Mini pigs are experiencing a dramatic upswing in popularity and fashion all over the world.

Where did these funny animals come from?

Miniature pigs appeared in Germany as a result of special selection that began in the 1950s. They were bred from the Vietnamese pigs, which originally come from Southeast Asia. These pigs were chosen for their small size and friendly character and were crossed with small wild boars to create a miniature size breed.

If you are going to get this cute animal at home, the things that you should know before adopting one of your own:

Size: Although mini pigs are much smaller than ordinary pigs, they can weigh up more than 45 kg. So before you get such a pet, make sure that you have enough space for its life and activity.

Feeding: Miniature pigs need a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains and protein foods. They are omnivores. The metabolic processes in mini-pigs are very close to the characteristics of the human body, therefore, they need a breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Don’t give them to eat seasonings, smoked meats, sugar, corn, canned food.  It's also important to pay special attention to proper diet, because you shouldn’t feed them too much.

Drinking clean water should be available to your pet all the time.

Care and hygiene: Despite the fact that dwarf pigs do not have a sharp and unpleasant odor, like ordinary pigs, they still need regular hygiene: bathing, brushing their teeth, and trimming their hooves.  These animals belong to the category of clean pets, so it is important to keep their place clean.

Communication: dwarf pigs are considered very smart pets that are easy enough to educate and train. Such pets are playful and curious. Mini pigs can suffer from loneliness and depression, so regular communication and play with them is very important.

Health: Miniature pigs can be prone to the most common pathologies such as anemia, rickets and heart disease. You should also avoid drafts because of which they can catch a cold. At the first signs of strange behavior or some unusual state of pigs, it is very important to immediately consult a vet.

With right conditions for keeping, pigs live an average of 15 years.