Do potbellied pigs make good pets? ?
Vietnamses Potbellied pigs were imported into the US from Canada in1985 to be companion pets. They were “darlings of the media,” and promoted as the pet of the eighties – clean, smart, small, and affectionate. The first potbellies, sold for up to $25,000! Ten years later, there are sanctuaries for unwanted potbellies that are filled to capacity. Potbellies are often advertised in the “For Free” section of newspapers, the prices have plummeted, and occasionally, the pigs are even abandoned by the roadside. What happened ? Of course, with any new, exotic breed of animal, prices will fall as the supply meets the demand. This goes with the territory. But, in the case of the potbelly, other factors come into play. Potbellied pigs are very “special” animals. If you understand their personalities, and quirks, owners bond to them, like the pigs were, indeed, their own children. Many owners sleep with their pigs, travel with their oinkers, dress them in costumes, and share every aspect of their
