Are Pet Pigs Smart?

Pigs can be great pets as they are intelligent and like being with people. Pigs are actually clean animals, and the bristly hair pigs have is hypoallergenic. It’s also known that these cute peg pigs love to cuddle with their people, so you can absolutely hug a pig whenever you feel like it!

What’s more, you can teach them dog tricks and even take them on walks as they can be leash trained. In fact, pigs are thought to be smarter than dogs and even three-year-old kids! And having such a smart animal as a pig can be a lot of fun.

Are Mini Pigs Good Pets?

They are, however, as with any animal, there are many things to consider first. A big thing is where to keep one and what to feed it. All the small pigs in the photos are actually baby animals, so they are not grown up yet. Often, people don’t expect their cute baby pigs to grow up so big and end up giving them away.

It is because the name ‘mini pig’ is very deceptive. They can weigh 50 to 150 lb or 20 to 60 kg and more when fully grown. People often don’t expect them to grow that big because they don’t take a look at the pig’s parents and don’t get informed about the breed.

Are Pet Pigs Easy to Keep?

One of the most important things these cute pet pigs need is an outdoor area. That’s because they need to use their natural instinct to forage for roots and fungi. Of course, they like their mud baths, which are also essential for preventing them from overheating. Their skin is actually quite sensitive and can get sunburnt easily, so when they are kept outside, they need shade. 

When kept inside, considering how big they are, they might need a separate room with blankets for them to nest in. Alternatively, you can build something similar to a barn or a shed for them to be safe from the wind and rain or any other harsh weather conditions.

In the wild, pigs spend a large portion of their day turning over ground to seek out roots, bulbs, insects, small rodents, and even reptiles. However, as pets, they are usually kept in a confined space, so the owner must ensure that their cute mini pigs are well-fed. Usually, that means buying special food, as in some places, feeding pet pigs scraps is illegal because it can end up making them sick. Pigs are known for eating almost everything. Hence, it can be dangerous to leave them hungry as they will find something to stuff their stomachs with, which might not be the best for their guts.

Then, you should remember to take it to the vet regularly. Also, make sure that there is someone who knows how to take care of pigs, because different vets specialize in the care of different kinds of animals. 

And lastly, potential cute pet pig owners should also remember that these animals might live up to 20 years. They have to be sure that this isn’t just a temporary wish because they see everyone taking pictures with them looking cute. It’s a living creature, and you can’t just get rid of it when you get bored. In fact, it is illegal to just leave a pet pig in the wild because it isn’t adapted to living on its own, so it’s considered animal cruelty!

What Is the Cutest Type of Pig?

In the world of cute mini pigs, there are still some that might be even cuter than the rest! Here are the top five cutest pig types that we’d love to have as pets: 

American Mini Pigs — a cross between several breeds, these mini pigs’ cuteness could melt even the coldest heart. However, although they are called “mini,” they can still grow up to be around 20–30 in or 50–75 cm tall, so bear that in mind. 

Pot-Bellied Pig —  rotund in stature and varied in their bristle color, these Asian natives have been long favored among pet pig aficionados. 

The Kune Kune Pig — the hairy and plump New Zealand native might be just the cutest pig around. However, they’re far from being called mini pigs as they can grow to up to 440 lb or almost 200 kg in weight. 

The Juliana Pig — the Juliana pigs are the smallest cute pigs in the world. They only weigh around 40 to 80 lb or 18 to 36 kg when fully grown and are perfect for keeping both indoors and outdoors. 

The Gottingen Mini Pigs — bred to be small for biomedical research purposes, the Gottingen pigs soon found their place in the pet market. Weighing just around 60 lb or 27 kg and known for their pleasant demeanor, these cute pet pigs deserve a place on everyone’s couch. 

Of course, it’s always up to you to decide which cute pigs are indeed the cutest! But if you’re seriously considering getting one as your pet, always talk to the breeders and learn about your piglet’s parents to determine whether your little piglet won’t grow up to be a huge boar. 

Why Are Pigs the Cutest Animals?

Some find ducks to be the cutest, others have a soft spot for reptiles, but to us, it will always be the tiny cute pigs that are most adorable! And although the reasons for their cuteness might vary from person to person, here are our thoughts on why pigs are just the cutest: 

• They’re highly intelligent. And you know what they say — the smarter, the cuter!
• They’re round, soft to the touch, and have curly tails and floppy ears. This one’s pretty much self-explanatory. 
• They’re clean! Yes, indeed, pigs are very clean animals if given the chance to be. 
• They’re hypoallergenic. If you’re allergic to cats and dogs, a cute pet pig might be your best bet. 
• They’re cuddly. These cute mini pigs are very affectionate towards their owners, and who doesn’t love a pet that lives for cuddles!

If you think we’ve missed a reason as to why pigs are the cutest animals, please let us know in the comments. And for now, let’s take a look at the remaining pictures of these painstakingly cute pigs!