If you were listening to a salesperson tout the advantages of pot-bellied pigs as pets you might imagine it was a sales pitch for dogs. These are their attributes:
* affectionate
* clean
* curious
* non-allergenic
* odorless
* playful
* quiet
* trainable
Keep in mind these are generalizations. Just as we now have a "maverick" in the political spotlight in the US, there will be an occasional pot-bellied pig who's behavior is out of the norm.
This breed of pig comes from Vietnam. Genetically having a swayed back and big belly, this doesn't indicate a weight problem. A normal weight range is from 60-300 pounds (27-136 kg). Due to the body density they are heavier than they look. You can discern a normal weight range by the ability to feel their hip bones with normal pressure. Another rule-of-thumb is - if you cannot see the eyes due to a roll of fat covering them - they are unhealthily obese.
It takes a pot-bellied pig six years to reach full growth potential. This is determined by the fact that the epiphyseal plates in the spine are fully sealed at that time. This is a relatively long period of development as compared to dogs, for example. Most experts consider a dog full-grown at the age of one year.
The pig is an intelligent animal and is easily housebroken. You can teach him tricks although he isn't physically capable of all tricks a dog can do. He can be trained to walk on a leash. The pig is genetically inclined to be on a constant search for food. Due to his "smarts" he can learn to open the refrigerator. If you consider dogs to be annoying when they beg at the table, the pig can be even more demanding. They beg, they root and overturn the household in their zeal. They have been known to take food from children.
They must be well trained to avert their inclination to be aggressive. They can attempt dominance over those in the family who will allow it. Use common sense to ease them in to acceptable behavior just as you would a small child or a dog. Rewards, consistency, rewards, praise and then more rewards in the form of treats.
Expect to make an eighteen to twenty year commitment when adopting a pot-bellied pig into the family. Its life span is twelve to eighteen or twenty years. Food, vet care (including vaccinations), hoof trims, spaying or neutering and proper food are not inexpensive undertakings.
Perhaps do a little research and visit a breeder before leaping in to pot-bellied pig ownership. It's a sad situation that many of them are discarded as pets due to the owner's inexperience or unreasonable expectations. Be sure you have enough time and money to devote to the pot-bellied pig or any new pet before purchase. It's a pig of course but it may grow very attached to you just as a dog does.
As a final consideration, are you willing to give up having a breakfast of "bacon" and eggs?
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