Definition Of A Mini Pig
What is a mini pig? Is there such a thing as a mini pig?
We often see the "great debate" over the term mini pig. There are many who deny their existence, but they would be wrong. Some of these deniers even have sanctuaries, but their "expertise" is based on opinion only and they fail to recognize that the term is in no way describing a breed, only a TYPE of pig that is very much different from a farm pig.
Adult mini pigs might range from 70-300 pounds, all of which would be significantly different than a standard farm pig, which full grown will average 700-1,000 pounds or more. This very difference is why it is necessary to have a generic term to describe the various smaller pigs most commonly kept as pets. The mini pigs CANNOT all be described by breed, as is so easily done with the larger farm pigs. There are 200 or more ESTABLISHED breeds of farm pigs, many easily identified by just a quick look or a photo. They breed true and individuals within a breed can be very difficult to tell apart. Mini pigs are much more difficult to define by breed since there are so many mixes. Some, such as the purebred Kunekune are pretty easily identified. Potbellies, no longer a pure breed in the US, have a certain look, typically black, black and white, white, or a pinto pattern with a somewhat swayed back and larger belly…thus the name. Most pet pigs are generically called potbellies because their genes are primarily potbelly and they fit the general description. However, over the years, all sorts of mixes have happened. Potbellies have been crossed with everything from farm pigs to wild boars. "Chipmunk" striped piglets are a throwback to wild boars. Potbellies have been crossed with other mini breeds and feral pigs, which are themselves a crazy mix of genes. Kunekunes have been crossed with various farm pigs to create what's called a "pasture pig"…NOT a breed, only a mix/mutt. They've also been crossed with different mini pig breeds in an attempt to breed for size (the mythical micro/teacup/pocket/dandy/whatever pigs), or color (the mythical "Juliana"). Creating a registry does NOT create a breed. "Juliana" pigs are nothing more than mixed breeds aiming to get a color and body type. If they were a true breed, there would not be the huge discrepancies in coloring, body type and size. Those of us with sanctuaries see the huge variation in the "Julianas" that come into rescue. They're obviously mixes, but the name creates sales. Sadly, the buyers have simply spent their money on a mutt. It's not like buying a registered purebred Golden Retriever from a breeder. The majority of the pet pigs being sold today are the equivalent to a mixed breed dog…commonly called a "mutt". There is NO accurate way to define most of them by breed. Therein lies the necessity of using the generic term "mini pig", which should NEVER be confused with "micro" which is a blatant lie. There has to be a way to differentiate between the large breeds, who HAVE specific breed names and the mini pigs, who are a crazy mix of who knows what.
The word "mini" has become the standard to differentiate between farm pigs and the smaller breeds like potbellied pigs. While that term has been accepted, I fully agree that it can be misleading to uneducated people who were never prepared for ANY sized pig. Mini is simply a class of pigs, not a breed of pigs. Potbelly is a breed. Kune-Kune is a breed. And in comparison to farm pigs, they are indeed mini. I also think that term is commonly used because most pigs are mixed breeds. They aren't any "purebred" potbellied pigs anymore. They've been mixed with ferals and kunes and other real breeds, so mini sounds better than mutt pigs. There are breeds of dogs, but when you have several breeds that are bred, what is the offspring called? What if a Dalmatian and Chihuahua breed? A Dalhuahua? How about a Saint Bernard and German Shepherd? A Saint Shepherd? Most are referred to as "my dog", no breed attached. But, the word mini will likely continue to be used to catergorize the actual breeds of pigs that someone as trying to describe as smaller than a farm type pig. Now micro and teacup and nano and pocket and micro mini? Those are unacceptable descriptions, not only are they flat out lies, but they are completely misleading. We started this website because people were searching for "mini" pigs and it made sense to name the website a commonly searched term so it showed up when anyone was looking for info for their mini pig. However, once they actually read our website, even on the home page, it let's people know why it's called mini pig info, and how that term by itself can be misleading. We dedicated a page on the website to show others what realistic sizes of "mini" pigs are. You can see their stories and pictures by clicking here.
I would much rather have started a website called www.MyPigWasSupposedToBeMiniButEndedUpBeingAFatass.com, but that was obviously too much for people to type in the browser and also not something people would be searching for. I do not condone, support or endorse breeding, though admittedly, before I even knew about pig rescues, I purchased my pig. Had I known there were people out there that brought in pregnant pigs and worked with pigs so they could be adopted? I never would've purchased the love of my life that I have now, I would've submitted an application like anyone else and adopted. It's bitter sweet for me, I couldn't be happier with my pig (on most days. lol) but I do wish I had been exposed to the rescue side of pigs before I purchased a pig.
I do understand that some want a piglet and not a grown/mature pig. You don't have to buy a pig from a breeder if you want a piglet. Pig rescues have piglets. There are rescue networks that know about piglets that need excellent homes. There are people who have purchased piglets that quickly found out they weren't prepared for a pig and that piglet now needs a new home. Trust me when I say, piglets aren't always fun. Are they cute? Absolutely! But they are hard work. There is typically a process to adopt a pig versus buying one from someone who only cares about money. The people who have dedicated their time, resources and homes to foster these pigs have a legitimate concern about where they will go. They are emotionally vested in these pigs. So, while it may be "easier" to simply buy a pig, you are rewarding someone for bringing more potentially unwanted pigs into the world which keeps the process going and going. NOBODY can guarantee the health of your pig. Not a breeder, not a rescue, no one. ANY pig can become ill, any pig can carry traits passed along from many generations before that aren't dominant genes in other siblings or the parent pigs. If size is of the upmost importance for a pet, then a pig is likely NOT the pet for you, however, if there are city/county restrictions on the sizes of pets/pigs that are allowed, your best bet would be to rescue an older pig that is "fully grown" so there are no surprises. Just keep in mind, while the growth plates in the bones will eventually close and your pig may not get taller or longer, your pig will continue to gain weight if the diet isn't balanced and the amount of calories that are being consumed are more than the calories being burned off. Diets constantly have to be adjusted, so your pig doesn't become obese as they grow older, less active, arthritic, etc. (Diets also need to be adjusted when a mini pig is too skinny) Click here to read more about nutrition. Again, had I known about pig rescues when I purchased my pig, I probably would've gotten a rescue pig instead of purchasing a pig from a breeder. To find a pig rescue, you can look at the list we have created by clicking here.
I've rescued, I've fostered, I've transported, I've volunteered at pig rescues, I've donated time and money to various pig rescues, organizations, charities and will continue to educate, advocate and help in any way possible. I do not believe there are ANY healthy super small pigs, but I do know there are people who have unrealistic expectations and that they will find one. Unfortunately, 99.9999% will be disappointed and ultimately need to find that pig a home because that pig grew bigger than the little dainty cute pig they wanted, they don't understand pigs nor do they want to learn how to properly care for one. Those who have a passion for pigs and do everything in their power to help will also continue to help and educate people. I truly believe it is a community effort, it's sad that not everyone takes the time to truly learn about these precious creatures BEFORE they get one, myself included.
I was an ignorant first time pig mama and my pig suffered because of that. But sharing our stories and experiences is how we all learn. I humbly shared mine as embarrassing and heartfelt it was. My pig passed away at 9 months old because of an idiot breeder, my lack of knowledge, my vets inexperience and a slew of mistakes. That never should've happened. Although he had a genetic heart defect, likely as a result of inbreeding, I take full responsibility for his death. That is also why I bought every vet book there was, collected information from others and websites and credible people and myself along with people who are much smarter than me, created a website to teach other people everything we know about pigs and how to care for them. We get private messages all day, every day with questions. People email nonstop wanting help with their pigs, they call, we help with every bit of energy we have in us. We cry with those who have sick pigs and mourn with those who lose pigs. We laugh with those whose pigs are trouble makers and brainstorm with those who need advice. (Feel free to join our Facebook group and become a part of our pig family by clicking the link. Mini Pig Info Group)
The pig community is a family, a large, sometimes dysfunctional family, but that's no different that my human family. I have learned so much from other pig people and I am quite certain I will continue to learn on a daily basis. I just hate that everyone that is in the community is divided more and more everyday and having to fight with each other when it's not us who are the problem. It's the people who continue to lie, deceive and basically rob people, that need to take the brunt of the hatred, not each other. In the meantime, while mini doesn't accurately describe what the size of your pig will be, it does represent a group of pigs that we have all come to know and love. So when someone says there is no such a thing as a mini pig, they're both right and wrong. There is a miniature sized pig, also known as a mini pig or potbellied pig, but these pigs are anything but mini. This term only describes a class of pigs that are smaller than the farm pigs, but these do NOT describe actual breeds of pigs nor the size of the pig you will end up with. You can read more about actual breeds of pigs by clicking here. Do not add a pig to your family if you're not prepared to make a 20+ year commitment to a big ball of fun because that is likely what you will end up with. The journey to get there is long and draining, but once your pig becomes part of your family, you will become a parent to an unconventional pet that will steal your heart forever.
Written by: Brittany Sawyer & Dawn Camp
Adult mini pigs might range from 70-300 pounds, all of which would be significantly different than a standard farm pig, which full grown will average 700-1,000 pounds or more. This very difference is why it is necessary to have a generic term to describe the various smaller pigs most commonly kept as pets. The mini pigs CANNOT all be described by breed, as is so easily done with the larger farm pigs. There are 200 or more ESTABLISHED breeds of farm pigs, many easily identified by just a quick look or a photo. They breed true and individuals within a breed can be very difficult to tell apart. Mini pigs are much more difficult to define by breed since there are so many mixes. Some, such as the purebred Kunekune are pretty easily identified. Potbellies, no longer a pure breed in the US, have a certain look, typically black, black and white, white, or a pinto pattern with a somewhat swayed back and larger belly…thus the name. Most pet pigs are generically called potbellies because their genes are primarily potbelly and they fit the general description. However, over the years, all sorts of mixes have happened. Potbellies have been crossed with everything from farm pigs to wild boars. "Chipmunk" striped piglets are a throwback to wild boars. Potbellies have been crossed with other mini breeds and feral pigs, which are themselves a crazy mix of genes. Kunekunes have been crossed with various farm pigs to create what's called a "pasture pig"…NOT a breed, only a mix/mutt. They've also been crossed with different mini pig breeds in an attempt to breed for size (the mythical micro/teacup/pocket/dandy/whatever pigs), or color (the mythical "Juliana"). Creating a registry does NOT create a breed. "Juliana" pigs are nothing more than mixed breeds aiming to get a color and body type. If they were a true breed, there would not be the huge discrepancies in coloring, body type and size. Those of us with sanctuaries see the huge variation in the "Julianas" that come into rescue. They're obviously mixes, but the name creates sales. Sadly, the buyers have simply spent their money on a mutt. It's not like buying a registered purebred Golden Retriever from a breeder. The majority of the pet pigs being sold today are the equivalent to a mixed breed dog…commonly called a "mutt". There is NO accurate way to define most of them by breed. Therein lies the necessity of using the generic term "mini pig", which should NEVER be confused with "micro" which is a blatant lie. There has to be a way to differentiate between the large breeds, who HAVE specific breed names and the mini pigs, who are a crazy mix of who knows what.
The word "mini" has become the standard to differentiate between farm pigs and the smaller breeds like potbellied pigs. While that term has been accepted, I fully agree that it can be misleading to uneducated people who were never prepared for ANY sized pig. Mini is simply a class of pigs, not a breed of pigs. Potbelly is a breed. Kune-Kune is a breed. And in comparison to farm pigs, they are indeed mini. I also think that term is commonly used because most pigs are mixed breeds. They aren't any "purebred" potbellied pigs anymore. They've been mixed with ferals and kunes and other real breeds, so mini sounds better than mutt pigs. There are breeds of dogs, but when you have several breeds that are bred, what is the offspring called? What if a Dalmatian and Chihuahua breed? A Dalhuahua? How about a Saint Bernard and German Shepherd? A Saint Shepherd? Most are referred to as "my dog", no breed attached. But, the word mini will likely continue to be used to catergorize the actual breeds of pigs that someone as trying to describe as smaller than a farm type pig. Now micro and teacup and nano and pocket and micro mini? Those are unacceptable descriptions, not only are they flat out lies, but they are completely misleading. We started this website because people were searching for "mini" pigs and it made sense to name the website a commonly searched term so it showed up when anyone was looking for info for their mini pig. However, once they actually read our website, even on the home page, it let's people know why it's called mini pig info, and how that term by itself can be misleading. We dedicated a page on the website to show others what realistic sizes of "mini" pigs are. You can see their stories and pictures by clicking here.
I would much rather have started a website called www.MyPigWasSupposedToBeMiniButEndedUpBeingAFatass.com, but that was obviously too much for people to type in the browser and also not something people would be searching for. I do not condone, support or endorse breeding, though admittedly, before I even knew about pig rescues, I purchased my pig. Had I known there were people out there that brought in pregnant pigs and worked with pigs so they could be adopted? I never would've purchased the love of my life that I have now, I would've submitted an application like anyone else and adopted. It's bitter sweet for me, I couldn't be happier with my pig (on most days. lol) but I do wish I had been exposed to the rescue side of pigs before I purchased a pig.
I do understand that some want a piglet and not a grown/mature pig. You don't have to buy a pig from a breeder if you want a piglet. Pig rescues have piglets. There are rescue networks that know about piglets that need excellent homes. There are people who have purchased piglets that quickly found out they weren't prepared for a pig and that piglet now needs a new home. Trust me when I say, piglets aren't always fun. Are they cute? Absolutely! But they are hard work. There is typically a process to adopt a pig versus buying one from someone who only cares about money. The people who have dedicated their time, resources and homes to foster these pigs have a legitimate concern about where they will go. They are emotionally vested in these pigs. So, while it may be "easier" to simply buy a pig, you are rewarding someone for bringing more potentially unwanted pigs into the world which keeps the process going and going. NOBODY can guarantee the health of your pig. Not a breeder, not a rescue, no one. ANY pig can become ill, any pig can carry traits passed along from many generations before that aren't dominant genes in other siblings or the parent pigs. If size is of the upmost importance for a pet, then a pig is likely NOT the pet for you, however, if there are city/county restrictions on the sizes of pets/pigs that are allowed, your best bet would be to rescue an older pig that is "fully grown" so there are no surprises. Just keep in mind, while the growth plates in the bones will eventually close and your pig may not get taller or longer, your pig will continue to gain weight if the diet isn't balanced and the amount of calories that are being consumed are more than the calories being burned off. Diets constantly have to be adjusted, so your pig doesn't become obese as they grow older, less active, arthritic, etc. (Diets also need to be adjusted when a mini pig is too skinny) Click here to read more about nutrition. Again, had I known about pig rescues when I purchased my pig, I probably would've gotten a rescue pig instead of purchasing a pig from a breeder. To find a pig rescue, you can look at the list we have created by clicking here.
I've rescued, I've fostered, I've transported, I've volunteered at pig rescues, I've donated time and money to various pig rescues, organizations, charities and will continue to educate, advocate and help in any way possible. I do not believe there are ANY healthy super small pigs, but I do know there are people who have unrealistic expectations and that they will find one. Unfortunately, 99.9999% will be disappointed and ultimately need to find that pig a home because that pig grew bigger than the little dainty cute pig they wanted, they don't understand pigs nor do they want to learn how to properly care for one. Those who have a passion for pigs and do everything in their power to help will also continue to help and educate people. I truly believe it is a community effort, it's sad that not everyone takes the time to truly learn about these precious creatures BEFORE they get one, myself included.
I was an ignorant first time pig mama and my pig suffered because of that. But sharing our stories and experiences is how we all learn. I humbly shared mine as embarrassing and heartfelt it was. My pig passed away at 9 months old because of an idiot breeder, my lack of knowledge, my vets inexperience and a slew of mistakes. That never should've happened. Although he had a genetic heart defect, likely as a result of inbreeding, I take full responsibility for his death. That is also why I bought every vet book there was, collected information from others and websites and credible people and myself along with people who are much smarter than me, created a website to teach other people everything we know about pigs and how to care for them. We get private messages all day, every day with questions. People email nonstop wanting help with their pigs, they call, we help with every bit of energy we have in us. We cry with those who have sick pigs and mourn with those who lose pigs. We laugh with those whose pigs are trouble makers and brainstorm with those who need advice. (Feel free to join our Facebook group and become a part of our pig family by clicking the link. Mini Pig Info Group)
The pig community is a family, a large, sometimes dysfunctional family, but that's no different that my human family. I have learned so much from other pig people and I am quite certain I will continue to learn on a daily basis. I just hate that everyone that is in the community is divided more and more everyday and having to fight with each other when it's not us who are the problem. It's the people who continue to lie, deceive and basically rob people, that need to take the brunt of the hatred, not each other. In the meantime, while mini doesn't accurately describe what the size of your pig will be, it does represent a group of pigs that we have all come to know and love. So when someone says there is no such a thing as a mini pig, they're both right and wrong. There is a miniature sized pig, also known as a mini pig or potbellied pig, but these pigs are anything but mini. This term only describes a class of pigs that are smaller than the farm pigs, but these do NOT describe actual breeds of pigs nor the size of the pig you will end up with. You can read more about actual breeds of pigs by clicking here. Do not add a pig to your family if you're not prepared to make a 20+ year commitment to a big ball of fun because that is likely what you will end up with. The journey to get there is long and draining, but once your pig becomes part of your family, you will become a parent to an unconventional pet that will steal your heart forever.
Written by: Brittany Sawyer & Dawn Camp
Mini Pig Standards
The standards of what constitutes a "mini pig" is a bit tricky. Pigs that would be considered "mini" vary a great deal, size wise. Colors, sizes, weights, heights, lengths, girths, and many other factors will ultimately decide if your pig should be considered a "mini pig". (This standard info is being created, so please know it is coming soon!)