The Pot-Bellied Pig is a domestic breed closely related to other small Asian pig breeds, particularly those from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
100–150 lbs (45–68 kg)
Weight (Boar)
90–120 lbs (40–55 kg)
Weight (Sow)
16–26 in (41–66 cm)
Height
About
The Pot-bellied Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a small domestic pig breed belonging to the family Suidae. Originating in Vietnam, these pigs were first imported to North America and Europe in the 1980s, where they quickly gained popularity as companion animals. Unlike larger commercial breeds, Pot-bellied Pigs were bred primarily for small-scale farming and companionship rather than meat production.
As their name suggests, Pot-bellied Pigs have a distinct low-hanging, rounded belly. They are relatively small, typically weighing 100 to 200 pounds (45–90 kg) when kept as pets, though they can grow larger without careful diet management. Their short legs, sway backs, and slightly wrinkled faces add to their unique appearance. Coat colors vary widely, though black is most common, with white, gray, or spotted patterns also seen.
Intelligent, curious, and social, Pot-bellied Pigs are often compared to dogs in terms of trainability and companionship. They can be house-trained, learn tricks, and form strong bonds with their human families. However, they also require consistent training, enrichment, and outdoor access to thrive, as their intelligence can lead to mischief if they become bored.
While sometimes kept on small farms, they are more commonly found as pets. Their popularity has helped spread awareness of pigs as intelligent, affectionate animals, though some owners underestimate their long lifespan (12–20 years) and the space and care they require.
Today, Pot-bellied Pigs are cherished worldwide as pets, therapy animals, and ambassadors for greater appreciation of pigs in general. Their charm, personality, and distinctive look make them one of the most recognizable miniature pig breeds.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The Pot-Bellied Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a small domestic pig breed originally from Vietnam, now popular worldwide as both a pet and livestock animal.
Coat: Short, coarse hair that can be black, white, or spotted. The skin underneath is often dark and may wrinkle with age.
Head: Small to medium-sized head with a slightly dished profile, upright ears, and a short, straight snout.
Body: Compact and rounded with a distinctive low-hanging belly, giving the breed its name. Their back is often slightly arched, and the body is proportionally smaller than most farm pigs.
Legs & Hooves: Short legs with small but sturdy hooves. Their stocky stance supports their compact build.
Size:
Adult Boars: 100–150 lbs (45–68 kg)
Adult Sows: 90–120 lbs (40–55 kg)
Height: 16–26 in (41–66 cm) at the shoulder
The Pot-Bellied Pig’s small size, distinctive belly, and compact build set it apart from standard farm breeds, making it one of the most recognizable miniature pig types.
Reproduction
Mating and Breeding:
Pot-Bellied Pigs are fertile and capable of breeding year-round. Natural mating is common, though breeding is often carefully managed in pet and hobby farming communities to avoid overpopulation.
Breeding Age:
Sows may become fertile as early as 4–5 months, and boars at about 5 months, though responsible breeding usually waits until 8–12 months to ensure maturity.
Gestation:
The sow’s gestation lasts about 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days), consistent with most domestic pigs.
Litter Size:
Sows usually produce 4–8 piglets per litter, though larger litters up to 10 are possible. Piglets are small but vigorous at birth.
Parental Care:
Sows are protective and attentive mothers, nursing their piglets for 6–8 weeks. Piglets quickly become active and begin foraging alongside the sow.
Weaning and Growth:
Piglets are generally weaned at 6–8 weeks, transitioning to solid feed. They mature quickly and reach adult size by 2–3 years.
The Pot-Bellied Pig’s high fertility, early maturity, and strong maternal instincts contribute to its reputation as a prolific and hardy miniature pig breed.
Lifespan
In Domestic Care:
Pot-Bellied Pigs typically live 12–18 years, with many reaching 20 years when given proper nutrition, healthcare, and housing.
In Poor Conditions:
Without balanced diets or veterinary care, lifespans may be shortened to under 10 years due to obesity, arthritis, or organ issues.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
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Genetics: As a hardy miniature breed, they are naturally resilient but may carry predispositions to obesity-related health issues.
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Diet: Overfeeding, especially with calorie-rich human food, is a leading cause of shortened lifespan.
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Environment: Secure outdoor access, shelter, and space for rooting behaviors improve overall health and well-being.
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Care: Routine veterinary checkups, vaccinations, hoof trimming, and dental care are essential for long-term health.
Pot-Bellied Pigs can live much longer than most commercial pig breeds due to their role as pets and companions, often becoming long-term members of household
Eating Habits
Diet:
Pot-Bellied Pigs are omnivores that thrive on a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, and specially formulated pig pellets. Forage, such as grass and hay, is also important.
Foraging Behavior:
They are natural rooters, using their snouts to dig for roots, insects, and small plants. Access to pasture or outdoor space allows them to express this instinct.
Supplemental Feed:
Commercial mini-pig pellets provide balanced nutrition, preventing deficiencies and controlling weight. Treats such as fruit should be limited due to high sugar content.
Water Needs:
They require fresh water daily, usually drinking 1–2 gallons (4–8 liters) depending on size, diet, and climate.
Special Considerations:
Pot-Bellied Pigs are prone to obesity, which can lead to joint problems, heart disease, and shorter lifespans. Controlled feeding and regular exercise are essential.
The Pot-Bellied Pig’s diet focuses on variety, moderation, and weight management, ensuring health and longevity for this popular miniature pig breed.
Uniqueness
Miniature Size:
Unlike commercial pigs, Pot-Bellied Pigs remain small, typically under 150 lbs, making them one of the most popular pet pig breeds worldwide.
Distinct Appearance:
They are easily recognized by their low-hanging belly, short legs, and compact body, along with a slightly wrinkled face and upright ears.
Intelligence:
Highly intelligent and trainable, Pot-Bellied Pigs can learn commands, use litter boxes, and even perform tricks, rivaling dogs in problem-solving ability.
Long-Term Companions:
With lifespans up to 20 years, they are much longer-lived than typical farm pigs, often forming close bonds with humans.
Cultural Impact:
Introduced to the U.S. in the 1980s, they quickly became a symbol of the “pet pig” movement, sparking global interest in miniature pig breeds.
The Pot-Bellied Pig’s small size, intelligence, and role as a household companion make it one of the most unique and recognizable pig breeds in the world.
Be the First to Share Photos of This National Park.
FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the Pot-Bellied Pig?
2. How does the Pot-Bellied Pig compare to other pigs?
Pot-Bellied Pigs are much smaller, averaging under 150 lbs, with distinctive low bellies and upright ears. They are also longer-lived and often kept as pets.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities for seeing a Pot-Bellied Pig?
As domesticated animals, Pot-Bellied Pigs are not wild, but they may be seen at heritage farms and educational centersnear U.S. parks such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
4. How many type of pot-bellied pigs are there?
“Pot-bellied pig” is really an umbrella term for a group of small domestic pigs from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam. They were first imported into North America and Europe in the 1980s as companion animals.
Main Types / Strains of Pot-bellied Pigs
Over time, selective breeding created several strains or sub-types:
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Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig – the original small pig from Vietnam, usually black, compact, and with a low-hanging belly.
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Chinese Pot-bellied Pig – closely related, sometimes slightly larger, with more variation in color and body shape.
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Thai Pot-bellied Pig – smaller and leaner, with a less pronounced belly.
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Mixed/miniature variants – Many “mini pigs” or “teacup pigs” sold as pets are crossbred pot-bellied pigs, not a distinct breed.
In Summary
There are two to three recognized regional strains (Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai), but in practice many pet pot-bellies today are crossbred mixes marketed under names like “mini pig,” “Juliana pig,” or “teacup pig.”
