Pet enthusiasts have unique fantasies when it comes to their favorite animals. Some want to pet a Snake, others a Jaguar, whereas a huge section of people are drooling over ‘Dwarf Pigs.’ Yes, you read that right; pet persons are going nuts over Dwarf Pigs, and why not when they are so cute and fluffy? But is it really worth it?
Owning a Dwarf Pig might seem easy to many, but in reality, it isn’t. Pigs are very curious animals, and nurturing them is quite different and tricky than a dog or a cat. Normal pig behavior is quite fun; however, the way they manage their boredom can result in a ruckus in the house. In addition, dwarf pigs are prone to multiple health issues, including several communicable ones. Bringing a Dwarf Pig home means an extremely giving commitment for at least the next 15 years.
Is It Legal To Keep Dwarf Pig As A Pet?
Owning a pet Dwarf Pig is considered illegal in most parts of the world. Even though it may seem easier to possess them, several Zoning laws will make it a near impossible task.
According to laws associated with pigs, they strictly farm animals; therefore, keeping them in non-farming or non-agricultural settings is illegal in many forms. Even if you have a big backyard, chances are you might not get a permit to keep Dwarf Pigs.
Also, several animal welfare organizations surrender pet pigs from their owners every year.
Is Dwarf Pig legal to own in Australia?
Owning a Dwarf Pig in Australia is pretty restrictive. Many local councils in Australia do not release license or permit for keeping Dwarf Pigs in the garden, backyard, etc., even if you reside in a rural or countryside area.
It is extremely hard to gain legal permission to own any kind of Pig until you own agricultural or farming land.
In Australia, pigs like potbellied pigs and the Kune Kune are strictly prohibited. None of these two are recognized as true miniature pigs in the country.
Are Dwarf Pigs legal in the U.S.?
Dwarf Pigs currently have a very conflicting status in the United States. Some cities in the States are redefining pigs (including Dwarf Pigs) as pet animals along with being livestock. Some Zoning laws might legalize it to keep pigs within residential areas where earlier they were excluded for being livestock.
In the United States, different jurisdictions have different laws pertaining to keeping pigs as companions in residential areas.
Some regions might have a strict ban on possession of pigs, whereas others might allow keeping them after a long paper and permission work.
Some municipalities in the U.S. only allow Vietnamese potbellied pigs or certain pig breeds for pets. Keeping one beyond breed restriction might make the owner surrender the Pig to the authorities along with paying a fine.
NOTE: Before bringing home a Dwarf Pig in the United States, make sure you check your local laws. Taking permission from the authorities, house owners (in case you are a tenant), and the local legislature can save you from future hardships.
Dwarf Pig: Where Do They Come From?
The dwarf Pig is a small breed of domestic pig. They are popular for their unique personality and are smart, quirky, clean, and hypoallergenic. Dwarf pigs can be mixed or pure breeds and are common amongst pet enthusiasts.
One can easily distinguish them from regular pigs by short legs and neck, a chubby figure, a rounded head, a swayed back, and a pot belly.
Some of the common Dwarf pigs species from their cross-bred include the Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pig, Göttingen minipig, Juliana pig, Choctaw hog, and our Kune Kune.
Dwarf Pig Species Overview
| Name | Dwarf Pig |
| Other Names | Mini Pig, Miniature Pig, Teacup Pig, Juliana pig, Pygmy pig, Micro Pig. |
| Scientific Names | Sus scrofa domesticus |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Phylum | Animalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Suborder or Clade | Suina |
| Family | Suidae |
| Size | 35 to 50 cm tall 50 to 150 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 14 to 21 years (average 15 to 18) |
Dwarf Pig Housing Needs
For housing a Dwarf Pig or a Miniature Pig, about 0.5 square feet per kilogram of body weight per Pig is advisable. As their size grows, the size of their enclosure should also grow.
Pigs are active animals, and thus they require considerable space to walk and run around. If not provided for their daily exercise, they may turn out aggressive or destructive. Proper space for housing pigs also contributes to their health, growth, happiness, and overall well-being.
Dwarf pigs can also make good indoor pets, given they have their personal room with a pile of blankets. However, despite how much comfort you provide them indoors, pigs need an outdoor space to chill. An aquatic feature like a small pond in their outdoor enclosure will prove a great addition.
Pigs do not sweat; however, they are highly prone to sunburns. Thus, for their outdoor habitat, adding a cold shelter is mandatory.
Dwarf Pig Temperature and Humidity Needs
The ideal temperature for housing Dwarf Pigs is 75°F (24°C) for juveniles up to 16 weeks old, 63 to 77°F (17 to 25°C) for adults, and 84°F (29°C) for senior piglets. In addition, their humidity needs should be maintained between 55% to 70%.
Dwarf Pig Dietary Needs
Dwarf Pigs eat three or more feeding per day. Their diet basically consists of cereals such as wheat, barley, or oats. Pigs will also enjoy some share of apples, kale, mangelwurzel, turnips, beans, peas, or lupins, along with vegetable and fruit scraps.
In addition, all pigs need a fresh water supply for drinking throughout the day.
Dwarf Pig Cleaning Needs
Sponge baths or showers work well for most Dwarf Pigs. It is good to give a bath once a month using lukewarm water. However, this doesn’t mean that your Pig can handle or enjoy frequent bathing.
For the pig pen, ensure cleaning it once every week, or even twice if necessary.
Common Health Problems with Dwarf Pigs
The most common health consideration with Dwarf Pigs is their sexual maturity. If you are planning to pet a Dwarf Pig or even a pig in general, make sure you get it spayed/ neutered by a Vet at a very young age. An experienced veterinarian will use pain medication and make the procedure go easy and hassle-free.
Besides that, the common health challenges Dwarf Pigs suffer from include Obesity, Respiratory Illness, Constipation, Arthritis, Skin Problems, and Urinary Tract Issues.
Do Dwarf Pigs Make Good Pets?
Dwarf Pigs can make good pets for specific individuals. They aren’t like dogs and cats, thus not as accustomed to being handled. Besides that, pigs’ genetics make it difficult for them to be friendly with humans.
During the first few weeks of domestication, it is likely that your Dwarf Pig will hide from you. In instances when you try to approach them, they might turn aggressive or even try to bite. Therefore, individuals expecting pigs to be as snuggly as dogs and cats might be disappointed.
It is essential to give Dwarf Pigs, or any pig, sometimes to accustomed to the environment. Allow them to adjust nicely before you try to befriend them. With time and polite efforts, they might prove as good house pets for you.
How Much Does a Dwarf Pig Cost?
For purchasing a Dwarf Pig or Miniature Pig, be ready to spend anywhere between $750 to $3,500. The cost of keeping the animal, including their enclosure, diet, and medical need, will add up to many extra dollars. Expect to spend at least $5000 each year on their well-being.
Where To Buy a Dwarf Pig?
For buying a Dwarf Pig, consider visiting pig farms and ranches. You won’t find these animals in any pet shop; however, your nearest pet dealer can definitely help you with the information.
Instead of buying, you can also go for adopting one of those Dwarf pigs that were abundant for one reason or another. You can find them in shelters or rescue groups and help them get a new home.
NOTE: When buying a Dwarf Pig, contact only a certified seller/ breeder. Due to the increasing popularity of Mini Pigs, several groups have been fooling people by selling them piglets. However, later these piglets grow as huge as regular pigs.
Where to find a Dwarf Pig Breeder?
Registered mini pig breeders follow the code of ethics and provide proof of age, breed, and size with their pigs. Therefore it is always better to contact only certified individuals when buying Dwarf Pigs or any other exotic animal.
While buying a Dwarf pig, get in touch with the American Mini Pig Association.
Advantages and Disadvantages of owning a Dwarf Pig
- Dwarf pigs are cuddly and love sharing a bed with their human family.
- Dwarf pigs are hypoallergenic.
- Dwarf Pigs are clean and do not leave any false odor.
- Dwarf Pigs are easy to house train and potty train.
- Dwarf Pigs can make it both indoors and outdoors.
- It is difficult to find a Vet who can and is willing to treat Mini Pigs.
- Dwarf Pigs can prove destructive to your indoor environments.
- It takes some time for Dwarf pigs to build a bond with their human master.
- Dwarf Pigs are extremely intelligent and can get humans into trouble.
- Dwarf Pigs are extremely messy, especially during their meal time.
- Dwarf Pigs require a strict routine and constant guidance; they can be difficult pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most loving Mini Pig Breed?
Potbellied Pig, Miniature Pig, and the Kune Kune pig are the cutest, lovable, and most friendly pig breeds to have.
Do Dwarf pigs stay small all their life?
It may come out as a little disappointing, but Dwarf Pigs do not stay mini all their life. Even the tiniest of them can grow 150 to 180 pounds at full size, which is quite huge. A breed of very tiny pigs doesn’t exist in nature, and all of them will eventually grow.
Are Dwarf Pigs noisy pets?
Dwarf Pigs, though, do not make any unnecessary sounds, but they can prove extremely loud when they communicate.
Wrapping up…
Can you have Dwarf Pigs as pets? If you have enough space and your local legislature allows, you can definitely have Dwarf pigs as pets. However, before bringing those cute animals home, make sure you can fulfill their responsibility. A lot of individuals who once owned Mini pigs have now abundant them out of growing responsibilities. Those poor animals then suffer in overcrowded rescue centers and shelters.