Potbellied Pigs Charm Their Way Into Pet Lovers' Homes and Hearts
By: Elizabeth Arnold

Loving. Communicative. Affectionate. These might not be the terms we generally use to describe pigs, but to potbellied pig owners, these are the characteristics that make their unconventional pets so endearing and charming.

Eva Ingram, owner of Belly Draggers Ranch, a nonprofit sanctuary specializing in the rescue and care of potbellied pigs in San Martin, Calif., adds that her potbellied pig, Hammish, is also intelligent.

"We always put a daytime blanket out for the pigs to sleep on in the sun, and Hammish takes out a different blanket and drags the other one back in his shed," Ingram explained. "The next day we put the one he chose out and he drags it back and gets a different one. He wants to make his own choices."

The potbellied pig is a domesticated breed but is considerably smaller than the farm variety that most are familiar with. Potbellied pigs easily perform tricks for food rewards, can be walked on a leash or harness, and will use a modified litter box with no formal training.

Penny Shumaker Jeffrey of Pig Pals of NC says that potbellied pigs make wonderful pets for certain people, but warns that making the decision to care for a miniature pig should be well thought out.

"Potbellied pigs are unlike any cats or dogs you may know," Jeffrey said. "Pigs are herd animals and therefore should be adopted at least in pairs." She also explains that you should be very cautious about adding a potbellied pig to a household with children, as pigs can be domineering. She also warns that dogs are natural predators to pigs, and that mixing the two can cause serious harm or even death.

"If you are a family that likes an independent pet with a distinct personality, and have the outdoor space to comfortably house a pig, then this type of pet may work for you," Jeffrey said. She also urges anyone thinking of adopting a potbellied pig to check with their local zoning ordinance to see if a miniature pig is allowed in their area, as each city and state has specific laws about owning them.

Prior to adopting a potbellied pig, prospective piggy parents are encouraged to educate themselves about the species, and to avoid impulse buys. Several books are available to help you get acquainted with potbellied pigs and to help you decide if this type of pet is appropriate for your lifestyle.

Nancy Shepherd, author of Potbellied Pig Parenting, and owner of www.potbellypigofmyheart.com, says that finding a reputable potbellied pig breeder is essential. She says that you must pay close attention to the health, conformation, and lineage of your prospective pet.

"You can buy an unregistered, mismanaged, unsocialized, crossbred and unhealthy pig from a bad breeder for very little money, or adopt a healthy, happy and registered pig from a reputable breeder," Shepherd said. She adds that the saying "you get what you pay for" proves very true when buying a potbellied pig.

Shepherd also says that the advantages of owing a potbellied pig far outweigh the disadvantages. There are many reasons why people choose to welcome a pig into their home, including the fact that they are usually non-allergenic, quickly trained, low-maintenance and that they shed very little.

Potbellied pigs are very curious and social by nature. Pigs are rated as the fifth most intelligent animal. They function by instinct, intuition and memory. Perhaps most importantly, pigs are very affectionate creatures and love companionship and being close to their owners. Shepherd says that many potbellied pig owners even allow their pets to share the bed with them because they are warm, cuddly and don’t "hog" the bed.

"There is something very cosmic about the Porcine species," Shepherd shares. "It is hard to verbalize, but there are those of us humans that have an unexplainable connection with them. Their personalities and appearance simply beckon to many of us to become personally involved."