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Man's New Best Friend: The Teacup Pig
Why settle for a dog when you can have your very own pig? Why miniature potbelly pigs, affectionately known as teacup pigs, are fueling the latest pet craze.
Posted 7/ 8 10 at 4:30 PM | The Next Big Idea?, Advertising & Marketing, Leadership, Consumer Products & Services, Inventions & Innovations, The Next Big Idea?
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Pigs get a bad rap for being messy, but a new trend is emerging that's turning homes all over America into literal pigsties. Teacup pigs -- an endearing name for a miniature potbelly pig -- have wiggled their way into the hearts of pet lovers with their curly tails, turned-up noses and especially small stature. And entrepreneurs in the teacup pig game are starting to capitalize.The latest pet trend started in Britain, where celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham and red-headed Harry Potter star Rupert Grint purchased teacup pigs. Now the little piggies have crossed the pond. Florida's Angel Enterprise Farm markets the pigs as "the fine little swine," and describes them as "a friendlier version of a cat." Like cats, the pigs can be trained to use a littler box. Unlike cats, they have trouble moving their stocky bodies up a flight of stairs and rarely land on their feet. But by most accounts, they're an affectionate breed.
Teacup pigs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and a price tag up to $1,600, depending on just how small the oinker is. Teacup pigs are known by other names, too, including micro-pigs, mini-pigs and teacup piglets, but they're all the same -- a downsized version of a potbelly pig.
But the Animal Rescue Site warns that the "teacup" trend is a marketing ploy -- these pigs may fit in a teacup when you buy them, but within five years they can weigh up to 80 pounds. While that's "teacup"-size relative to 800-pound full-size potbellies, many consumers are unprepared to care for the pigs when they mature, and pig sanctuaries are overflowing with 300,000 discarded potbellied pigs that grew to 150 pounds or more.
Dave Fox, owner of Aquapawrium in Waretown, N.J., says he has seen rising demand for teacups in his shop. He knows that having the pigs in stock would be good for business, but so far, he's only come across micro-pigs for sale in the Midwest. Shipping them to his shop in New Jersey can cost $400 and could also damage or scare the pigs.
"If I could find someone locally who would bring me them, I would bring a couple in, because I've had a lot of people inquiring," Fox says.
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Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Great small business news here - what's next? Riveting information about pet shops selling goldfish?
The tea cup pig looks more like the Tea Party mouth SARAH PALIN
It is a "stone cold fox of" a pig.
merlin-make like a magician and dissappear
I think you are a nasty pig. Ha ha
I think you are a pig. Ha ha
Is that a picture of Pelosi ????
new user
i fell for the little pot bellie pig ploy 20 yrs ago, was nothing but a problem,, gave him to a rural home , when he died i received a pkt. of bacon, was the only good thing about that dammmmm pig
Pigs are farm animals- not pets. You can train a pig to use a litter box, but bottom line...pigs stink badly. My friend got 2 piglets, they were maybe 10 pounds each. 2 little piggies, but they smelled like a whole herd! Once they hit about 50 pounds each, they went wee-wee-wee all the way to the butcher.
Thanks for the proper words to say to my son and daughter-in-law who treat their dog like he has no feelings. They have not trained him nor take the time to walk him ever. He was not raised this way and never treated our pets this way. ???????????
No matter what the size of a pig, they are considered livestock/farmed animals, and "zoning restrictions" prohibit such animals within city limits. Please don't get one and think you can hide the pig. The results usually end with the death of the "illegal" animals.
Whether a pig or any other animal is involed, please do not take one in without the same committment that you would have if you adopted a human child. Animals are living beings. They are not toys. Both children and animals need us, but a human child matures and, hopefully, grows up to become independent. A nonhuman animal (we are all animals - just different species) is dependent on us their entire lives.
Thank you.
Just one more loving creature for someone to get and then not take care of it!!!!!! Sad!
Merlin: You're getting your Pathetic Pelosi mixed up with the Pretty Palin!!!!!
They are not so friendly and far from gentle when they are grown. Unless you live in the country and have plenty of room ... a pig of any sort is a really bad mistake for which the pig will pay when your dumb azz can't handle it anymore. But, I suppose most pigs end up on the dinner table anyway ... huh?
It probably is, in a sense. Miniaturization is a case of specialized breeding, alhtough they simply breed certain animals with each other, they dont zap the DNA with lazer beams....not yet.
This pig is genetically modified.
OK I don't know I'm just making that up.
Pigs - regardless of the size are indeed farm animals. If you have a place where you can have farm animals Pot bellied pigs can make great pets with the proper setup and training. Yes, they can be trained - they are smart! However, you have to fully understand their needs. You'll need a place for them to eat, sleep and hang out. You'll need to keep their area CLEAN. Pigs, contrary to popular belief, like to be kept clean. They are clean by nature and you need to keep it that way to have a happy and healty pig! Training is not difficult just time consuming. With the right setup they can really be fun, freindly and affectionate.
Hogwash, a pig is a pig is a pig !
HEY AMERICA!!!!! Why pay up to $1,600.00 for the latest fad in a "teacup pig" when you can rescue a shelter dog who really needs a home and a life? What will we think of next? GOD HELP US!!!!!!!
Lamar C. Chapman III
Solo Fides (Only by Faith)
Crown-of-Life Recipient 10-24-2004
Sacredotal Ordination July 11, 1991