Pot-Bellied Pigs

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By peace | December 31, 2007

A primary characteristic of the pot-bellied pig is its pot belly, which hangs low and may even touch the ground. Pot-bellies also have a swayed back.

The Genuine Pot-Bellied Pigs
Many piglets are sold as genuine pot-bellies each year, and the buyers really have only themselves to blame if they end up with less than the genuine piglet. There are basically two ways you can be sure you are not being sold a ‘counterfeit’. The first is by looking at what is in front of you. The pot-belly must have a straight tail. If it is curly, this indicates a crossing, at the least, with a domestic pig breed.

The pot-bellied youngster will have, albeit in a milder form, a potbelly. It will also have the typical wrinkled snout of this variety to a greater or lesser degree. Its ears will not be as large as those in domestic pig breeds. If you view enough babies, you will have a firm mental picture as to what this breed looks like.

The second method of identification is via the paperwork that should come with the youngster. This will include a pedigree and a registration certificate. An unregistered piglet should still have a pedigree. The latter indicates its line of descent, which should be pot-bellied all the way back through each generation. You cannot assess the quality of the piglet from its pedigree as many people mistakenly believe. At best, it may suggest quality is possible.

Both the pedigree and the registration form will indicate on them the colour, sex and age of the piglet. However, some people might forged the documents and you have to be sure you are purchasing the piglet from a reputable source.

Colour and Size
Pot-bellied pigs can be sexually mature from about the age of four months onwards. They will not be physically mature until they are in their second year(at the earliest). If the pig you purchase matures to be under 100 pounds and less than 53cm at the shoulder, you have a miniature pig. Pot-bellied pigs are available in a range of colours and patterns. The basic colour of pot-bellies is black, but a number of other colours and colour patterns are also available in the hobby. The colour is only important if that one colour or pattern appeals to you more than the others. Of itself, colour has no bearing on either the quality or the disposition of the piglet; these traits are inherited completely independent of each other.

Unless you are really determined to obtain a particular colour and pattern, you are advised to concentrate on obtaining a piglet of sound health and breeding, and one which has a very stable temperament that reflects its breeding and the care lavished on it by the owner. This is the piglet that will prove to be by far the better pet.

Should You Own A Pig?
There are a number of things that you should consider before purchasing a pot-bellied pig, including its suitability as a pet in your household. Do not purchase on impulse. When selecting a pot-belly, health and temperament are the most important qualities to consider. The colour of the animal has no bearing on its disposition. Male pet pigs should be neutered, and female pet pigs should be spayed.