Blog written by Victoria Smith, volunteer blog writer

Pigs, for some reason, have a negative reputation. The word pig is widely used as a disdainful or disrespectful insult,  and they’re (wrongly) considered by many to be dirty. This is horribly unfair and sad, because they’re amazing creatures! Here are just some of the ways in which pigs are awesome….

Super clever

How many times have you heard people talking about how smart dogs are? Anyone lucky enough to have a dog as part of their family will know that they’re fun, emotionally intelligent, and very clever at manipulating you when they want something. Well, pigs are even smarter! Just like dogs, they can be taught to sit and fetch, and can learn their own name. But they also have significant long-term memories, are scientifically proven to outsmart human toddlers at many tasks, and can even play computer games, moving the joystick with their snouts. Studies show that like humans, pigs dream in their sleep.

Super sociable

Pigs are very social animals, who form close friendships and family connections, and develop social hierarchies. Free-living pigs will typically live in groups of around 8 individuals and at sleep-time will snuggle up, often sleeping nose to nose with their best friends. They also empathise if their friends are sad.

Super maternal

Pigs are extremely protective mothers and build nests using straw and twigs. Mother pigs who live in the same group will nest together and share mum-duties, with one looking after all of the piglets whilst her fellow mums go forage. For a beautiful story of one mum and her quest to protect her family, check out Matilda’s story.

Super affectionate

Perhaps an obvious one after mentioning their sleeping habits, but pigs show a lot of love, not only to each other, but also to human caregivers, if there’s trust and respect between them. They love scratches and a belly rub! Check out sweet Xavier at Sisu Refuge for the evidence.

Super curious

Naturally inquisitive, free-living pigs spend 75% of their time up and about foraging, rooting and exploring. They rely on smell more than sight to navigate and explore their surroundings. 

Super vocal

Pigs have over 20 recognised vocal sounds and aren’t shy to use them! There’s a significant difference even to the human ear between happy pig sounds and negative ones, and their vocalisations vary between oinks, grunts, and squeals. 

Super tails

Just like dogs, pigs wag their tails when they’re happy. It’s very cute.

Super speedy & playful

They may not be the sleekest, but pigs can get a move on! Adult pigs can run at up to 11mph, especially for a good reason like breakfast. They’re also very playful and love toys. Check out Elvis and his tennis ball at The Retreat Sanctuary. Ever seen a pig get the zoomies? Click here…you won’t be disappointed. 

Super clean and hygienic

Pigs don’t have sweat glands. So the common misconception about them being dirty stems from the fact that they dust and mud-bathe to cool off and protect themselves from the sun. It’s actually pretty clever and resourceful, developing a natural sunscreen…

Pigs are in fact very hygienic animals when they have the space to engage in natural behaviours. They designate different areas in which to eat and sleep and for their toilet.

All in all, pigs are pretty great. The most crucial fact about them though is that they deserve to live happy lives, free of fear, and free from the horrors of industrial farming. Why not share some of these facts with someone who could do with knowing how sweet and emotionally intelligent pigs are, in the hope that they’ll think twice about their choices next meal time?

As always,

For the animals