Teacup Pigs: Do They Really Exist?
For a while, celebrities were often pictured with adorable mini pooches peek out from the folds of a handbag, but recent actions are starting to point to a new trend: teacup pigs. Both celebrities and the common Joe and Jane have begun throwing down their hard-earned dough for pigs that supposedly will never grow to be larger than 50 or 60 pounds. Just so you know, the term “teacup” is often attached to any type of animal, particularly dogs that have been bred down in size to fit into a teacup. But in the case of teacup pigs, the only time they will fit into a teacup is when they’re newborn!
The teacup fad is becoming more of a craze as people seek out the promises of tiny animals, but can the existence of teacup pigs really be true? Technically, there is no such thing as a teacup pig. Runts in a litter may be bred with other runts and so on, with the hopes that a small batch will eventually appear. While this technique often works with cats and dogs, it has proven to be less effective with pigs. There is no guarantee how big a pig will grow to be, so bear that in mind if you are considering one as a pet. Many disgruntled owners have reported pigs growing over 100 pounds when they were assured that the pig would top off around 50 or 60 pounds. With a price tag as steep as $1,600 for a pig predicted to weigh under 90 pounds in adulthood, one could understand the owners being more than peeved. Aside from the financial aspect, the larger a pig grows, the harder it can be to accommodate him properly—something that many people don’t take into consideration when purchasing a pig.
For the sake of those still interested in owning a pet pig, we are going to talk about the general behavior and responsibilities involved in raising a household pig. We often see pigs as the jolly and gigantic animals that are quite happy to roll around in the mud all day, but that is where pigs become short-changed. A pet pig really has a lot to offer a family. They are not only intelligent little critters, but they are also trainable! And as for the misconception that pigs are filthy animals, that’s entirely untrue. Pigs, in the right environment, are quite clean and polite.
According to breeders, pet teacup pigs really do not require much more daily maintenance than a dog of similar size. Just like dogs, pigs are prone to become overweight and lazy if they are not carefully maintained. A balanced diet along with a playful romp around the house and a daily leash-led walk will keep a pig from becoming overweight and restless. You may also be surprised to find out that a pet pig requires a great deal of attention—and we’re talking day-long entertainment and companionship. Pigs become very restless if they are not entertained, but they can also become physically destructive to their surroundings if they are bored or lonely. This is why many breeders recommend only committing to having a pet pig if you are willing and able to devote as much time to the pig as you would to a two-year old child. Not just meaningless “chase the ball” games, but true affection should also be extended to the pig.
Making your house pig-proof is another thing to consider before jumping on the pig train. Cables and wires must not be left within reach of the pig, nor should shoes, clothing, or other items that may be discerned as toys to this playful animal. Fixing locks on floor-level food storage is probably a good idea, or simply keeping food in cabinets so that your little friend can’t get his chompers on food that he shouldn’t have.
Speaking of food, any pig owner should go easy on the treats and be very aware that pigs—particularly the potbellied variety—are very easy to spoil. With a spoiled attitude comes manipulation, which can be true with both dogs and cats as well. On the plus side, teacup pigs can be housebroken to use the litter box and they are virtually hypoallergenic. They are very light shedders and hardly require any grooming, save for the occasional bath. The 15 to 20 year life-span can be either a good or a bad thing, depending on whether you are looking for a long-term companion or a “fad pet”. If the latter is the case, you might want to reconsider the commitment involved in getting a pig.