Potbellied Pig

Potbellied pigs have a sway back, large "pot belly" stomach, and, when compared to other breeds of pigs, relatively short shouts. They have small, rounded, pricked ears, straight tails and often have wrinkled faces. Potbellied pigs are black, white, black with white markings, white with black markings, or silver in color. Adult potbellied pigs have course, dense bristles and most have a "mane" or "Mohawk" that runs along the top of the neck and topline. The Mohawk bristles can be raised or lowered based on the pigs emotional state (upright bristles does not always indicate aggressive feelings).

Potbellied pigs have very fine bones relative to their size. Their hooves consist of two main toes and two dew claws. The dew claws touch the ground in most cases. Male potbellied pigs grow tusks even if neutered. Females also grow tusks, but are much smaller. Ancestors of the potbellied pig were first domesticated in South China thousands of years ago.

The Vietnamese Potbellied Pig, known in Vietnam as the "I" breed, was first imported to Canada in 1985 by Keith Connell. These pigs are from the Red River delta area and are mostly black with wrinkled, dished faces and small, eked ears. Known as the "small pig" the adults are about 200 pounds. The "I" breed pigs came to be known and the "Con Line."

Pigs are highly intelligent, social and affectionate herd animals. They have been called sly and devious and have been compared to a two or three year old child regarding their emotional maturity. Their intelligence is a double-edged sword, as they tend to get bored very easy. A pig confined to a house may entertain itself by eating wall paper, rooting up linoleum and tipping tables. For that reason, they should always have regular access to a outdoor area. Pigs are generally better behaved if they are raised in the company of other pigs.

Pigs are omnivores. They eat fruit, vegetables, grains and meat. They also have quite a sweet tooth. They use their snout to 'root' up tasty roots and shoots. When grasses and other leafy greens such as clover, dandelions, chickweed, alfalfa and many kinds of 'weeds' are available they spend quite a bit of time grazing.

Contributed by Theresa Ahearn

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