New breeds of pint-sized pigs are in demand as the latest trendy pet. These endearing creatures are specially bred for cuddling and indoor living--they are small enough to keep in a house or apartment.
Only a few breeders around the world have perfected the science of breeding such tiny pigs. One American breeder offers two sizes of mini pigs: Royal Dandies™, which average 29 to 39 lbs.; and the even tinier Dandie Extremes™, which average only 19 to 29 lbs. Breeder Patty Sorensen claims these pigs are not only small and adorable, but intelligent, social and affectionate.
Slightly larger, but still in the miniature category, are the pigs of Pennywell Farm in South Devon, England. At birth, these pigs average 8 oz., and they grow to about one-fifth the size of a standard piglet (about the size of a Springer Spaniel). Photographer Richard Austin has captured many images of the piglets (see gallery), including one tiny fellow named Tetley standing next to a tea cup to illustrate his size. Austin also filmed the accompanying video of the Pennywell Farm piglets.
Pennywell Farm says it has received thousands of purchase inquiries from around the world, and currently has an extensive waiting list.
I’m guessing we’ll be seeing some celebrities carrying around jewel-adorned and super-spoiled mini pigs in the near future…
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Pint-Sized Royal Dandies Capture Hearts of Animal Lovers
Trend Themes
1. Mini Pet Pigs - The trend of keeping mini pigs as pets is rising, creating opportunities for breeders, pet supply manufacturers, and veterinarians to capture the market.
2. Designer Miniature Pigs - A new breed of mini pigs bred for their cuteness and affectionate nature create opportunities for specialized breeders to supply unique, desirable pets.
3. Celebrity Mini Pig Craze - The increasing trend of owning mini pigs as pets has the potential to become widespread among celebrities, leading to opportunities for event planners and designers to cater to their pets in unique ways.
Industry Implications
1. Pet Breeding - Pet breeders who specialize in miniature pigs have opportunities to market their specialty to pet owners by offering unique breeds and promoting the benefits of owning a mini pig.
2. Pet Supplies - As the trend of owning mini pigs as pets increases, there will be opportunities for pet supply manufacturers to create specialized products that cater to small pet pigs, such as food, toys, and accessories.
3. Veterinary Care - With the rise in demand for mini pigs as pets, there will be opportunities for veterinarians to offer specialized care for these pets, including preventive care, vaccinations, and health checkups.