Pig plush toys are just as sought after as teddy bears; if not for how adorable they are, then for how collectible they are. While there are dozens of books and information on the art of collecting teddy bears, the same isn't true for pig plush toys. Many collectors of plush pigs set their own standards such as the pig must have a curly tail (versus) a straight one, in order for it to be worthy enough to make it into a collection.
While some would never consider having a pig as a pet in their home, the truth of the matter is, they are a very popular choice next to a dog or cat. Pot belly pigs in particular are highly sought after given they can be easily house and leash trained like a dog.
Like with anything, there are both negatives and positives to owning a pot belly pig. On the negative end, they can be quite demanding making many feel overwhelmed with all their needs. Pot belly pigs are also sensitive and quite headstrong, requiring the right amount of stimulation so they don't fall prey boredom which can then lead to destructive behavior.
When it comes to food, pigs are unrelenting in their search for it; they can learn to open cupboards, the fridge, and the pantry just to get at it. They will beg for food and can become quite demanding in that endeavor. So much so, in fact, they may even get aggressive with children that have food. Pigs are also an animal that explores with their snout which means they might resort to turning things over in the house (like wastebaskets) and digging up the landscape in the yard. Given this is instinctual behavior in pigs, they should be given a place where they can "root" around in soft dirt.
Pot belly pigs have also been known to be aggressive in their quest to be the dominant one and establish territory. Like dogs, they need to be shown by their human owner who is in charge so that both respect and learn to obey boundaries. Teaching a pig the word "no" and using gentle but firm discipline will go a long way to solving this problem. Pot belly pigs also respond very well to positive reinforcement versus receiving physical punishment.
On the positive side, pot belly pigs are very playful, affectionate, intelligent, clean, odor-free, quiet, and, for the most part, non-allergenic. They're very social and need lots of interaction and attention, although for some that may be a negative. Pot belly pigs can live on average 12 to 18 years of age with some estimates put it at more than 20 years. Despite its name, where they are often called - in miniature pot-bellied pig - when fully grown they can weigh up to 125 lbs.
If you have always wanted a pig as a pet not to have to do, but under the right circumstances, is a pig stuffed animal a convenient alternative. Although it is not able to interact with you in exactly the same way as the real thing, a pig toy you put hours and hours of happinessnonetheless.
©Copyright Shelley Vassall, 2010.
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