Teacup Pig

A Teacup Pig, also called a "micro-mini" and the Pennywell Miniature Pig, is a rare, diminutive breed of pig, so-called because it is about the size of a tea cup at birth. A fully grown Teacup pig can weigh as much as 64 lbs and stands between a foot and 16" tall. In recent years the Teacup pig has become a popular pet among celebrities. The average price for a Teacup pig is about $1,000 depending on the breeder.

The result of a nine year breeding process at Pennywell Farm in Devon, England, a family of Teacup Pigs was unveiled in 2007, reaping press coverage on both sides of the Atlantic. The pigs were reportedly developed from a New Zealand breed called the Kune Kune Pig. Breeder Chris Murray sells Teacup pigs in pairs as pets, "so that they always have company and a companion to snuggle down with on cold winter nights." Teacup pigs are also known as mini pigs, micro pigs, and miniature pigs.ABC News: Mini Pigs

At birth, Teacup pigs weigh just a little bit more than a half pound. As an adult, they measure between 12" and 16" tall. They only weigh about 65 pounds when full-grown, making their size comparable to a spaniel-sized dog.

On average, a teacup pig can be purchased from a breeder for about $1,000. They are said to be highly intelligent but can become bored without stimulation. Teacup pigs make great pets for someone who is home often as they need a lot of attention.http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2009/10/08/2009-10-08_teacup.html Because they are such social animals, experts report that pigs who are locked away in pens when they are fully grown and owners become bored with them are likely to become quite miserable.http://www.tvguide.com/news/celebrity-teacup-pig-1011432.aspx

Interesting Pig Facts:

Pigs are as smart as dogs. Dogs are motivated by loyalty and eagerness to please, but pigs are best motivated by food. Pigs have been trained in France to lead people to edible mushrooms known as truffles. Stanley Curtis at Penn State taught a pig to use a joystick to move a computer cursor.http://www.rps.psu.edu/probing/pigs.html

Victoria and David Beckham - The two are said to have adopted a pair of teacup pigs, whom they named Elton and David, for about $2,300.http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945379_1944230_1944237,00.html

Rupert Grint - It was reported in 2009 that Grint had adopted a pair of teacup pigs.http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2009/10/08/2009-10-08_teacup.html

Paris Hilton - Hilton appeared on the cover of Hello! magazine with her teacup pig, Miss Piglette.http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paris-hiltons-teacup-pig Hilton purchased just one teacup pig, though breeders typically recommend only adopting them in pairs.