Not many people would even entertain the idea of having a pig as a pet…well, at least not until recently. Things are a lot different nowadays however, and more and more people are gradually coming around to the idea of a pig as a household pet with pretty much the same status assigned to Rover. Potbellied pigs in particular are enjoying a newfound popularity, and they have become something of a cultural phenomenon in many countries around the world.
And there is a good reason why you may want to consider having a potbellied pig as a pet…several reasons in fact. As many scientists and researchers are aware of, pigs can actually be quite charming pets that are gifted with an intelligence that would give dogs a run for their money.
That being said, ownership of a potbellied pig is a bit different to owning a dog, and such animals have their own unique sets of needs with regard to care and nutrition. You have to realize that potbellied pigs–like all pigs–can be quite demanding, and you will likely have to give them a little bit more attention than you would a typical dog. Nevertheless, all of your effort will surely be worth it, as you come to realize the many unique and interesting traits that potbellied pigs are gifted with.
What are these traits? For one thing, potbellied pigs are really quite intelligent, and it is this quality that makes them so easy to train. Pigs are also generally affectionate and playful by nature, so you will definitely have hours and hours of fun simply enjoying the antics of your pet.
Contrary to what many people seem to still think, pigs can be quite clean and odor free as well, particularly if you pay close attention to their hygienic habits. In addition, cases of allergies to pigs are exceedingly rare.
One potential drawback to potbellied pig ownership has to do with the animals’ most apparent trait: their intelligence. Because they are quite a bit smarter than many other animals, they can be quite stubborn on occasion. They are also particularly demanding of stimulus and attention, and any pig that does not receive adequate stimulation may become bored and even destructive.
Of course pigs are also constantly in search of food, and potbellied pigs are no different. As many owners of potbellied pigs have realized to their surprise, their pets can learn how to open the fridge and even cupboards and pantries in search of food! This is a definite drawback to potbellied pig ownership–particularly if you haven’t trained them yet–and many a hapless potbellied pig owner has woken up only to find the remains of last night’s dinner strewn all over the kitchen floor!
These are only some of the more common pros and cons of potbellied pig ownership, but they should give you an indication of what you can expect when you take one into your home. Whether you do decide to go for it or not is up to you, but one thing is for sure, and that is your potbellied pig will surely be a pet like no other!
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