Teacup pigs are adorable. That’s just a fact. But there are a lot of things to consider when thinking about getting any animal as a pet, so we’re outlining why you need a teacup pig and why you might think twice. At the end of the day, though, neither really matter, since this was just an excuse to look at teacup pigs.
Why you need a teacup pig
Teacup pigs are lap animals. They enjoy following you around and snuggling with you on the sofa, and with proper training and care, the vast majority are sweet and lovely.
Teacup pigs don’t have coats, so they don’t shed dander like cats and dogs. That means they tend not to aggravate allergies in people with pet allergies.
Teacup pigs are very trainable, as they are very intelligent. You can litter train them, and teach them tricks just as you would a dog. Teacup pigs are motivated by food, so treat-based positive reinforcement training is best. You can take them for walkies, and you can usually use products made for dogs, including leads, bowls and adorable little jackets and wellies.
Pigs don’t have sweat glands, so they don’t generate their own funky smell. The males only begin to stink because when they mature they develop scent glands that smell awful. Neutered and female pigs don’t develop these glands, so they never really smell bad in and of themselves.
Teacup pigs are very sociable, and they get on well with other household pets, especially if they are introduced to other animals at a younger age.
In a wonderfully delicious twist, teacup pigs love to be in blankets. And not just during winter holidays. All the time. Digging around in blankets helps alleviate their rooting instinct, and when they do that, you’ll have a pig in blanket.
Why you’ll want to think twice
Teacup pigs aren’t a special breed. They are regular pigs that are bred to be smaller than most. Breeders can’t necessarily guarantee teacup pigs will stay a certain size, though, because genetics can be tricky like that.
You need to know the legalities of owning a teacup pig in your area. They can be considered livestock or exotic animals, both of which may require special licences, so check local laws.
Teacup pigs do grow up, and they usually grow to be around 50-60 pounds, about the same as a medium-sized dog (though 100+ pounds isn’t unheard of). They also live 15-20 years and even longer, so they are a pretty big commitment.
As exotic pets, teacup pigs can be very expensive. Generally you can’t adopt one from a shelter. You have to do research and buy one from a reputable breeder. Standard procedures for cats and dogs, like spaying and neutering, need to be done by a specialist on a teacup pig. This is important because you have to spay and neuter teacup pigs. Otherwise, when they mature, the males in particular can become aggressive, start stinking and grow tusks that they can use as weapons.
Teacup pigs need access to water, as they love to play in it. If you get a teacup pig, get a paddling pool. It will create mud to roll around in – as pigs use this to keep insects off of them and protect them from the sun – so you will have to wash mud off of it almost constantly.
Pigs don’t have anything that regulates their hunger, so they are always hungry. They can learn how to open fridges and cabinets to get at food, and they will constantly root around for more food. That means sometimes they will see if they can eat your carpets, furniture and more.
Okay, so those are the pros and cons of having a teacup pig. Some think they are too much hassle, and others couldn’t imagine their lives without their pigs. Like any animal, you have to weigh up the benefits and the disadvantages and make an informed decision about whether or not you can handle the responsibility and whether or not the animal will be happy with the life you can give them. It’s not a decision to make lightly, because you don’t want to put a pig in a rescue centre just for being itself.
But really, at the end of the day, just look at that smooshy face!
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