Why Pigs Are The Coolest Animals On The Farm

Over the years, pigs have gotten a bad rap. They're dirty, gluttonous and lazy... pigs. But it’s time to set the record straight and learn why pigs are top dog.

First of all, they're cute.

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And, since pretty much the dawn of time, pigs have been a symbol of health, wealth, good luck and wisdom for a myriad of cultures.

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Luckier than rabbit's feet...

Teutonic in origin, pigs are meant to bring good luck, especially during the New Year. In the US, during the holidays, many families still follow the tradition of the peppermint pig. Families break the candy after dinner (inside a small cloth pouch) using a miniature hammer. Then everyone shares in eating the pieces, hoping for good fortune in the coming year. In Germany, marzipan pigs are popular treats on New Year’s Eve.

Like a pig in clover...

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In the Victorian era, only wealthy people owned pigs because they brought in the big bucks. They are fairly cheap to care for (they can subsist on anything) and are easy to breed making them a great money-maker for those living on marginal land...

cha-ching!

They’re the epitome of sophistication

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People that have pigs as pets say that, like humans, they enjoy listening to music, playing with soccer balls, and getting massages.

Fact: Pigs are smarter than your average bear

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Pigs are the fourth most intelligent animal, behind chimpanzees, dolphins and elephants. According to Professor Donald Broom of the Cambridge University Veterinary School, “[Pigs] have the cognitive ability to be quite sophisticated. Even more so than dogs and certainly [more so than human] 3-year-olds.”

Also? They can recognize their own name two to three weeks after birth

I’ll have what he’s having

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Like humans, they are omnivores. Pigs will eat just about anything, making it easy and affordable to care for them.

Pigs save lives

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Because pigs are genetically similar to humans, we have been able to transplant pig heart valves into humans. And as a result, there’s some serious research being conducted into creating organ donor pigs.

They’re born with a green thumb…or snout

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Wild pigs help manage ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. When pigs root, or dig around with their snouts, the disturbance in the soil creates new areas for plant growth.

And, finally, they are masters of the spoken word

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Pigs are constantly talking to each other, using more than 20 different oinks, grunts and squeals to get their message across. Piglets run to their mother’s voices and mama pigs even sing to their kiddos while they nurse.

In conclusion, this holiday season, make like a pig and pass on good fortune to a family in need. Help a family in need start their New Year with a pig.