Pet micropigs act much like dogs in the home, scientists have found

[FfFfFfFF 58,083]

In the first study comparing the behaviour of pigs to dogs in the home, scientists from Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest have discovered that pigs are more likely to try and solve problems by themselves rather than seeking help from humans. Dogs, on the other hand approach a person at the first sign of trouble.

Micropigs have become popular pets in the past decade, after smaller breeds of domesticated pig were found to make relatively clean and intelligent companions. Scientists decided to study the households pets because they are socialised and raised in a very similar way to pet dogs, so thought there could be interesting comparisons to be made about their respective behaviours.

The study, published in Animal Cognition, found that pigs can be "more vocal" than dogs, making noises to seek attention or help from humans. In neutral situations, both animals approach animals the same amount, but when a challenge arises, dogs are faster to seek help from their owners.

Researchers used the so called 'Unsolvable task paradigm', where the animal first faces a problem that he can solve, which was an easy-to-open box with food inside. Then, after a few trials with the box ajar, it is securely closed and unsolvable by the animals. Unlike pigs, dogs quickly approached humans for help when the task became unsolvable.

Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/17/pet-micropigs-act-like-dogs-home-oinking-owners-food-scientists/

[JusKeepBreathin 19,311]

I'm from Puerto Rico. 

This is how we take our pigs home.

 

 

[Gagi 2,750]

3 minutes ago, JusKeepBreathin said:

I'm from Puerto Rico. 

This is how we take our pigs home.

 

 

[Guest Adarsh]

Pigs are adorable 

[FATCAT 60,888]

24 minutes ago, JusKeepBreathin said:

I'm from Puerto Rico. 

This is how we take our pigs home.

Damn, this has got to be the worst picture I've ever seen of myself. 

[Andreu 37,216]

I can't imagine people having pigs as pets but whatever makes people stop eating them tbh

[BlondeQueenOfGGD 25,454]

I sleep in the same bed as my pig

[Defmix100 7,048]

1 hour ago, FATCAT said:

Damn, this has got to be the worst picture I've ever seen of myself. 

your avi with the signed card that's awesome

[RudraCNG 15,506]

@Kimmo's shocked

[RudraCNG 15,506]

25 minutes ago, Andreu said:

I can't imagine people having pigs as pets but whatever makes people stop eating them tbh

Here in Sant Andreu district there's a man who walks his pig every day. Now it's banned to have them as pets, but he has it before the prohibition.

[Celloo Deng 56,313]

I would love to have a pet pig. I'd like to have my own mini farm when I have my own house with a big garden. 

Also pigs are so intelligent, I could never eat one. 

[Guest]

I literally want one so ****ing bad. 

[RAMROD 117,010]

The one on the picture have no meat at all 

[sarahb 17,187]

Gotta wonder how many people buy what they think is a 'micropig' but then it grows into this

[Rat Boy 43,832]

2 minutes ago, sarahb said:

Gotta wonder how many people buy what they think is a 'micropig' but then it grows into this

And as they grow up they develop all of these complex behavioural issues.