Dwarf Pigs as Pets
Dwarf pigs are gaining popularity as pets and yet there is very little information available about what it takes to be the owner of a miniature pig. All pet owners know that they need to thoroughly educate themselves before making a commitment to a pet as it is a serious responsibility and not to be undertaken lightly.
Small pigs may seem like a cute idea but if you are thinking of brining one home and making it dependent on yourself, it is best that you know the good, the bad and the ugly so that you are not likely to get turned off by it very soon.
Physical and emotional characteristics
Dwarf pigs looks exactly like full grown or standard sized pigs except that they are more compact and weigh less. If a standard pig tends to weigh around 150 to 200 pounds, a dwarf pig or miniature pig weighs around 50 pounds. This makes them easier to handle but does not in any way reduce their personality!
Dwarf pigs are social and playful. They are capable of giving and receiving affection and they are capable of being naughty. Pigs are highly intelligent and it is possible to relate with them. They are also known to be stubborn and demanding. They are naturally curious and given to exploring their surroundings. They do not take it lying down if they are thwarted – they will let their displeasure be known either physically or orally.
Environment
Dwarf pigs much like their full-sized cousins need physical space where they can root and dig. This is part of their genetic make-up and so apartment dwellers who believe they can handle a smaller sized pig should be aware that they need to make provisions for this urge to dig.
It is not easy to keep a pig cooped up or locked in. They are good at figuring out how to open doors and cupboards and so it is not always easy to create a safe space to leave them unsupervised. Given their ability to break free they may not stay long in the safe space! More than one farmer has stories of how incredibly clever pigs are about getting out of their enclosure. Given this tendency to wander and explore, it can be a real challenge to keep a pig inside the house, no matter what its size.
Pigs thrive on routine and structure. So, as soon as you bring your dwarf pig home make it point to establish a routine. Meal times and exercise times should be factored in and a day that revolves around a set agenda will make it easier for your pet and you. There should also be structure in terms of where the pig eats and where he or she sleeps. This defining of space is better than letting the pig have treats in varied places and it will be harder to train your pet to recognize acceptable behavior. As pigs are known to need plenty of water, it may be a good idea to have a water station which the pig can visit whenever he is thirsty so that you do not have to give him water each time. But this has to be set up with the awareness the water may well end up spilling out of the container.
Another thing to note is dwarf pigs can be loud. Pigs are known to squeal in delight and unhappiness and so they are not pets that can be kept hidden. If you live in a place where zoning prohibits pets or where the landlord is not eager to have pets, a dwarf pig is not a good solution for your urge to have a pet.
Dwarf pigs will make a great pet for an owner who is open-minded to messiness and willing to go with the flow. A owner who does not have too much time or space will do best to avoid a dwarf pig even though the size tempts some people to assume that this can be done with a low level of commitment.