Miniature pig
Full-grown miniature pigs
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A miniature pig (also mini pig, or micro pig, or teacup pig, or "designer pig", or "nano pig", or "apartment pig", or "pocket pig") is a breed of pig developed and used for medical research or as an pet. Miniature pigs weigh between 22.5 kilograms (50 lb) and over 68 kilograms (150 lb) when fully grown. 'Mini pig' has become an acceptable, if imprecise, term that is used to distinguish the difference between farm pigs and smaller breeds such as Pot-bellied pigs, Choctaw Hog, Kunekune (and specimens derived by cross breeding with these). It should be noted that there are no breeds called teacup or micro or even mini. These are all adjectives and not breeds of pigs.
In the 1960s, Chinese pigs that grew to be 150–200 pounds (68–91 kg) were sent to zoos in Western cities and were used for medical research in the fields of toxicology, pharmacology, pulmonology, cardiology, aging, and as a source of organs for organ transplantation. These comparatively smaller pigs were easier to work with than the larger farm pigs, which typically reach weights of 300-500 pounds.Pot-bellied pigs also became a fixture in many zoological parks where their small stature, sway backs, and potbellies attracted the attention of visitors. The purchase of a few potbellied pigs by wealthy pet owners helped start a new trend in pet pigs.
The popularity of miniature pigs grew in the 1980s, with pet potbellied pigs appearing everywhere from New York apartment complexes to small hobby farms. However, the trend was short-lived, mostly due to city ordinances forbidding raising farm animals within the city limits. Furthermore, many owners came to realize that even a 75 kilograms (165 lb) pig was difficult to handle in most housing situations.
The 1990s and 2000s saw a rising trend of marketing pet pigs that were supposed to be much smaller than even the potbellied pigs, and therefore suitable pets for house and apartment owners. While multiple animal protection groups and pig breeders question or deny the existence of true "miniature pigs", there are currently breeders selling piglets claimed to be miniature pigs in North America and in the United Kingdom. The misleading terms have grown to include other adjectives to represent breeds that do not exist.
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