HALF-PINT SIZED PETS

Teacup Pigs Are the Current Pet Craze to Fly Out of the UK

It's easy to be adorable when you’re little. If that is the case, then these tiny porkers should remain adorable for a very long time. The latest craze in pets is not some designer breed of puppy or exotic reptile but a miniature version of an already miniaturized pig. The so-called Teacup pig has already gained a great deal of popularity in the UK and is poised to make its mark on pet lovers on this side of the Atlantic.

The Teacup pig, which gets its name from its tiny size at birth, has been getting a create deal of publicity of late in American newspapers and on television thanks to the efforts of English breeder Jane Croft and celebrities, such as Harry Potter star Rupert Grint. They have popularized these pets to the point where they may soon replace their barnyard friends the chicken as the pet de jour of the rich and famous.

Teacup pigs, however, have been around for quite a while. They are also referred to as Mini pigs and Teacup Potbellied pigs. They are really smaller versions of potbellied pigs, but unlike the pet phenomenon of the 1980's Teacup Pigs grow to be less than half the size of full Potbellies and, therefore, are much easier to live with inside a house or apartment. Even at half the size of other small pigs, the Teacup can still grow to be about 15-inches at the withers, roughly the height of a cocker spaniel, and can top the scales at between 35 – 65 pounds. That's a pretty big teacup. The name comes from their diminutive size at birth, which is usually less than a pound, when the piglet can easily fit into a teacup.

Cute to a fault

No matter what your opinion of pigs, no one can deny that these little guys are incredible cute as youngsters. But, as with any cute young pet, eventually they start growing into adults and stop being cute babies. When the cuteness has run its natural course, personality and attitude takes over. Just as a cute puppy changes into an adult dog with its own personality, good or bad, or a adorable kitten becomes full-grown cat, the Teacup piglet soon becomes a pig, still relatively small but mature with a definite personality of its own. It is this change that Teacup owners, just the same as all pet owners, have to be prepared for.

According to Teacup breeders the pigs can have a wonderful, sweet and fun personality, or they can develop a more standoffish attitude and ignore they training in a stubborn way. In many respects the pet pig’s personality will usually depend on the commitment and training routine of its owner. Since these small pigs are highly intelligent they can adapt easily to training or often will turn the tables on unwary owners and end up manipulating them.

So, do Teacup pigs make good pets? The answer can be yes or no, depending mostly on the expectations of their owners. They are smart, clean and loving animals that are fun to be around, but if the owner is not up for the particular challenges of raising a not-so tiny pig then he/she can be in for a disappointing experience. Here are some Teacup facts to consider before plunking down some serious cash on a piglet.

Disadvantages

Price – The cash outlay involved is considerable, generally about what you'd expect to pay for a pedigree pup. The price of a Teacup piglet varies depending on its sex and color. The average piglet runs anywhere from $350 to well over $1,000 with females going for more than males and Pinto-colored piglets going for more than pinks or blacks. If the pet has blue eyes, it'll cost even more.

Availability – True Teacups and Mini Potbellied piglets are still in small supply and may be harder to get if the demand suddenly jumps as expected. They generally are not available in pet stores and breeders may be scarce in many parts of the country. This can mean a road trip to pick the piglet up, or a hefty shipping fee to bring the pet to you.

Neutering/spaying – While not a disadvantage, you have to take into consideration that your new pet will have to have the surgery at some point. The procedure may be handled by the breeder, or you may have to find a vet that is willing to do it. Most breeders are insistent that all male piglets be neutered, unless it is a breeder boar, otherwise a mature male can be impossible to control as a pet. Females should also be spayed to help make their behavior more pleasant once they mature.

Vets – Before adopting a Teacup find a local vet that is experienced with these animals. It may be difficult in some areas to find a qualified vet.

Zoning – Even though these animals are breed strictly as pets and they are no bigger than your average-sized dog, and aren't usually very aggressive you may not be allowed to keep pigs, even Teacups as pets. Check your local zoning regulations before adopting the pet. If you live in a condo or apartment check the condo bi-laws or your lease first. If you aren’t permitted to have a Teacup pig, see if you can get an official variance before ordering.

Stairs – Even though Teacups are easy to walk with a harness and lead, anyone thinking of adopting a piglet should be mindful of the layout of his house or apartment. Unlike dogs and cats, pigs have trouble navigating stairs. So, if your home has a lot of stairs that a pig needs to go up and down, these pets may not be a good match for their environment, unless that is, you feel like carrying the 35 – 65 pounder up and down the stairs several times a day

Commitment needed – Teacup pigs require a commitment of time and energy from their owners. Like any pet, they have to be fed and cared for. They can be trained to use a litter box but still need to be walked for exercise. They are very social animals and will want to be around you, interact with you and play with you. Because they are so intelligent they need to be stimulated through interactive play and by toys. Left to their own devices they will use this intelligence to find a way to get extra food or to get into mischief.

Pig Proofing – It is recommended that Teacup owners pig proof their homes, just as you would for a human toddler. Teacups are about as intelligent as a toddler and a lot more purposeful when they are trying to get into something.

Social – If owners aren't committed to interacting with a pig, Teacups can become lazy, spoiled and quite manipulative.

Advantages

Smart & Affectionate – By all accounts Teacup pigs are extremely intelligent. They are quick to learn, easy to train using food prompts and can understand many commands. Aside from being smart Teacups are very affectionate and want your attention. They love to be pet and stroked, as well as to interact in a game or sport. They love to play with toys.

Clean – Don't let the name "pig" fool you. Teacups are not the kind of pig that wallows in things we are better off not mentioning. According to Teacup owners, the pets are quite clean, often cleaner than most dogs. They can easily be trained to use a litter box, so housebreaking is usually not a problem. Bathe your pet occasionally or when it gets into something that it shouldn't. There is little smell associated with these pets, so if the owner keeps on top of his litter box chores the house should have no smell at all.

Despite a barnyard association from their larger farm cousins, Teacups don't need to live in a penned-up area and sleep on straw. They are generally free to move about the house, although you may want to gate off any particularly delicate areas of your home as you would for a dog. At nap time Teacups sleep soundly on any dog bed available at the pet shop, although they can also enjoy sweet dreams if bedded down on your bed or some piece of cushiony furniture.

Hypo-allergenic – Teacups do not shed very much and they are considered to be fairly allergy-free to people living with them. They are also not likely to attract fleas.

Food – Pigs are omnivores, so they will basically eat anything. However, veterinarians recommend that they be kept on special diets that are available from breeders, farm supply stores, over the Internet and at a growing number of feed stores. Unfortunately, this food is not readily available at the local supermarket or at most pet stores. Being omnivores, owners have to be diligent to keep Teacups away from people food, garbage or food for other pets. We're told that Teacups are particularly fond of dog food.

Long Life – Teacups have a fairly long lifespan. They can be expected to be with you 12 – 20 years.

So, do Teacup pigs make good pets? The answer is a matter of individual choice. Yes, these animals can be sweet, loving, well-trained, clean pets that are fun to be around. But, they are not right for everyone. It takes a special person to bring this unconventional pet into their lives, knowing that some people that come into their homes may feel uncomfortable around the pig. The teacup owner has to be committed to his pet and has to available to give the pig companionship.

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