The “Micropig” slowly becoming Irelands most popular pet but where did it come from?

Originally these little guys were bred for medical research during the 1960′s + 70′s in Europe. During the 80′s they had been adopted by an American audience and were considered the “designer” pet. Even during the 80′s the micropig (also known as teacup pigs) used to be much larger than it is today, sometimes reaching 165-200 pounds. The pigs were found in apartment complexes, hobby farms and ordinary housing estates the length and breadth of America. Eventually they became too much to handle, there interaction with cats and dogs over the course of a few generations made the unbelievably excitable and energetic. Through selective breeding, over the course of 9 years (micropigs only live a few years) by a man called chris Murray, the micropig had been bred to be much smaller and docile. The micropig is now considered this generations answer to smaller dogs like terriers and pomeranians.

Seems about the same size eh?

Some facts.

Teacup pigs are not really teacup size though they are close to it at birth weighing only 9 ounces. Full grown they stand 12 to 16 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 65 pounds making them far smaller than the standard farm pig and about ½ the size of Vietnamese potbelly pig. These pigs do not reach their full growth until they are approximately two years old. The diminutive size of these pigs is what makes teacup pigs so fascinating for many pet lovers as their size is comparable to a small to medium dog.

Also like a dog, teacup pigs need little grooming and about the same amount of exercise as reasonably active dog does. Two or three long walks a day will keep this little teacup pig well exercised and healthy.

They are also very intelligent animals which makes them attractive to many pet owners. They tend to be loving and sweet tempered and easy to train and housebreak to a little box. However, like all pigs unless the owner is willing to spend time playing with these little porkers and can maintain a kind but firm hand when dealing with them they will become easily bored and can be aggressive even to the people they love. They are extremely clean animals and do not shed like most dogs and cats.

http://www.micropigs.ie