Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig

Pot-bellied pigs are a domestic breed of pig that came from Vietnam in 1985. They are believed to have originated from Red River Delta region in Vietnam. The breed was said to be one of the biggest population of pigs in Vietnam in the past.

They are much calmer and much smaller than a farm pig. A pot-bellied pig is usually full grown at three years of age and weighs 100-250 pounds.

Many pot-bellied pigs unfortunately weigh much more than this due to poor diet, overfeeding, and lack of exercise. Pigs are very glutinous animals and will eat until they vomit.

Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are usually plain black in color but if crossbred they may also be white, spotted, or have asymmetrical patterns.

Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs commonly have small heads and a slightly wrinkled face. Pigs also have poor eyesight and the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig is not exempt from that trait.

Their snouts are proportionally smaller compared to other breeds of pigs. The snout is sensitive to the touch and they have a powerful sense of smell.

Their ears are also small and usually pricked upwards. Despite the ear size, they still have great sense of hearing just like other pigs.

Pot-bellied pigs are the smallest breed of pig. Some claim there are "micro-mini" or "teacup" pigs, but these are just pot-bellied pigs that are either not full grown yet, malnourished, or inbred.

The micro-mini or teacup pigs will either expand significantly when full grown or live a very short life. Even if the outside of the pig stays small, its organs continue to grow to a normal size.

Pot-bellied pigs are exceptionally clean and smart animals. They can be easily trained to use a litter box or to go to the bathroom outside.

They can be trained to do many other things, such as to sit or come when called. Pigs love to be challenged and enjoy learning how to do new things.

They are naturally docile creatures that enjoy socializing. Pot-bellied pigs are also herd animals, which means they would do well when put together with another pig or even other pets like cats.

Most pigs are easily prone to diseases, but Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are more resistant to disease and parasites, as well.

At Fossil Rim, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig lives at the Children's Animal Center.