizes
A teacup or micro-mini pigs is just a marketing term for small breed pigs. So obviously, they are tiny piggies. For these species, their average size is quite large compared to the traditional ones, and teacup pigs are mini. When they reach their first year, these mini pigs are often about half of the size they will be. Before you adopt this pig, it is essential to remember that it will continue to grow until five years old.
For a comprehensive understanding of their size, the American Mini Pig Association has established a standard size classification divided by their age. The size may vary due to the care and diet they have. If these mini pigs have health issues, you can consult the vet. They know what is best for your pig, and they can advise the appropriate size for your mini pig based on their current condition.
#3 Average Cost
Before going to a pet store to buy teacup pigs, you need to consider checking them out online. Several online marketplaces, animal rescues, and organizations aim to give these pigs a new home. Do not be surprised if these mini pigs cost expensive. Breeders like them are rare to find, and if you have one, you are considered lucky. These cute animals cost about $750 to over $3,500. For a reliable source that sells mini pigs and to also see other facts and details about them, you can check Southern California Association for Miniature Potbellied Pigs. They also discussed how gigantic teacup pigs get with their actual shots.
Mini pigs are indeed pricy compared to other breeds. But they are worth keeping. They only have basic needs like children, and that includes food, water, and toys. If they stay indoors, you need to provide a space where they can free reign around the house. Their maintenance would not cost too much. A little research for their needs will help teach you fewer expenses to their maintenance, and you will be motivated to exert more effort in taking care of them.
#4 Temperament Of A Mini Pig
Mini pig temperament depends on their environment. Domesticated mini pigs usually feel threatened or scared around the people and animals they are not familiar with. These miniatures are smart enough to think whom they should trust. Yes, they tend to know who shows real and natural behavior towards them. Once they start to recognize you and get used to your presence, they will feel comfortable around you. Their tantrums are only in the beginning.
The best part of having a miniature pig is they are calm and can be very empathetic. The looks are just a plus factor, but their behavior around their owner is priceless. They have shown to have magnificent memory which makes everyone delighted about them. They can be a good companion, but only for those who are looking for a fun-loving and hypoallergenic pet for their family. These adorable pets can show their loving and affectionate side once they observe that you are spending some of your spare time ensuring that they received the care they need.
#5 Weight
Mini pigs can grow up to 200-pounds. Some reports say they even reach 300 pounds based on their experience. On average, these pigs are 70 to 150 pounds at maturity. They are often between 14 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, the most popular breed, weigh between 70 and 150 pounds but can reach up to 200 pounds. Asian pot-bellied pigs can grow 14-20 inches at the shoulder. They can gain 30 pounds for the first few years. At the age of five, the smaller American pot-bellied pig can be 15-20 inches at the shoulder. They can weigh an average of 50-150 pounds.
#6 Color
Colors are one of the factors that make animals attractive. They have different colors that are appealing to everyone who wishes to adopt a pet. Although miniature pigs have fewer colorations than other animals, still, they can catch attention. These mini pigs are either solid white or black or have a black or white base color with spotting on the opposite shade.
The painted miniature is another type that has solid red, red and white, silver, black and red, and silver and white colorations. The rare Kunkune pig has a solid black and solid white. They also have a spotted coloration which has tan, gold, and brown colors.
The mini-Mexican hairless pigs have a gray and black color. They are used for medical research because their organs are similar to humans.
#7 Characteristics
Aside from they are a small breed of pigs, miniature pigs have unique characteristics that make them stand out and attractive to the eyes of many. Everyone who has the chance to meet these cute pigs would not think twice about bringing them home. It is easy to identify miniature pigs since they have notable features that distinguish them from other pigs.
Everything about their features is small. The mini pig has a rounded face and short snout. They have a chubby figure with a short torso and legs that makes them small-sized. These teacup pigs have small perked ears that lay slightly back, a potbelly, and a short tail with thick hair at the end. Their neck is short, and they also have a softly rounded jawline.
Mini pigs can encounter rare occasions like they will need to have ear tags if they traveled through a state for permanent identification or if they have been through an auction or sale barn. Their microchip behind the left ear serves as their permanent ID.
Do Micro Pigs Stay Small?
One of the reasons why owners give up on taking care of these pigs is that they grow massive than expected. Owners cannot accept that their mini, micro, and teacup pigs have grown enormously. We cannot blame them as the names are misleading. Newborns and young pigs are sold as pets because small ones make the most adorable companion. Typically, these mini pigs have not yet reached their full size and weight.
Unfortunately, they do not stay small forever. There are about 15 to 20 breeds of mini pigs. All of them are 150 to 180 pounds at full size. But compare to full-sized farm pigs, they are mini. These full-size pigs can hover around 600 pounds. Someone claimed that a breed of tiny pig does not exist in nature.
It is indeed hard to tell how large they grow. It takes five years to reach their full size. You can check your pig’s parents to see how big they are. If their mom and dad are larger than the typical and realistic size of a pig, there is no doubt that your once mini pig can be as heavy as four people.
Smallest Pig Breed
The smallest breed of domesticated pig is the Kunekune. They are tiny at birth and still very tiny when weaned. This mini pig will eventually reach the same size as its siblings, but it takes time to grow to its size. When these breed mates with each other, they will likely produce two smaller piglets. However, these piggies will grow to their full genetic potential as others.
Somehow, their size can vary. It is common in Kunekune across the breed, and indeed at times, one sees very large Kunekune and some slightly large ones. Their standard size measures between 24 and 30 at the shoulder at full grown. You can say they are fully grown when they reached at least two years of age.
Micro Pig Food
For a mini pet pig to live a long life, they need daily vitamins and nutrients. You are responsible for keeping your mini pig healthy as a pet owner. With proper care and a well-balanced diet, they can live a normal and healthy lifestyle. Their diet should consist of grains, leafy greens, and 12% protein. Fruits like Lemon, Grapes, Oranges, Banana, Mango, Guava, Berries are considered treats for these piggies.
Since they are omnivores, they likely to eat everything that they see. But beware of this mannerism. They are still not allowed to eat whatever they like. Healthy greens are essential to prevent gaining too much weight. A 50% of your mini pig’s diet should come from commercial foods like pellets. You can buy these goodies from pet shops. For reliable brands, check Purina mini pig food, ManaPro, Mazuri, Allen&Page, and Rose Mill farms.
A newborn piglet should consume bottled-milk that is an alternative to their mother’s milk. When they reached seven weeks, you can give them solid foods little by little until they grow and needs a larger variety of foods. Always remember to provide fresh water daily.
Final Thoughts: Mini Pigs
Pigs will never fail to fascinate people. Mini pig’s owners would describe their life with these piggies as a love-hate relationship. These pigs can throw tantrums and behave in obvious and curious ways. So, you have to stay focused on what they are trying to convey, or else they will give you an attitude. But because of their overload cuteness, you wouldn’t mind dealing with their attitude. They are precisely irresistible cute animals.
Others, especially those with experience handling these mini pigs, will not deny that these cute pets are not for everyone. The pig parents are responsible for the hype about having an unconventional pet. When you want to take a picture-perfect with your pet pig, you have to make them feel comfortable first about your actions. It will take hours before you finally achieve the decent photos with your adorable but savage teacup pigs. It is hard to please them, and before you do, they would make you chase them. In short, mini pigs are mischievous.
So, before you consider adopting one, it is essential to know their background first. Think of possible problems that might occur when taking care of these mini pigs. Ensure that you can deal with it. If not, you can check other pig breeds that match your standard. But why not giving these little piggies a chance to prove themselves? Having a mini pig pet is challenging and fun at the same time. They will surely keep you sane after a long tiring day.
Hezekiah is a pet lover since birth, according to his parents. He started writing for the Pets Checklist in 2020. He is fond of playing with and taking pictures of different friendly animals around his neighborhood. He loves to read and write articles about pets, science, and music.
