[nsorro]

I have been considering a little Pigmy. Anyone have experience with these animals? I understand they are very intelligent.

[Nacho]

I have actually been considering this as well. My father had one as a kid and loved it. He says that they'll eat anything so they're a bit easier to feed.

[kah22]

The family owned quite a few when we were kids - not for pets though, reared them, fattened them up and then....

Well best not go down that road

Kevin

[DOBERMAN_07]

I dont know how this relates to General Dog Discussion, but I think I own a hybrid dog that eats like a pig and poops like a cow

[sobreeze]

i am on a farm i have raised pigs for meat but i also have pot belly pigs i have two at this time my older one i had raised in house died from old age i have him from six weeks to 12 years when he passed a way from kidney failure the two i have now sega is 16 years old raised in house is out side now he will sit on command come and lay on side for belly rubs 16 is very old for one but hes going very good for age he was nutered when little i think that helped him live longer the female i have is fatty pig she was a rescue her owner left her and moved away the folks that owned the farm took her home with them they owned a junk yard she lived there a few months they took good care of her asked me it i would take her i said yes i never turn my back on a animal dont know how old she is i have had her about 6 years so she is older she was never a pet so never bonded with any one she will come when called but dont like being peted if you get them young they make great pets if you spend lots of time with them the pot bellys are the ones that stay small but they do get bigger tham most folks think they are very smart all pigs are even are butcher hogs i have fun raising but you need to know that pig poo smells worse than any other kind of poo so go to a farm an get a good smell before you get one there are also rescues i am planing on getting young ones this year as i like having them around but they need a good place to get in out of the cold and they need the right feed not just ant kind of food they should not eat dog food they eat grains like pot belly feed made for them or corn or a sweet feed mix that horses eat mine eat what the cows eat as with any animal you get if you make a commitment to them stick with it if you need more info. pm me dont buy one then dump it

[Tamara]

A pig? A pigmy goat? Or is this a strange dog breed?
We had a rescue pig (sow, she was a piglet when we got her)when I was a kid. Her name was Daisy. Her owners moved and left her behind - they lived down the road from us. She was great and got along with all our other furries thinking she was one of them. Very very bright came when she was called and could get into absolutely anything.

[RobDar]

my wife says she married one...does that count??? LOL!

[Meghan&Pedro]

Most people go for pot bellied pigs as pets, as they stay small and enjoy human company.

They are VERY VERY VERY smart and are not the pet for everyone. They take more time and training than most dogs to keep them from being destructive in the house, and to keep their manners at the best.

When there was a big 'boom' of potbellied pigs in the late 70's early 80's (like chihuahua's and yorkies today, as designer pets) most of them were actually given up for adoption because of how much work they are - they need to be considered VERY seriously as a pet - do you have the time? And are you willing to do enough research and hands-on work before you get one to make sure that you know how to handle your pig?

Also - most pigs won't happily share their house with a dog - so if you have a dog, a pig isn't a good pet to get as there is no guarentee that you won't have to always keep them seperated.

You also have to be zoned to keep a pig - they are considered livestock, and aren't allowed in most residential areas around here.


"Although some people would never consider sharing their home with a pig, there are many people who are charmed by intelligence and the personality of their pet pigs. There is no doubt that given the proper expectations as well as care and training, a pot bellied pig can make an interesting and much-loved addition to the home. However, many people find that pigs are demanding pets and are overwhelmed by their needs - as shown by the abundance of shelters overflowing with pigs (one such shelter, PIGS, a Sanctuary houses more than 200 abandoned pigs at times)

Before discussing the negative aspects of pigs, it must be noted that pigs have several desirable qualities. They are intelligent, readily trained, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, generally quiet, odor free, and usually non-allergenic. Many owners consider their pigs an integral part of the family and involve them in all their activities. However, there are a few things potential owners should know. PIGS neatly summarizes the pros and cons of pet pig ownership. Pigs are complex creatures and require an owner who understands their needs.

Pigs are very intelligent. This is usually a positive trait, and in fact pot bellied pigs are quite trainable, much the same as a dog (i.e. can be house trained, leash trained, and will learn a few tricks). However, their intelligence can make them a bit of a handful, too. They are curious and playful, but also head-strong and sensitive. Without appropriate stimulation, they will become easily bored, and possibly destructive.

Pigs are also unrelenting in their quest for food - and can learn to open the fridge, cupboards, pantry - wherever food may be lurking. They can become demanding, begging for food, and even getting aggressive with kids that have food. Pigs also "root," or dig/explore with their snouts - and in doing so may overturn items in the house, including wastebaskets, and can disrupt the landscaping. This is instinctual, so an area of soft dirt should be provided in the yard so they can fulfill their need to root.

Another problem some have encountered with their pigs is aggression. Pigs can be territorial and have a drive to be dominant ("top pig"). Unless shown that the humans in the household are number one, pigs can exhibit a form of aggression known as dominance aggression (also seen in dogs). Pigs need to be taught to respect their owners, but setting rules and boundaries, teaching the word "no" and using gentle but firm discipline. Pigs respond well to positive reinforcement (e.g. using praise and treats when the pig is doing something desirable), and do not do well at all with physical punishment. From day one, the owner should be setting the rules and enforcing them. Consistent rules, praise for good behavior, and correction/redirection with lots of repetition and patience will help produce a well mannered pig with a good relationship with its family.

On a more basic level, a pig will live an average of 12 -18 years, estimates range up to more than 20 years. Although often called miniature pot bellied pigs, the term miniature is relative - they are smaller than most pigs kept for food production, but they still usually weigh 125 pounds or more when fully grown. Responsibility for their care is not to be taken lightly, with respect to time or finances. Pigs should be obtained form conscientious, reputable breeders, and will need a good quality pig food, regular vaccinations, hoof and tusk trims, and will also need to be spayed or neutered. Regular access to the outdoors for exercise is a necessity as well. Pigs are social animals so needs lots of attention and interaction, and if feasible, owners should consider keeping more than one pig. Of course, as with any other exotic pet - an owner needs to check local regulations to make sure pot bellied pig ownership is permissible.

For people with appropriate expectations, a pot bellied pig will make a rewarding, entertaining, much-loved pet. " here's just one article - do your research.