While potbellied pigs share many similarities with large breed “farm” pigs, it may

surprise you to learn that there are a number of dissimilarities between these
two types of pigs as well! The differences are important to know when caring for
potbellied pigs residents, as they can have a big impact on their health and well
being.

Size Is A Big One

The most notable physical difference between large breed pigs and potbellied
pigs is certainly their size! Large breed pigs are bred to rapidly grow large. They
often weigh between 600-900 pounds! On the other hand, potbellied pigs grow
more slowly over a longer period of time and more generally range between 100-
200 pounds though some weigh less or more than this. Other differences include
the length of their snouts and size of their ears, and the position of their eyes.

While both large breed pigs and potbellied pigs can be prone to arthritis, the
significantly greater weight of large breed pigs on their hooves seems to make
them much more prone to hoof infections and other foot issues than potbellied
pigs.

The Health Needs Of Potbellied Pigs

Although large breed pigs are physically larger, potbellied pigs are typically
considered to be at a higher risk of obesity than large breed pigs, and thus their
diet (both type of food and amount) needs to be chosen and monitored just as
carefully as a sanctuary would for their larger pigs.

Unlike large breed pigs, potbellied pigs can sometimes have naturally shorter
faces and sunken eyes, which can put them at risk of “fat blindness” if they
become overweight. They are also much more prone to  runny eyes or entropion,
where their eyelids can turn inward and their eyelashes irritate their eyes.

Spaying Potbellied Pigs

Due to their size and rapid growth, adult large breed pigs may be at risk of hernia
from a traditional spay, so it can be safer to do a laparoscopic ovariectomy and
leave the uterus in place. Potbellied pigs are small enough for a full spay, but this
should still be done by an experienced vet hospital, especially once they are fully
grown.

Vaccinations For Potbellied Pigs

Vaccinations are not specifically approved for Potbellied Pigs, so large breed pig
vaccinations are often utilized. It’s critical to discuss the safety and efficacy of
potential vaccine choices with a veterinarian prior to their use in potbellied pigs.

Porcine Stress Syndrome

This dangerous disease appears to be significantly more common in large breed

pigs. Only a few potbellied pigs have ever had a confirmed case of the disease.

Handling And Restraining Potbellied Pigs

When you need to go beyond belly rubs for hoof and tusk trims or other restraint,
rope snares are often utilized at sanctuaries for large breed pigs. If deemed to be
safe for the individual, potbellied pigs can usually be flipped, either back into a
“seated” position in a handler’s lap, or on their backs between a standing
handler’s calves. It’s not typically considered safe to snare a potbellied pig
because they may thrash and injure themselves.

Housing Potbellied Pigs

While pigs are social animals, pig introductions can be dangerous because

fighting can be intense and herd dynamics can shift over time. Because pigs can
be quite rough with each other and small pigs may not back down from a fight
with much larger pigs, it’s important to be extremely careful if housing large
breed pigs and potbellied pigs together. Some large breed pigs don’t seem to see
potbellied pigs as part of the hierarchy and will ignore them, but the risk of injury
is significant if a large breed pig confronts a potbellied pig. For this reason, it may
be best to house potbellied pigs and large breeds pigs in separate living spaces
at your sanctuary.

House Pigs
While potbellied pigs can live perfectly well in a barn-type living space, some
individuals may do better living indoors depending on their personality. Many
pigs can be housebroken or trained to use a litter box, although they can be more
strong-willed to train than a dog, and rooting and other natural behaviors can
make them destructive without proper pig-proofing. Stairs and slippery flooring
are also issues that would need to be addressed. While large breed pigs could
theoretically live inside, their size makes that scenario unworkable for most
people!

Other Health Issues In Potbellied Pigs:

Due to the increased demand for “teacup” or “micro” pigs, potbellied pigs are
more likely to be selected for their smaller size when breeding and may also be
nutritionally malnourished. Health issues deriving from poor breeding practices
include musculoskeletal deformities, heart disease, dystocia, hypoglycemia,
seizures, and cleft palate. PBBs are also at risk for the following health issues:

o Pneumonia – Due to their small lung capacity.

o Cystitis and Urolithiasis – Yearly urinalysis can help identify issues before
they become serious.
o Nephritis (Following Cytitis) – Leptospirosis is often the cause. There is a
6-way vaccination that your veterinarian may recommend.
o Psychogenic Water Consumption should be considered in potbellied pigs
(especially young potbellied pigs) with polydipsia and polyuria.
o Chronic Kidney Failure is a common cause of death in geriatric potbellied
pigs. 
o Constipation
This list will be periodically updated as we receive new information from
experienced caretakers, scientific articles, and veterinary sources. If you have
observed a difference between these two types of pigs that you would like to see
added here, let us know! These resources are meant to help sanctuary staff
provide the best care to their residents.

Hopefully, this resource allows you to develop a nuanced care policy for both
large breed and potbellied breed residents!
Article Acknowledgements
This resource could not have been created without the generously shared knowledge of
compassionate pig advocate Abbie Rogers, a senior caregiver at multiple sanctuaries over
the course of a decade or hard work and dedication to the well being of so many beloved
non-human animals.

SOURCES:

Pig Care | Farm Sanctuary

Management of Potbellied Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual