Micro Pigs, the Latest in Celebrity Pet Craze

You've seen them with teacup poodles, chihuahuas, shih tzus and other-teeny tiny adorable lap dogs, but now celebrities like Harry Potter's Rupert Grint are getting in on the latest craze - micro pigs. Micro pigs are adorable miniature pigs that are born weighing in at just 9 ounces. As small as they are, their price tag is anything but. These little piggies can cost as much as $1,200 apiece. In two years, they become full grown, but still only standing 14-16 inches tall and weighing just 40-65 pounds, just a fraction of the size of most adult pigs.

Micro pigs are also very low-maintenance pets. Contrary to popular myth, pigs are clean animals. They are easy to toilet-train and don't soil their bedding. You don't have to walk them, like you would a dog. They just need food, water and lots of love. Another benefit of these pigs, is you can't get allergies from them like some people have to cats or dogs, because the pigs' skin is so similar to ours and instead of fur they have hair. Micro pigs also have very few (if any) health problems and can live up to 18 years.

The tiny, colorful micro pigs are crosses of Miniature Pot Bellied pigs with Kune Kunes, Gloucester Old Spots and Tamworths.

"They make fantastic pets," micro pig breeder Jane Croft says. "They're highly intelligent and just love to be loved. They give so much back to you." The pigs enjoy playing with toys, eating good food and even watching tv with their humans! Croft loves the little piggies like members of her family. She has very strict standards for prospective micro pig parents. Buyers must register the land on which the pig will be kept with the Rural Payments Agency, a division of the government that administers farm animals are properly cared for. The piglets are also only to be sold in pairs. Pigs are social creatures that require companionship, and Croft would like to ensure the little pigs will always have a buddy to play with. Although micro pigs can easily be house-trained, Ms. Croft also requires potential owners to have a backyard or outdoor area where the pigs can frolic and play.

Wouldn't you like your next pet to be a micro-pig? Sorry, American readers, but Croft doesn't sell her micro pigs to United States buyers. They are sold exclusively in Europe.