Most people think pigs are just messy farm animals that spend their days rolling around in mud.

They see them as simple creatures without much going on upstairs. But pigs are far more complex and intelligent than most folks realize.

This blog will share some truly surprising and fun facts about pigs.

Readers will learn about pig intelligence, their social behaviors, and abilities that might change how they view these creatures forever.

Engaging and Amusing Fun Facts About Pigs

1. Pigs are as smart as dogs and can be trained to do tricks.

2. Pigs have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them find food like truffles.

3. Pigs can run at speeds of up to 11 miles per hour.

4. Pigs can get sunburned, so they often roll in mud to protect their skin and cool down.

5. Pigs are very clean animals and avoid soiling their living spaces if they have enough room.

6. A pig’s snout is an incredibly sensitive tool used for finding food and exploring.

7. Pigs can learn their names and respond to commands.

8. Pigs communicate with each other through grunts, squeals, and many other sounds.

9. Pigs have a large field of vision because their eyes are on the sides of their heads.

10. Pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

11. Pigs have toes that help them balance and run; they walk mainly on two of their four toes.

12. Pigs enjoy playing in water and are good swimmers.

13. Pigs can be left or right-handed, depending on which side they prefer to use.

14. The Large White pig is one of the largest breeds and can weigh over 1,000 pounds!

15. Pigs are very social and form close bonds with other pigs.

16. Baby pigs, called piglets, are born with their eyes closed and open them a few days later.

17. Pigs can make over 20 different sounds, each with a different meaning.

18. Pigs have a strong sense of direction and can find their way back home.

19. Pigs’ brains are more similar to humans’ than the brains of other farm animals.

20. Pigs can form friendships with other animals, including dogs.

21. When pigs are happy, they wag their tails just like dogs do.

22. Pigs have good memories and can remember things for a long time.

23. Pigs have no sweat glands, so they roll in mud or bathe in water to cool down.

24. A group of pigs is called a sounder.

25. Pigs have a gestation period of about 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days (around 114 days).

26. The pig’s digestive system is very similar to that of humans.

27. Pigs are used in medical research because their organs and biology are similar to ours.

28. Pigs love exploring new places and are very curious animals.

29. Pigs can sleep for up to 12 hours a day.

30. The wild relatives of domestic pigs are wild boars.

31. Pigs have four toes on each foot but walk mainly on two of them.

32. Wild pigs are excellent swimmers and sometimes swim to escape predators.

33. Pigs have a keen sense of taste and can tell the difference between flavors.

34. Domestic pigs usually live 6 to 10 years, but pet pigs can live up to 15-20 years.

35. Humans have domesticated pigs for over 9,000 years.

36. Some pigs are trained to sniff out truffles, a rare and expensive type of mushroom.

37. Pigs have been used as therapy animals to help people with disabilities.

38. When pigs feel stressed or anxious, they may squeal loudly to show their discomfort.

39. Pigs use their curly tails to express their mood as happy pigs have curly tails, while scared pigs tuck their tails.

The Incredible Life Cycle of A Pig

The life cycle of a pig can be broken down into several stages, from birth to adulthood.

Piglet (Birth to 3 Weeks)

Pigs are born in litters, with 6-12 piglets on average. When they are born, piglets are small and covered in a thin layer of hair. They can’t see, but they can smell and find their mother’s milk.

The first few weeks are spent nursing and growing rapidly.

Juvenile (3 Weeks to 6 Months)

As piglets grow, they begin to eat solid food like grains, vegetables, and fruits.

At this stage, their teeth start to come in, and they begin walking, exploring, and playing with other pigs. They are still growing and becoming more independent, but are not fully mature.

Adolescent (6 Months to 1 Year)

By this age, pigs start to develop into adults. Female pigs reach puberty around 6 months, while males may take a little longer.

They can begin reproducing, and many pigs are kept for breeding at this point.

Adult (1 Year and Beyond)

An adult pig is fully grown, typically weighing between 300 and 600 pounds, depending on the breed.

At this stage, pigs can be used for breeding or farming purposes, but they continue to grow slowly throughout their lives. Pigs can live up to 15 years in the right environment.

The Bottom Line

Pigs are much more than just farm animals. From their remarkable intelligence and strong social bonds to their impressive physical abilities, they continue to surprise us.

These fun facts about pigs give us a deeper appreciation for pigs and highlight just how unique they truly are.

So, the next time you come across one, remember: there’s much more to pigs than meets the eye! They’re not only cute but also incredibly smart and capable.