It’s disappointing to me that certain pets are considered “trendy” as if they’re products, but it’s something that keeps happening. One instance is teacup pigs. People fell in love with the adorable small size of teacup pigs and mini pigs, causing many people to buy them just because of appearance.
However, teacup pigs aren’t what most people expect. In many cases, people who bought them end up not giving them proper care or the pigs end up not being right for the family. So, are teacup pigs real? If not, what are they?
Are Teacup Pigs Real?
No, teacup pigs aren’t real. At least, not in the way they’re marketed to be. Teacup pigs are believed to be small pigs that stay small their whole lives. People selling these pigs often claim they’ll never grow bigger than a small dog. However, this is a marketing scam.
The reality is that teacup pigs grow into full-size pigs. They’re usually malnourished pot-bellied pigs, which is a breed that can weigh over 100 pounds when full-grown. I’ve heard of teacup pig breeders recommending smaller than normal portion sizes in an effort to keep the pigs on the small side. However, if these pigs are fed a healthy amount, they will become much bigger than advertised. If they’re fed less to be kept small, they’ll sadly become malnourished and likely won’t survive.
To make matters worse, pigs can breed when they’re only a few months old, which is before they’re full-grown. So, breeders will further trick people by showing them that the parents are small as a way to prove that the offspring will stay small too. The reality is that both the parents and piglets will get much, much bigger when properly cared for.
Are Mini Pigs Real?
The terms teacup pig and mini pig are often used interchangeably. Yet, “mini pig” seems to refer to any pigs that are smaller than normal, not necessarily a 10-pound pig like teacup pigs are promised to be. While there are some pig breeds that are smaller than others, all of them will eventually weigh at least as much as a large dog, unless they’re malnourished.
The Teacup Pig Scam Causes Lots of Heartbreak
Most people who buy teacup pigs have no idea that they’re getting a pet that could one day weigh over 100 pounds. If they follow the feeding instructions recommended by the breeder, the pig could become malnourished and pass away. If they feed the pig plenty of food, the animal will grow into a much larger and more expensive pet than the person planned for.
Sadly, a lot of “teacup pigs” either don’t survive or get rehomed when the person realizes that the pig won’t fit into their lifestyle. Teacup pigs are not only marketed as small, but breeders will make it sound like they’re easy to care for. While pigs can be loving and loyal pets for those who are prepared for them, they can take up a lot of space and be stubborn, so they require a dedicated person to care for them and train them.
The biggest heartbreak associated with this industry is that people are giving lots of money to these pig breeders, which only encourages them to underfeed more pigs for money. They don’t seem to care about the well-being of the pigs at all. They only care about making a profit. (Similar to how a puppy mill operates).
As always, it’s extremely important to do your research before getting a new pet. Make sure you thoroughly research how to care for the animal, and make sure you’re getting that animal from an ethical source.
How Big Do Teacup Pigs Get?
Miniature pigs typically weigh 75 to 150 pounds when full-grown. While this is still smaller than the average pig, it’s much bigger than the pigs are usually advertised as.
If you’re interested in owning a pet pig, be aware of their large size since it affects their care requirements. Also, make sure to get a pig from a source that actually cares about their pigs rather than from someone selling “teacup pigs.” If you buy from a teacup pig breeder, you’re only encouraging them to hurt more pigs.
Many pigs end up at animal shelters and rescues because they grow larger than people expected them to. So, they get surrendered when the family can’t accommodate the needs of a large pig. I always recommend adopting a pig in need if you’re someone who’s prepared to take on the complex needs of pigs.
Caring for a “Teacup Pig”
Pigs are highly intelligent animals that have complex needs. If you buy a teacup pig, you’ll eventually be caring for a full-size pig. So, what does that entail?
Pet pigs need at least 30 square feet of space per pig. They’re often happiest with a companion if possible. Some people keep their pigs indoors and let them roam the house most of the time, but if that’s the case, you’ll need to train them to relieve themselves in a specific area. Luckily, pigs typically do their business away from where they eat and sleep, so potty training is doable.
They mostly eat vegetables and pellets made specifically for pigs. They like to eat a variety of foods since they spend time foraging in the wild. Due to their large size, they eat a lot, so it’s a cost new pig parents need to prepare for. The exact feeding schedule will depend on the pig’s breed and age.
Like other pets, there are plenty of needs beyond eating and housing. You’ll also need to take care of vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and grooming. If you’re considering owning a pig of any kind, thoroughly research all areas of care before bringing one home.
What’s the Smallest Pig You Can Own?
Göttingen minipigs are the smallest pigs. Their name might imply that they’re tiny, but they still grow to be at least 70 pounds as an adult, sometimes reaching closer to 100. It might sound large, but it’s small for a pig considering that some breeds weigh hundreds of pounds.
Some other small pig breeds include pot-belly pigs and Kunekune pigs, both of which can grow to be about 100 to 150 pounds (male Kunekunes can be much larger than that).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Find Teacup Pigs for Sale?
There are no ethical sources to find teacup pigs for sale. People advertising pigs as “teacup” size are scamming customers. These pigs still grow to be around 100 pounds or more. If you’d like a pet pig, please buy a pig from an ethical source, such as a shelter or rescue.
How Much are Teacup Pigs?
Teacup pigs typically cost anywhere from $500 to $3,500. So, people are paying a lot of money to get a pet that’s nothing like what they expected. Please always do your research before getting an animal.
What is a Teacup Pig Lifespan?
With proper care, teacup pigs, which grow to be full-size pigs, can live for 15 to 20 years. Pigs are complicated and long-term commitments, so they should never be bought on a whim.
Are There Different Types of Teacup Pigs?
Since teacup pigs typically refer to any pigs on the small side, they can be several different breeds, such as pot-bellied pigs, Kunekune pigs, or Göttingen minipigs. All these pigs grow much larger than typically advertised, and sadly, they’re often underfed to keep them small.
Teacup Pigs Will Grow Into Regular Pigs
There are real animals being sold as teacup pigs, but they’re not exactly what people are expecting. Teacup pigs are actually malnourished versions of other pig breeds, and they can grow to exceed 100 pounds when properly fed.
Please do not buy a teacup pig. Buying one will only give money to these bad businesses and encourage them to keep hurting more pigs. Plus, pigs can be complicated pets that aren’t a good fit for most households, so even if you want a regular pig, thoroughly do your research before making that decision. After all, pets are living things and family members, not products.