Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

The miniature pot-bellied pig has been around for about 4 million years. Its heyday as an exotic pet in the United States was about 20 years ago. However, there are still some avid fans (and owners) of this incredible creature.

The word miniature is relative. Other breeds of pig can weigh upwards of 2,000 lbs so a 90lb. pig is considered miniature. Many large breeds of dogs weigh in at 65-90 lbs. and teens hitting puberty often weigh in around 100-115 lbs. While the piglets are adorable and easily carried, do not be fooled that you will always be able to carry this pet in your arms!

Before you even consider owning a miniature pot-belly pig you should check carefully the local laws and ordinances in your area. Pot-belly pigs can be classified as livestock, wildlife, or exotic pets and each designation has specific regulations regarding the keeping of such animals. There is also a difference in keeping a pet and breeding the pet. One may be allowed, but not the other. Nothing is more painful than becoming attached to a pet only to have to turn it over to authorities or sell it to someone who can legally keep it because you did not pay attention to the law.

Miniature pot-belly pigs are highly intelligent. They are easily trained to commands, tricks, and litter box. The downside is also that they are highly intelligent -- pot-belly pigs are capable of great deliberate mischief and reasoning (equivalent to a 4 or 5-year old child). Given their intelligence and physical attributes (hooves, teeth, girth) child-proofing (or pig-proofing) your home and yard is essential.

Dos & Don’ts

• Do – Plan a suitable backyard enclosure for your pig to enjoy nature (and be natural). The enclosure should provide areas to root, roll, and swim (children’s swimming pool with ramps is suitable).
• Don’t – Feed your pot-belly commercial livestock feed. Regular livestock are quickly fattened using feed before sending to market – not to maintain a healthy, long life.
• Do – Plan to spend a great deal of time training and reinforcing good behavior to avoid spoiled, bad behaved, household (dominant) pigs.
• Do – Work with your vet to learn proper grooming techniques – start young!
• Do – Spay or neuter your miniature pot-belly pig.

The benefit to owning a pet that has already had its heyday is the plethora of information available on the care and raising of these wonderful pets. If you are seriously interested in owning (or being owned by) a miniature pot-bellied pig, do your homework to ensure this pet is the right one for you and your family. Miniature pot-bellied pigs can live upwards of thirty years in captivity so owning this exotic pet is a major lifetime commitment.