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Calling someone a pig implies that they are dirty, greedy, or otherwise unworthy of our respect. Yet in reality the pig is clean, odorless, and smart. The more we discover about the history and mysteries of pigs, the clearer it is that they demand respect rather than inclusion in our recipes.

What is a Pig?

Beyond the cute curly tail and the portly body, what is a pig? Classification of animals begins broad and narrows dramatically. In the wider sense, pigs are grouped in the order Artiodactyla. This order includes 211 species. All are even-toed ungulates, meaning they have hooves. The order Artiodactyls is divided into 9 families. Hogs and pigs, which are synonymous, make up the family called Suidae. This hog-happy family has 16 species. What is a species, exactly? Michael Taylor, author of Pot Bellied Pigs as Your New Family Pet (New Jersey: T.H.F. Publications) simplifies the science with this definition: “A group of similar animals that will freely interbreed under natural conditions.” (1) Read the rest of this entry »

While some folks would never consider sharing their home with a pig, there are many who are enamored by the charm, intelligence and the striking personality of their pet pigs. Pigs are charming pets who do make good pets and are not the dirty animals people think they are. Pigs do take a lot of work to care for but pigs are very interesting to take care of. Pigs are fun to play with and very loving despite the care and attention they require.

Raising any pet has a positive as well as a negative aspect to it. The same is true for pigs.  There are many good qualities to owning a pig. Pigs are affectionate, curious, playful, and can be easily trained. Many pet owners consider pigs an important part of their family and involve them in all their activities just like a dog or a cat. Yet there are some downsides that potential owners need to be aware of.

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Pigs (Suidae). Their natural habitat includes Eurasia and Africa, but due to human impact of pigs present on all continents and all partially formed feral populations.

This beautiful pig just born. It is quite small

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