05/11/2016
Unfortunately they don't show an adult mini pigs of the smaller varieties such as Juliana, but even those can grow very large. Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst! I promise, none of mine are farm hogs or even Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs...but they can still get large...100 or so pounds.
THE TEACUP MYTH
All potbelly pigs (Vietnamese) and all smaller mixes, are a cousin to the original Heritage farm hog that easily exceeds weights of over 800 pounds. So in comparison, these pigs are in fact a miniature version of all hogs! A regular pot belly pig can weigh between 100-250 pounds and be at a healthy weight, some even exceed 300. Although the average weight for a “miniature variety” pig at full grown maturity, is generally between 60-150 pounds; this is a healthy average weight. A pig is not full grown till 3-5 years of age; most closer to 5 years. All pigs are individuals like humans and not only will a history of genetics play a large role in size, but each pig will be unique in its nutrition needs and lifestyle, which also play a large role in overall size.
An excerpt about the “teacup myth” from Dr Bruce Lawhorn, DVM (2013):
“ The term “teacup” pigs has no strict definition, and it is difficult to make an educated guess of mature size without seeing the parent and grandparents, which is rarely ever possible. Mature size is also heavily influenced by adequate nutrition. In general, when pigs are “selected for smaller size,” in addition to nutritional stunting, many other possible problems of miniature pigs may be magnified. These include hypoglycemia, idiopathic seizures, musculoskeletal deformities, heart disease, cleft palate, atresia ani and reproductive problems such as dystocia and agalactia.”
Things to Be Aware of With Breeders
No breeder should ever be able to tell you what size your pig will be full grown, even if they have the parents on site. Genetics from well beyond the immediate parents play a larger role than most breeders think. At this time, there is no existing databases to provide distant lineage, genetics and statistics to prove that a smaller pig line does in fact exist and they are free of any health related issues or major medical complications, due to a smaller stature. Most pigs that have been excessively bred down, die in a matter of a few years from medical complications and organ failure. We have not found an excessively small pig at full grown maturity (over 5 years of age), that has not passed from complications. Until all the aforementioned requirements can be met, such pig sizes remain a myth and are not to ever be expected.
For further details and full article, please visit our website page at:
http://www.petpigeducation.com/the-teacup-myth.html
