Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig

Scientific Classification

Appearance and lifespan

Pot-bellied Pigs are a breed of the domestic pig and most likely descended from a Chinese ancestral species. The Pot-bellied Pig is named so for its round sagging abdomen, which usually drags close to the ground. They have black skin covered with sparse hair, making them very sensitive to the sun. Their skin hangs very loosely from their body which gives the impression of wrinkles. These pigs have a straight tail that sits high up on their rear. If the tail is curled it is an indication of cross breeding. Pot-bellied Pigs usually weigh 32 to 68 kg (70 to 150 lbs) and live for approximately 10 to 20 years or up to 30 years in captivity.

Behavior and reproduction

In their natural habitat, Pot-bellied Pigs will roll around in mud to stay cool. The mud also protects their skin from the sun. Pigs have very poor eyesight but an extremely heightened sense of smell and hearing. Pigs forage for food using their snout. In the wild, Pot-bellied Pigs live in herds of very large numbers and communicate using a variety of oral sounds including sneezes.

Pot-bellied pigs reach sexual maturity around 6 months old, and gestation lasts around 114 days. Pigs typically deliver 6 piglets.

Ecology and habitat

Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pigs are domestic animals and live on farms or as pets. Additionally, Pot-bellied Pigs can be litter box trained, like a cat. In their natural habitat, these pigs live in open woodlands and are most active at night.

Pot-bellied Pigs are omnivores and eat grasses, plants, and fungi as well as small vertebrates.

Food at the Zoo

At the Zoo, the Pot-bellied Pigs eat a mixture of mini pig pellets, bran, and mixed fruits and veggies.

Did you know?

• Vietnamese Pot-bellied pigs can be trained to use a litter box just like a cat.
• The Pot-bellied Pig was first introduced to North America in the 1980s by a Canadian named Keith Connell. They are so popular that there is now more Pot-bellied Pigs in North America than anywhere else in the world.
• Pot-bellied Pigs have very tough skin which resists fleas and parasites.

Adopt the pig

Become a part of the the Riverview Park and Zoo family through our Adopt an Animal Program!