Tag: teacup

What to know about ‘teacup’ pigs
Journalism

What to know about ‘teacup’ pigs

The touted “teacup” pigs do not stay small. In fact, they grow to become quite large. Baby pigs are cute. So what could be more enticing than a miniature pig that supposedly maintains that baby-pig appeal? Many Americans (National Geographic's number is around 1 million) are plunking down hundreds and even thousands of dollars to acquire tiny pigs as pets. The problem is, the touted “teacup” pigs do not stay small. In fact, they grow to become quite large. Fox News in January reported on how the “overgrown swine” are packing animal shelters. Pig sanctuaries are also full. The term teacup is deceptive, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The popular pig breed getting snatched up is generally a pot-bellied pig. In its marketing information, American Mini Pig shar...