5 Reasons a Potbelly Pig is Better Than A Dog

A potbelly pig is better than a dog

You want to buy a pet, but you are torn between a potbelly pig or a dog. You should know that a potbelly pig has five distinct qualities that makes it better than a dog:

1. Potbelly pigs are the fourth smartest animals in the world

2. Potbelly pigs are clean

3. Potbelly pigs do not have fur, so a person allergic to a dog may not be allergic to a potbelly pig

4. Potbelly pigs do not have to be bathed as often because they do not have thick coats like dogs

5. Potbelly pig food can be less expensive than dog food

Although potbelly pigs do have many advantages over dogs, you need to ask yourself if you are the right owner for a potbelly pig. You should still find out as much as you can about these intelligent animals before you bring one home.

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3 Potbelly Pig Care Myths to Avoid For Proper Care

Hire the proper vet for your potbelly pig

You can do the right research in what to look for in a potbelly pig, buy it, and not know how to properly take care of it, causing your little porker to have a shortened life span. That’s why you need to know how to take care of your Wilbur before you buy him unless you want him to become your Christmas ham.

Here are some myths and advice about potbelly pig care:
1. Myth: You can use your dog’s or cat’s vet for your potbelly pig and it will receive the best care.

Fact: You need to find a vet that specializes in potbelly pig care. Potbellies need different health care than cats and dogs, so don’t depend on your dog’s vet for proper potbelly pig care.
2. Myth: Since your potbelly pig is large, you can leave it outside in the cold.

Fact: Do not leave your potbelly pig in the cold or other harsh weather conditions because they are very susceptible to pneumonia and bronchitis.

3. Myth: A potbelly pig is an exotic pet that requires little or no TLC.

Fact: A potbelly pig should have yearly vaccinations, hoof trimmings, and physicals to stay healthy.

Understand what is myth and what is not about potbelly pig care and your potbelly pig will have a long life.

A Teacup Pig Is a Small Type of Potbelly Pig

You heard that teacup pigs are the rage in Britain because they are so small, that’s why you want to buy one. But here is the surprise, the term “teacup” does not describe a new breed of pig, it’s just a label for a small potbelly pig. So when you buy a “teacup” pig don’t be surprised if it grows beyond 30 pounds despite what the breeder said. These “special” potbelly pigs are bred to weigh 55 to 60 pounds and grow to average knee height, but they can also grow bigger.

There are actually tricks that breeders do to make it appear that you are buying a new breed of pig that is meant to stay small for its entire life span. One popular trick is that a breeder will show potbelly piglets less than 10 pounds, and then their “teacup” parents without explaining that the parents are small because pigs can breed at 3 months of age. The breeder may also not mention that pigs do not stop growing until they reach the age of three or four.

So if you want a pet pig, you should remember that no pig is meant to be small for its entire lifespan.