Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Breeds
Breed selection is an important part of the decision-making process for new pig owners,
whether you intend to keep them as pets, for breeding, or to raise them for the table or market.
Your geographic location is important when determining which breed to raise because differ-
ent breeds do better in different climates. Darker pigs are common in sunnier southern regions
because their pigmentation helps protect them from sunburn. If you live in a colder state, you
may wish to choose a breed with a shaggier coat that can help them stay warm in winter
months.
A key factor in making this decision is which breeds are available in your area, but it is also
important to consider what you plan to do with your pigs. If you are planning to establish a
breeding program, you want to buy the best stock you can find. Purebred pigs are pedigreed,
carefully regulated, and expensive. If you are just planning to fatten a pig or two for the table,
crossbred pigs will do nicely, so long as they are produced by a knowledgeable, responsible
breeder with a purposeful breeding plan.
Pet breeds
There are a number of breeds more suited to pet ownership than the larger meat breeds. Many
of these pigs are still raised as food breeds, but their smaller size makes them better as pets.
Because of their great similarity to humans, both in physical attributes and in their social be-
havior, they can fit right into a human household under the right circumstances. It is important
to consider, though, whether your household will fit right in with them. Are there members of
your family who would be incompatible with pigs? Do you have other pets that might behave
aggressively toward them?
Because pigs are such social animals, they can form strong bonds with people and other anim-
als. You should realize that this also means they often require companionship, so you will
need to consider whether you are able to provide them the type of home they need. Do you
have the space needed? Can you devote the appropriate amount of time to your pet pig?
Miniature pigs can be either midgets, which means they are much smaller, but proportionally
identical to their larger counterparts, or dwarfs, which means they are smaller and proportion-
ally different, such as potbellies.
African Pygmy/Guinea Hog
