Also called mini pigs, miniature pigs are small breeds of domestic pigs descended from the European or Asian wild boar. They reach their full height at four years of age and weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg). You can tell mini pigs apart from other pigs by their pot belly, a short neck, a short snout, and a chubby figure. In the United States, the keeping of miniature pigs as pets is regulated by varying local ordinances. In some U.S. cities, pigs are considered farm animals or livestock and thus may only be kept in rural or agricultural zones.
Waddles, the Kunekune Pig
In cities where pigs are permitted to be kept in urban areas, there are restrictions on the number and type of pigs you may own. So, whether or not you can own a pet pig depends on where you live in the U.S. To determine whether mini pigs are legal to own in your area, contact your zoning office, or local animal control, or check your city's animal ordinance online. Most U.S. municipalities allow residents to keep the following types of miniature pigs as household pets.
1. Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig
The Vietnamese Pot-bellied is a traditional Vietnamese breed of small domestic pig with an average weight of approximately 50 kg. It is uniformly black with a pronounced sway back and a large sagging belly. Small numbers of Vietnamese Pot-bellied pigs were exported to Canada in the 1960s to be kept in zoos. From Canada, they entered the U.S. in the mid-1980s and were being marketed as pets. Potbellied pigs are very smart and loving creatures but before adopting one, you need to fully educate yourself about their care requirements. If it is legal in your city, that is.
In the state of Arizona, for example, some cities allow Potbellied pigs while others ban them. If you live in Tucson, Arizona, you may keep a maximum of 3 Potbellied pigs in your house. If you're considering a Vietnamese pot-bellied, check with your local animal control or zoning office to determine whether it is legal in your locality. If your city allows pigs, you might want to read Best Friends Animal Society's "Guide to Potbellied Pigs as Pets" before adopting one. With good nutrition and care, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig can live for 18–20 years, so they are a long-term commitment.
2. KuneKune
The Kunekune is a small to medium domestic pig originating in New Zealand. It is known to have a docile, friendly nature. Adult Kunekune pigs usually weigh between 120-200 pounds, with males being heavier than females. In some U.S. cities, you can not own a mini pig that exceeds 125 or 200 pounds in weight. According to Science Daily, Kunekune pigs possess remarkable social learning skills with an "astonishingly good memory." Kunekune pigs, according to the American Kunekune Pig Society, are great with children.
Before getting a Kunekune pig, check your local ordinance to determine whether there is a weight restriction, as some Kunekune pigs may exceed 200 pounds in weight when fully grown. Kunekune pigs may not be as popular as Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, but, according to The Spruce Pets, more and more people are getting them for pets.
3. Juliana
The Juliana Pig, also called the Miniature Painted Pig, is a small, colorfully spotted pig thought to originate in Europe. The Juliana pig's average height is 15 - 17 inches, according to the breed standard. A Juliana pig with a solid coloration with no spotting and a height over 19 inches is a disqualification. The Juliana resembles a small version of a large hog more closely than it does the Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig. As such, a Juliana should not exhibit a pronounced pot belly or sway back, says the Juliana Pig Breed Standard, adding that the pig should be lean, longer than it is tall, and athletic in appearance.
The Juliana, according to the American Mini Pig Association, should never be pudgy, heavily wrinkled, or sluggish in appearance. As a small pig breed, the Juliana weighs between 40-80 pounds. By all accounts, Juliana pigs make wonderful pets. To get all the details on what to expect from a Juliana Pig, visit Mother Earth News.
4. Göttingen minipig
The Göttingen minipig is a domestic pig weighing around 35 kg (77 pounds). It was developed in Europe by crossing three different pig breeds: The Vietnamese Potbelly, the Minnesota Minipig, and the German Landrace. Its exceptionally small size means it can be kept as pets in all U.S. cities that permit pet pigs. Known for their docile nature, Göttingen minipigs are highly favored as pets, albeit the pig was specifically created for biomedical research. Today, Göttingen minipigs are a popular breed of pet miniature pig, renowned for their small size.
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