education
We encourage The American Mini Pig Association website has been an invaluable resource for me, and I strongly encourage any pig owner, or anyone considering adding a pig to their family to spend a lot of time on this website, it is the encyclopedia of all things mini pigs!
Unfortunately there are breeders using terminology that would make the buy believe that their piglet will stay very small, small enough to be carried around in a purse for example.There are breeders that promise unrealistic weights and sizes of their minis. Because of this pigs end up in shelters or are re-homed because they grow in to something that the owner did not anticipate. Most mini pigs in our area are pot bellies, which can range in height from between 17-28". By contrast, our pigs are much shorter in stature and typically range between 13-16" at their full grown height.
Adult mini pigs should never weigh less than 40 pounds. Ethical breeders that have their lines perfected have been carefully breeding down for generations. A breeder that has been working on their lines for several generations will have pigs that can be as short as an English Bulldog (the standard is 15-17" tall). It is important to know the history of both sets of parents to reasonably estimate the full-grown size of their piglets. Breeding only the healthiest pigs and retiring the rest is an important part of maintaining a healthy program. This means that breeding pigs with deformities or genetic health issues is strictly against our ethical guidelines.
We breed two kinds of pigs here at Canadian Mini Pigs; we breed Juliana's and American Mini Pigs. Keep reading to learn more about breed standards. Despite what some may say, organizations like Juliana Pig Association Registry JPAR and American Mini Pig Association AMPA (a select few Canadian Breeders have been able to been accepted after adhering to their strict guidelines) are fully recognized as accredited organizations that are committed to the health and well-being of the mini pig.
While a mini pig can be classified as any mini pig under 300 lbs, genetics plays a huge role in determining the characteristics and sizes of the mini pig in question. Note that the pigs must fall within the specified standard in order to be considered a true representation of that particular breed. A Kune Kune is going to be larger than an American Mini, with Juliana's being one of the smallest purebred forms of miniature pigs.
We encourage local families to come and visit out pigs if possible so that they can visualize the expected size of a full-grown pig. While pigs do most of their growing in their first year, they can grow until they are 5 year old.
Unfortunately there are breeders using terminology that would make the buy believe that their piglet will stay very small, small enough to be carried around in a purse for example.There are breeders that promise unrealistic weights and sizes of their minis. Because of this pigs end up in shelters or are re-homed because they grow in to something that the owner did not anticipate. Most mini pigs in our area are pot bellies, which can range in height from between 17-28". By contrast, our pigs are much shorter in stature and typically range between 13-16" at their full grown height.
Adult mini pigs should never weigh less than 40 pounds. Ethical breeders that have their lines perfected have been carefully breeding down for generations. A breeder that has been working on their lines for several generations will have pigs that can be as short as an English Bulldog (the standard is 15-17" tall). It is important to know the history of both sets of parents to reasonably estimate the full-grown size of their piglets. Breeding only the healthiest pigs and retiring the rest is an important part of maintaining a healthy program. This means that breeding pigs with deformities or genetic health issues is strictly against our ethical guidelines.
We breed two kinds of pigs here at Canadian Mini Pigs; we breed Juliana's and American Mini Pigs. Keep reading to learn more about breed standards. Despite what some may say, organizations like Juliana Pig Association Registry JPAR and American Mini Pig Association AMPA (a select few Canadian Breeders have been able to been accepted after adhering to their strict guidelines) are fully recognized as accredited organizations that are committed to the health and well-being of the mini pig.
While a mini pig can be classified as any mini pig under 300 lbs, genetics plays a huge role in determining the characteristics and sizes of the mini pig in question. Note that the pigs must fall within the specified standard in order to be considered a true representation of that particular breed. A Kune Kune is going to be larger than an American Mini, with Juliana's being one of the smallest purebred forms of miniature pigs.
We encourage local families to come and visit out pigs if possible so that they can visualize the expected size of a full-grown pig. While pigs do most of their growing in their first year, they can grow until they are 5 year old.
The JULiana standard
When I see breeders advertising Juliana's I am often surprised to see the images that follow. They are all sorts of patterns but usually never spotted. According to the Juliana Pig Association & Registry, a purebred Juliana MUST have spots. The Juliana Pig, also known as the Miniature Painted Pig, is small, spotted, and conformationally sound. It should not exhibit a pronounced pot belly or sway back, should have a long snout, and be slight in frame. It should be lean, longer than it is tall, and athletic in appearance. The most prominent feature of the head is a long straight snout that is neither turned up nor snubbed. Eyes are almond shaped, clearly visible, and can be blue to almost black. Ears are small and erect. They are always spotted with coarse hair and typically between 15-17". The photos below show images of our Juliana sow, Elsa, as well as Shrek, our mentor breeder's boar, provided to us by Sharp's Little Pig Town in Scio, OR. Both are registered Juliana's with the Juliana Pig Association & Registry.
the american mini pig standard
The American Mini Pig is a breed that has been developed over the years by combining a variety of breeds from around the world. Health and temperament are the most important aspects of the breed since American Mini Pigs have been developed for the sole purpose of being raised as pets/companions. A compact, sturdy size of 15-20 inches gives the American Mini Pig a smaller stature than other breeds, that is suitable for indoor/outdoor homes. The perfect size for a pet pig. Weight varies based on the body condition of the pig, with focus on a healthy, robust, athletic build where the pig is able to move and run freely with clear vision. Due to the variety of breeds that contribute to the genetics of the American Mini Pig, this breed is one of the most varied in color and markings.
SIZE: Measuring 15-20 inches at top of shoulders at maturity of 5 years old.
BODY CONDITION: The overall weight of the American Mini Pig should fit its stature as such that the pig is comfortable and able to run and move freely.
HEAD: Proportional to body. Eyes should be open with vision unobstructed. Forehead slopes to snouts of varying length. Mouth and teeth should be healthy, proportional, and free of defect.
EARS: Ears should be erect and relatively small.
NECK: Neck should be proportionate to the body without excessive jowls or rolls of fat.
BODY: Body should be compact and well balanced. A strong, athletic build.
BACK: Back should be straight without a prominent sway.
TAIL: Tail should be natural, straight, with a tassel at the end.
LEGS & FEET: Strong, proportionate, straight, well set legs. Toes should be even and forward facing.
HAIR: Healthy, coarse hair that changes length and thickness with seasons.
COLOR: American Mini Pigs exhibit any variety of colors and markings including but not limited to solid, spots, stripes as an immature color, and agouti as a mature color.
SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS: Females should have atleast 12 evenly spaced teats. Males should have two evenly sized, palpable testicles set in the scrotum.
TEMPERAMENT: Even temperament, friendly disposition, intelligent and highly trainable.
DISQUALIFICATION FROM BREEDING STOCK or UNDESIRABLE TRAITS: Cryptorchidism, hernia, atresia ani, entropian, wattles, mule foot, heavy wrinkling, swayed back, severe over or under bite that affects ability to eat.
Information above taken from here
SIZE: Measuring 15-20 inches at top of shoulders at maturity of 5 years old.
BODY CONDITION: The overall weight of the American Mini Pig should fit its stature as such that the pig is comfortable and able to run and move freely.
HEAD: Proportional to body. Eyes should be open with vision unobstructed. Forehead slopes to snouts of varying length. Mouth and teeth should be healthy, proportional, and free of defect.
EARS: Ears should be erect and relatively small.
NECK: Neck should be proportionate to the body without excessive jowls or rolls of fat.
BODY: Body should be compact and well balanced. A strong, athletic build.
BACK: Back should be straight without a prominent sway.
TAIL: Tail should be natural, straight, with a tassel at the end.
LEGS & FEET: Strong, proportionate, straight, well set legs. Toes should be even and forward facing.
HAIR: Healthy, coarse hair that changes length and thickness with seasons.
COLOR: American Mini Pigs exhibit any variety of colors and markings including but not limited to solid, spots, stripes as an immature color, and agouti as a mature color.
SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS: Females should have atleast 12 evenly spaced teats. Males should have two evenly sized, palpable testicles set in the scrotum.
TEMPERAMENT: Even temperament, friendly disposition, intelligent and highly trainable.
DISQUALIFICATION FROM BREEDING STOCK or UNDESIRABLE TRAITS: Cryptorchidism, hernia, atresia ani, entropian, wattles, mule foot, heavy wrinkling, swayed back, severe over or under bite that affects ability to eat.
Information above taken from here
Canadian Mini Pigs, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada