© Minipigs / CC BY-SA 3.0Gottingen Minipig
The Göttingen Minipig is a small pig breed developed in the late 1960s at the University of Göttingen in Germany for use as a laboratory animal. With a white-to-pink coat, adults reach only about 35kg, giving them a notably compact build. They have a gentle, even-tempered nature and, despite their history as a closed research line, have increasingly been kept as pets in the United States and elsewhere since the 2010s. Intelligent and quick to learn, many individuals seem to enjoy interacting with their caregivers, making them an appealing and distinctive companion animal.
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Apply as a breederGottingen Minipig key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 12-18 years
- Size
- About 35kg as an adult
- Diet
- Minipig pellets, vegetables, hay
- Cage
- Indoors: non-slip floors and a bed. Outdoors: a pen with shade, a wallow and fencing that resists rooting
- Grooming
- Short coat; manage dry skin with brushing, and trim hooves regularly
- Temperament
- Described as docile and easy to tame; intelligent, and boredom leads to problem behaviour
- Notes
- Even as a pet, livestock hygiene standards and annual reporting to the livestock hygiene centre apply. Watch for obesity
About Gottingen Minipig
The Göttingen Minipig is a small pig breed from Germany's University of Göttingen. Adults weigh about 35kg and are known for their gentle temperament, originally bred for research but increasingly kept as pets.
7 things to know before welcoming a Gottingen Minipig
1Plenty of Space Needed
Adults can weigh around 35kg, so a typical small-animal cage isn't enough space. If kept indoors, set aside a dedicated area, and access to an outdoor space for exercise helps them stay comfortable.
2Gentle and Intelligent
Göttingen minipigs are gentle and tend to bond with people, but they're also highly intelligent and quick to learn. Rather than forceful discipline, building a relationship through daily interaction works best.
3Watch Food Portions
Pigs tend to have a big appetite, and overfeeding can make weight management difficult. Feeding an appropriate amount for their age and size, and being mindful of treats, helps keep them healthy.
4Skin and Sun Protection
Their white-to-pink skin has little hair covering it, making it more sensitive to sunlight. If they spend long periods outdoors, providing shade and other sun protection is worth considering.
5Enjoys Human Contact
Many individuals enjoy bonding with their owners and grow comfortable around people. Setting aside regular time for interaction and talking to them helps strengthen that relationship.
6Check Your Living Situation First
Whether keeping a pig at home works out well depends a lot on your housing and surroundings. Before bringing one home, picture your specific living space and routine to make sure it's a realistic fit.
7Find a Vet in Advance
Not all veterinary clinics are equipped to treat minipigs. Finding one nearby that can see them before you bring your pig home means you'll have somewhere to turn if health concerns come up.
Frequently asked questions about Gottingen Minipig
- Q.How big does a Göttingen Minipig get?
- A.Adults typically weigh around 35kg. That's compact compared to standard-sized pigs, but you should still plan space for a medium-sized animal rather than a small one.
- Q.What is their temperament like?
- A.They're generally described as gentle and easy to bond with. They're also intelligent, and tend to build a strong relationship with their owner through regular interaction.
- Q.How difficult are they to care for?
- A.They're considered suitable for intermediate-level keepers. There's a fair amount to learn beforehand — from managing their size and diet to preparing your living space — so it's worth researching thoroughly before bringing one home.
- Q.Are they subject to CITES?
- A.Göttingen Minipigs are not subject to CITES. There's nothing else to note on this point.
- Q.They were originally lab animals — can they really be kept as pets?
- A.Göttingen Minipigs were originally developed in Germany as a research line, but thanks to their gentle temperament, they've increasingly been kept as pets since the 2010s. It's worth learning about the individual animal's traits before deciding.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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