Recently, as the breeder market became satisfied, the price of pets has come down to match that of pedigreed dogs and cats, making them an affordable alternative to canine and feline pets. These pigs came to the United States from Canada. The original Canadian pigs averaged 250 lbs. Full grown potbellied pigs weigh an average of 70-150 lb. Full growth is not reached until about 5 years of age.
Colors range from solid black to solid white, with a variety of spots in between.
Most people who purchase these pigs want them as pets, but these pigs do not necessarily stay small, cute, or cuddly. As stated above, their average weight is close to 100 lb., and they do not like to be picked up or held. Unlike cats and dogs, pigs are prey not predators, so being lifted up or restrained causes them extreme alarm. Don Harper, Whistling Wings Farm Inc., Biddeford, Maine Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties.