Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The African pygmy, or Guinea hog, is a small black pig descended from larger red hogs
thought to have been imported to the Americas from Africa aboard slave ships. One reason
African pygmies make good pets is that they have long life spans, sometimes reaching 25
years. An African pygmy is only 40 to 60 pounds, making this a manageable breed. They
have kinked tails, straight backs, and medium, pricked ears. Their shiny black coats are hairy
rather than bristly, which makes for better cuddling. Not a potbellied breed, African pygmies
are grazers and prefer lush, green grasses. This friendly, adaptable breed can be a cute, cuddly
companion for many years.
Juliani/Painted Miniature
Painted miniature pigs were imported to the United States from Europe. They range from 15
to 60 pounds and have a small potbelly, a slightly swayed back, and proportionally longer legs
than true potbellies. They can be black, red, white, silver, or a mixture of these colors. They
are among the friendliest, most playful miniature pigs and are considered extremely gentle.
Also, they are so small that they integrate more easily into an average home — some are even
kept in urban apartments.
Kunekune
This fine pig is a more recent addition to the family of pet pigs in the United States. Imported
from New Zealand, their name comes from the Maori word “kune,” which means fat and
round. Their most distinctive feature is probably their wattles — tassels hanging from their
lower jaw — known as pire pire in the Maori language. Their ears may be erect or semi-
lopped, and they come in a wide range of colors: black and white, red, white, brown, and
gold. A mid-sized pet pig, they range from 90 to 120 pounds, have attractive pug noses, and
may have spotted or calico coats.
Kunekunes are efficient grazers, so during the summer months, they may sustain themselves
just by keeping your lawn well trimmed. In addition, they do not usually root, so they will not
spoil the appearance of your grass.
Vietnamese Potbellied
Developed from the “I” breed of Vietnam in the 1950s, potbellied pigs are among the most
common pet breeds in the United States. Keith Connell, who saw their potential as zoo anim-
als, first brought them into the United States through Canada in 1985. As the name implies,
the potbellied pig has an exaggerated potbelly with a swayed back, erect ears, extremely short
