Are Pigs As Affectionate As Dogs?

Pigs are Extremely Affectionate Animals

​Everyone knows that there are few animals on the planet that show affection as openly as a dog does.  But, does this mean that dogs are the most affectionate companion animal?  Not necessarily.  Pigs can be extremely affectionate as well.  Some pigs are better at showing affection than others, but don't let the poker faces of pigs like our Pumpkin trick you.  She isn't fooling anyone by at first laying just out of reach.  Then moving her head a little closer, and then closer until finally her head is on your lap or up against you.  You can't read her love for you on her face like you can with many dogs.  But, in her eyes, you see it.   And her actions tell the real story.

And our middle pig child, Charlotte, insists on cuddle time the minute she is done with breakfast.  She wants me laying on the couch so that she can climb up on my chest and nuzzle her snout against my cheek.  And if I try to get up in the middle of snuggle time, the disappointment is palpable.  You can feel her fighting against your effort to unearth yourself from her embrace.  She also loves to snuggle up in our laps.  She doesn't care that she hangs over a bit on each side.  In her head, she's the still same size as our Yorkie.  

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​And Millie loves to lick our faces and give snout kisses with her little wet nose.  And she follows us everywhere we go.  Just like a dog, much of the time it is motivated by affection.  Sometimes she is hoping for a treat.  And sometimes she just wants to be a part of the action.  She is always ready to snuggle in close with someone on the couch.  And, unlike Pumpkin, Millie's face shows her affection.  She almost always looks like she's smiling.  

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​But, not only are pigs affectionate towards their humans, they are super affectionate towards each other.  You can see the amazing family bond between all three pigs.  Pumpkin is Charlotte's mother.  And Millie is not related to them, but you'd never know that Millie wasn't Pumpkin's daughter.  She is always with them.  They snout kiss each other.  They cuddle endlessly.  And if Pumpkin hears either of her daughters in distress, she is ready to come to their rescue.  And when she can't get to them, it clearly bothers her.  When I work with Millie on being picked up in the bedroom, Pumpkin can hear her squeal in the living room and wants to come and rescue her.  Since there is a gate blocking her, she knocks things over or tries to tear up blankets or pillows.  Exactly what you would expect from a distressed mother of any species (including humans).  I can only imagine what pigs on farms where they are raised to be eaten feel when they see family members taken away.  Their poker faces might not show it, but there is no doubt they are very aware and affected by such events.

​So, if you are considering adopting a pig in need from a rescue near you but worry that they won't be as affectionate as other companion animals, please know you have nothing to worry about.  I cannot imagine my life without the love I feel for and from my beloved pigs.  I can honestly say that I have never felt so close and connected with any other species of companion animal.   And if you are worried that adopting an older pig will mean you missed out on key bonding time when they were a piglet, this couldn't be further from the truth.  My connection with Pumpkin (she was 5 when we met) is every bit as strong as the bond I have with Charlotte and Millie who I've known since they were 8 weeks old.  So, please rescue a pig in need and they will return the favor a million times over in the love they will give you back.    

Don't forget to grab your "I Love Pig" bumper sticker in our store!

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