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The pot-bellied pig originated in Vietnam. It is smaller than standard farm pigs, most adult pot-bellied pigs are about the size of a medium- or large-breed dog, though their bodies are denser at a weight of around 200 lb (90 kg).
 Photos by kind permission of Grennie at Potbelliedpigs.co.uk
Pot-bellied pigs can be easily discerned from other pig breeds by their size, their short snout, and their large pot belly.
They are predominantly black or gray in colour, but they also come in pure white, black with white markings, white with black markings, and a silver color
Pot-bellied pigs are considered fully grown at 2-3 years of age.
These small pigs are intelligent and easy to train. Some pig owners walk their pets on leashes and they can also be easily trained to use a large litter tray.
Before you rush out and get at pig, take some time, chat to people who already have them, visit the pig rescues.
Grenville Owen has a lovely website, the potbellied pig pages, with pigs for adoption and a wealth of piggy information.
To keep a pig in the UK you will need to register the pig and you will need to obtain a Holding Number, also refered to as a CPH (County Parish Holding Number), these are obtainable from the Rural Payments Authority (RPA), Newcastle Upon Tyne.
 Photos by kind permission of Grennie at Potbelliedpigs.co.uk
Where to keep your pet pig
Pigs can live in the house but will need their own space, preferably their own room. It is advisable to have the pig area away from the kitchen. They like to burrow under blankets or hay to make a nest for sleeping.
If your pig lives outside, another pig as companion is recommended. Pigs love to snuggle together when sleeping.
Outside pigs need a house that will be cool in summer and warm in winter. In areas where the temperature is much below freezing for long periods of time a heat lamp is desirable. Pigs need a wallowing area for hot summer days. Pigs do not sweat or pant, and need a bathing/mud area to keep cool. They will root, rooting is an essential part of a pigs behavior, a manicured lawn and a pig don't go together well. Pigs will use their considerable intelligence to get to whatever food might be available. Gardens and flower beds must be well protected from the mighty porcine snout!
The area where your pig will stay needs to be securely fenced. If you live in a populated area the pig will need to be kept from wandering. That sensitive sense of smell will be able to detect a good dinner blocks away. In addition fences are necessary to keep dogs and other intruders out.
It is absolutely not a good idea to tie a pig up. Pigs are prey animals and when frightened will panic if they are restrained from running. This panic can be life threatening as the pig attempts to get free from the rope or chain and works itself into a frenzy.
When deciding where your pig will live it is good to consider ease of access. Pigs have difficulty with stairs as they reach maturity. Piglets can leap onto a couch and negotiate steps that an adult pig can't.
Pigs and the rest of the family
Pigs and cats get along well. They are either love each other or completey ignore each other.
Dogs and pigs may get along but shouldn't be left alone together. Dogs are predators and pigs are prey. Something could lead to the dog attacking the pig, and although pigs have been known to shred a dog, more often it is the pig that comes out on the losing end.
Small children and pigs should be watched.
Pig Health Care
All pigs to be kept as pets should be spayed (females) or neutered (males). Unspayed females will 'cycle' or come into heat every three weeks which can make them very restless, vocal and moody. Unneutered boars can be extremely aggressive, restless and smell very strong.
In addition potbellied pigs need vaccinations and yearly boosters for common pig diseases.
They do need annual worming.
Some veterinarians will not deal with potbellied pigs. It may be necessary to call around and speak with a number of vets before finding one that will treat your pig, dont' wait until you have an emergency before finding your nearest vet.
Even when neutered the males will grow tusks. The tusks generally need to be trimmed every couple of years, this usually requires a vet visit.
Hooves need annual trimming. Pigs that spend time walking on pavement or concrete are able to keep their hooves trimmed by themselves. Hoof trimming can be done by a vet or, with patience, and the pigs permission, by the pigs family members.
Pigs do not get fleas, but they can get ticks! Biting insects can be very bothersome to a pig and White pigs are prone to sunburn and need protection such as children's sunblock.
Obesity is one of the greatest health problems potbellied pigs face. Lots of roughage (grass, greens, fruits and vegetables) is very important to their health and well being. Exercise is important as pigs tend to overeat and easily gain weight. A house pig will need to be walked daily. Daily grazing gives them a chance to move around and get plenty of roughage at the
same time. It is easy to train them to wear a harness and walk on a leash.
Even though just the action of standing and grazing is better than sleeping all day, outside pigs should be encouraged to wander around or be taken on walks.
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