We're all familiar with Lassie, Marley, Homer and legions of other dogs and cats about whom books have been written and movies made.
But you may not realize that potbellied pigs—clean, highly intelligent and affectionate—make great companions too.
According to Pam Munici, president of the North American Potbellied Pig Association, potbellies are the fourth smartest mammal, with the intellect of a 4-year-old human. And they just love to snuggle with their people.
Like dogs, potbellied pigs enjoy learning tricks, but pigs are quicker studies! They're even among the registered Therapy Animals who visit hospitals, schools, autism support groups and other places where needy humans benefit from the unconditional acceptance of an animal.
Like cats, potbellies can be trained to use a litterbox filled with shredded paper or pine shavings (never kitty litter).
And like other animals, pigs have been known to save a beloved person's life.
Unlike dogs and cats, pigs have hair, not fur. So people allergic to dog and cat dander may be fine with a potbellied pal.
Some pigs and dogs can become friends too, but must be introduced very carefully; pigs are prey to dogs. “Many people just let the dog go over to the pig, who can’t defend itself. Instead, it’s important to keep the dog on a leash and to supervise meet-ups for at least two to four weeks,” Pam says. An exotic pet veterinarian or an animal behaviorist can provide additional tips.
Pam points out that potbellied pigs can live indoors but like going outside, whether to leash-walk with their humans or romp about a fenced yard. Play is important both for exercise--so potbellies don't get fat as a human!--and because pigs have such sharp, inquisitive minds.
THE SAD FACT OF LIFE FOR POTBELLIED PIGS Well cared for potbellies can live from 12 to 18 years. Unfortunately, many don’t, thanks to human ignorance and cruelty.
Like dogs and cats, pigs are overbred and under-homed. Some people purchase pigs without giving careful consideration to whether they can provide for their needs--different than those of a dog or cat--only to abandon them.
But while no-kill shelters and rescue groups for dogs and cats are becoming more prevalent, those for potbellied pigs are few and far between.
And potbellies, as loving as any pet, more intelligent than most, are often slaughtered for “sport”—or because people who wouldn’t dream of eating the family dog have no problem roasting or frying a pig.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? First, learn about potbellies. This is absolutely essential before adopting one. So is checking with your city or town hall to make sure zoning ordinances will allow you to keep a pet pig.