Much like the sudden popularity of small dogs in designer handbags during the 2000s, mini pigs also experience this kind of moment. We often see mini pigs on social media, but contrary to popular belief, pigs are not pink puppies that scream instead of bark. Pigs are clearly a different type of animal and they have their own set of needs, behaviors and quirks, which to many enthusiastic new owners comes as a big surprise. “I estimate that 90 percent of mini pigs purchased or adopted are abandoned within two years,” says Richard Hoyle, director of The Pig Preserve, a pig rescue sanctuary in the United States. This is a sad reality that should be avoided. When you adopt a pet, there is no guarantee that it will always fit in with your family until you bring it home. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay If you want to add a mini pig to your family, there are things you need to know before adopting one. An article from Good Housekeeping gives us eight things every budding mini-pig owner should know to ensure the new pet stays in the family for the rest of its life. Your “mini” pig won’t stay mini forever. Mini, micro, teacup, pixie, etc. are different names that breeders use to describe their pigs. The problem is that none of them are actually regulated, so it's hard to know exactly how big a mini pig will be. “There are 15 to 20 breeds of mini pigs, and all weigh between 150 and 180 pounds full size,” says Hoyle. (That may sound huge, but if you compare it to full-sized farm pigs, they weigh about 600 pounds, so they're mini.) "A breed of very small pigs doesn't exist in nature," adds -he. Since pigs can take up to five years to reach full size, it's difficult to know how big your mini pig will be. The way you can estimate and estimate its size is to visit the pig's parents in person to see how big they are. If the parents are larger than you expected, the baby pig probably isn't the right choice for you. A rescue pig is a much better bet than a farmed mini-pig that can live over 20 years. Many owners put them up for adoption after only a year or two, once they realize they can't continue to have them. “There's no need to spend thousands of dollars on a breeder when shelters and sanctuaries are already begging people to take their pigs,” Hoyle says. There are other benefits to adopting instead of purchasing from a breeder. Shelters only adopt out healthy, well-socialized pigs, so you're less likely to have problems with huge vet bills or behavioral problems. Additionally, because pigs tend to be older, they are more likely to have reached their full size. And because shelters invest in finding forever homes for their adoptees, they will take the time to educate you about your pet's needs. "They want to see that training. But if they don't, unlike a breeder, they will normally take the pig back," says Hoyle. Your pig might not like you at first. Do you dream of your little piggy snuggling on the couch with you? The process for pigs and their human relatives is actually slow. It's not like bringing home a dog..