Sure, they're cute, but you're going to want to read our guide before adding one to the family.
By Jill Gleeson Published: Aug 2, 2024 Expert consulted: Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB Save Article
Mini pigs have become a legit pop culture phenom, with celeb owners like Paris Hilton, David Beckham, and Miley Cyrus posing with them in magazine spreads and on red carpets. These pint-sized porkers are so adorable that you might be thinking of adding one to the fam. But before you do, you're definitely going to want to check out our complete teacup pig guide. Owning one of these cute critters isn't like having a dog, a cat, or, for that matter, even chickens or a goat. Pygmy pigs, as they're also called, are a lot more complicated and not just because they don't stay small. That's why as many as 90 percent of people who purchase this animal end up relinquishing them to a rescue or even just dumping them in the countryside.
Also known as dwarf, micro, Juliana, and nano pigs, teacup pigs often come saddled with troubling issues that may include serious health problems and short lifespans. They also can be expensive to purchase and keep, need loads of room to romp and may not even be legal to own where you live. Like we said, complicated. With all of the challenges that come with owning a teacup pig, many people find themselves unable to care for their new family member and have to make the heartbreaking decision to give them up. But finding a new home for a pig, large or small, can be next to impossible.
According to Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB and Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, that's why it's crucial to have all the facts before purchasing a teacup pig. "I have worked with teacup pigs and other exotic companion animals during my years in practice," Dr. Dench says. "While teacup pigs may be considered trendy, not all prospective owners are fully aware of what it means to look after a pig. I believe that raising awareness about these issues is crucial for potential pet owners to make informed decisions." So, read on for our 10-point guide to these sought-after swines—that way, you can be sure you're making the right choice before you adopt one.
Yes, you heard us right. "Teacup pigs, often advertised as a novelty or a smaller breed, are typically regular pot-bellied pigs that are underfed to stunt their growth," Dr. Dench explains. (They're also usually sold as piglets, and are several years away from reaching their full size.) So, that sweet little piggie you're looking at online is most likely being starved by unscrupulous breeders to keep him tiny. And he won't stay that way forever.
A domesticated breed hailing from Vietnam, pot-bellied pigs were first made famous by George Clooney, who had one for nearly 20 years. While regular farm hogs can easily tip the scales at upwards of 700 pounds or more, pot-bellied pigs are much smaller. However, they can still reach 250 pounds, and even the smallest shouldn't weigh less than 60 pounds. That's a lot larger than the 10-pound weight at maturity you might be told to expect from your teacup pig's breeder.
As noted, if you purchase what's being billed as a teacup pig, chances are good that he was purposefully underfed to keep him small. Besides being flat-out cruel, "This practice leads to numerous health problems, including malnutrition, bone weakness and organ dysfunction," says Dr. Dench. "Statistics suggest up to 90% of 'teacup' pigs suffer from nutritional deficiencies that severely impact their quality of life. The health issues stemming from their deliberate underfee ding also contribute to a drastically shortened lifespan."
Breeders may also inbreed their teacup pigs in an attempt to select for smaller stature, which can lead to a wide range of physical problems as well. Whether brought about by bad genetics, deliberate malnourishment, or both, sick teacup pigs can end up costing their human families big money for extra exams, medication, surgeries, special food and more. And that's if you can even find a vet who can/will treat a pig. You may need to try to locate a large animal vet, which isn't an easy proposition unless you live in a rural area.
Speaking of pricey, teacup pigs can routinely sell for thousands of dollars. And once you get your new family member home, costs don't decrease. Unless you underfeed your pig—which some breeders tell their clients to do, so their pigs stay small—the cost of keeping your porker in proper food, along with other expenses, can start at around $100 a month and rocket up to as much as $1,000 monthly.
It's important to keep in mind that teacup pigs are not only often associated with higher vet costs than a dog or cat, they require a special diet that may also be more expensive. Veggies like green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, and zucchini are all on the menu for these pigs, as is special pot-bellied pig food pellets, hay, eggs, unsalted nuts, and dried fruit.
One of the most difficult facts for any pet parent to face is that their four-legged friend lives a far shorter life than they do. Sadly, teacup pigs often suffer even more abbreviated lives. "In a natural setting, pigs can live up to 15-20 years, but teacup pigs often suffer from complications early in life, reducing their life expectancy significantly," says Dr. Dench. "In veterinary practice, it's not uncommon to see these animals develop early onset of diseases typically seen in older, larger pigs."
Underfed teacup pigs can not only suffer from bone density issues, but also weak immune systems that can shorten their life spans, as well as sensitive skin and hoof problems. For these and other reasons, most teacup pigs do not live past five years of age.
Sure, if that little 10-pound piggie was going to actually stay 10 pounds through adulthood, he might not need too terribly much room to wander. But a pig five, 10 or 20 times that weight "requires a substantial amount of space to roam and forage," according to Dr. Dench. Rooting and digging is a natural, instinctual behavior for this animal, as is rolling around in muck and mire and playing in water. When they don't get to exercise in this way, pigs can become bored and destructive, much like a giant toddler with tusks and hooves. Frustration can even turn to aggression if they aren't offered enrichment activities. Pigs are incredibly intelligent and curious creatures, requiring consistent engagement and room to explore.
Even if you have a big backyard you don't mind turning into a piggy playpen, local authorities may see your pet as a farm animal rather than a companion. Zoning laws and regulations (to say nothing of HOA rules!) may forbid keeping a swine in a residential, non-agricultural area. Before you purchase a teacup pig, be sure to check in with your township or borough and find out if any restrictions are in place.
Pigs, much like dogs, live in tight-knit groups. They strongly bond with each other, sleeping, eating, playing and foraging together. While your pig may see you as part of his "sounder," or pack, chances are good he's going to miss the company of his own kind, which can cause big behavioral problems. But few and far between are the pig parents who have the resources to keep two or more pigs.
"Pigs are inherently social creatures that thrive in a herd environment," Dr. Dench confirms. "Isolating a teacup pig, which often occurs in urban settings where only one pig is kept as a pet, can lead to significant behavioral and psychological stress. Observations in clinical practice show that pigs deprived of social interactions with other pigs exhibit more stress-related behaviors and can develop aggressive tendencies."
Birds of a feather flock together, and while pigs flourish when surrounded by other pigs, they may not get along at all with other pets. If your dog is a larger and more territorial breed, he may attack and injure, or even kill, your teacup pig. Pigs love to eat and can also tend toward food aggression, especially if they were underfed as piglets. This can cause fights at feeding time. Think carefully before getting a teacup pig if you have other animals, or would like to adopt a dog or cat in the future.
The good news is that pigs are not the dirty critters they are (falsely) reputed to be, according to Dr. Dench. "Like any pet, the cleanliness of pigs depends on the care they receive," she says. "However, they do have a typical pig odor which some people do not like." Be prepared to keep your pig clean with a monthly bath, and periodic hoof and tusk trims. Pigs can be potty-trained, but whether they use a litter box or a dedicated outside area, you're going to need to dispose of their waste, which for a 100-pound or more animal can be considerable.
Even if you've done your due diligence and think you understand the significant financial, physical, and emotional commitment it takes to welcome a teacup pig into your family, you may still find yourself unable to care for him. And unfortunately, you might not be able to find a safe space for your porcine pal. "Legal and spatial challenges contribute to high rates of abandonment," Dr. Dench says of the unhappy fate many of these animals share. "Rehoming teacup pigs is exceptionally challenging due to their specific care needs and the common misconceptions about their size and care requirements."
While there are a few domestic pig rescues in the country, most are overwhelmed and unable to accept surrenders. Regular animal rescues often don't accept pigs; for these reasons it can take months to rehome a pig, according to the North American Pet Pig Association. And even if a shelter will take your pig, there's no guarantee he will find a new forever home. In fact, he probably won't. Many pet pigs end their short, sad lives being euthanized. For the well-being of these wonderful animals, and your family's happiness, only adopt a pig if you are absolutely sure you can provide for him for his entire life.
FACT: There is no such thing as a teacup pig. The breed does not exist. Teacup pigs are really pot-bellied pigs sold as babies and usually underfed to stay small. Healthy and well-cared for pot-bellied pigs weigh at least 60 pounds and routinely reach 200 pounds or more. Be especially wary of breeders who show you images of your pig's tiny parents as proof of his eventual mature size. Pigs can breed at two months old, so chances are good you're just seeing baby pigs who will grow up. and up. and up.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
Expert consulted: Kathryn Dench, MA VetMBDr. Kathryn Dench, MA VetMD, has more than two decades of experience as a veterinarian. She works as a small animal veterinarian in private practice, and as a clinical advisor and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the United Kingdom. Dr. Dench also serves as the chief scientific advisor for Paw Origins.
