The 4 Best Types of Pigs to Keep as Pets, Ranked

Considering adopting a pet pig? With the right planning, research, and setup, you may find a breed suitable for your environment. Before committing to adopting a pig, however, it’s crucial to understand their welfare needs and how to provide them with a safe, happy, and enriching life. Before we jump into our list of the best types of pigs to adopt, we’ll cover what they need to thrive.

Many breeds of domesticated pigs (Sus domesticus) can live up to 15 years and, just like a pet dog or cat, will need consistent veterinary, nutritional, social, and enrichment care throughout their lives. Note that the smallest pig on our list can still grow up to about 80 pounds. Breeders will often dishonestly claim that their piglets won’t grow past 25 pounds, but this simply isn’t the reality for the vast majority of mini pigs. If you’re going to adopt a pet pig, it’s crucial to be prepared to provide the necessary space, shelter, nutrition, enrichment, and social needs for a 75-pound or larger animal.

Without consistent access to species-appropriate enrichment activities, pigs may suffer from boredom and resort to destructive behaviors. It’s crucial to support their enrichment and welfare needs by providing play toys for them, treat balls and dispensers, rooting boxes, a wallowing area, a kiddie pool, comfortable and consistent access to outdoor shelter and indoor (if applicable) shelter, species-appropriate and healthy food, and consistent companionship.

Pigs are social animals and should ideally be housed with other pigs. Domesticated pigs have been bred for centuries to live outside. They need consistent access to outdoor spaces to root, wallow, socialize, explore, and play.

Below, we’ll discuss four of the best types of pigs to keep as pets, ranked according to their size and the types of homes they’re most suitable for.

4. Best Types of Pigs to Keep as Pets: KuneKune Pig

The kunekune pig is a popular domestic breed commonly kept by the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand in English). While the kunekune pig did not originate there, the name is a Māori word meaning ‘plump’ or ‘fat and round.’

Notable for their sweet disposition, kunekunes are excellent companion animals, but they need ample space. Adult females can reach 100-150 pounds, while males can weigh 200-300 pounds. These pigs feature round bellies, adorably stubby legs, and short, upturned snouts. Their coats can range from short and silky to thick and scruffy. Standard coat colors include cream, black, ginger, brown, white, gold-tipped, and spotted or tri-colored variations of these.
While they are typically too large to be a household pet, the kunekune’s gentle nature and smaller size relative to typical domestic farm pigs make them wonderful hobby farm pets.

3. Vietnamese Potbellied Pig

The Vietnamese potbellied pig is an excellent breed for households with a large, fenced-in yard. These pigs typically weigh between 70-150 pounds and measure up to 14-20 inches at the shoulders. Full growth is reached at about 5 years of age. The average life expectancy for this breed is about 15 years. The most common colors are solid black, solid white, or black or white spotted.

Some individuals may grow too large to consistently live inside for some households. However, they can do well in a large yard with strong fencing. If they are going to be outside-only pets, make sure to provide water-proof, sturdy shelter that has dry, clean, and warm bedding, such as routinely changing out the straw. Their space should include pig-safe toys and species-appropriate environmental enrichment.

2. Best Types of Pigs to Keep as Pets: Göttingen Mini Pig

The Göttingen mini pig originated through cross-breeding at the University of Göttingen, Germany, in the 1960s. Adults typically weigh about 75-100 pounds. These cuties resemble miniature versions of feral pigs as they don’t have a pot-bellied appearance.

The Göttingen mini pig is one of the most popular breeds for household pets. This is due to their size, gentle and snuggly disposition, cleanliness, and well-characterized health. With proper piggie-proofing and accessible outdoor space, a range of households could be suitable homes for this gentle breed.

1. Juliana Mini Pig

One of the smallest recognized pet pig breeds is the Juliana mini pig. Adults typically reach up to about 75 pounds and measure 15-17 inches tall at the shoulders. These little cuties are colorfully spotted with brown, red, or cream base coat color, a straight snout, and no pot belly. They are curious, respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement training, and often make lovely household companions.

Even though they tend to be small enough to live indoors, it’s still vital to provide Juliana pigs with consistent, daily access to outdoor enrichment and natural behaviors, such as rooting and wallowing.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © The Len/Shutterstock.com