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In their earlier years, the Valentines bred and sold a small number of piglets. You can see some of the pictures of their pigs below. But first a sidenote: Nowdays, there are so many pigs being turned over to shelters, rescue centers and foster homes due to the economy and an overabundance of "backyard breeding". There is also the misconception of "teacup pigs" being sold these days. This is when breeders breed pigs and sell them, sometimes for thousands of dollars, stating that the pigs will stay tiny and that they won't grow any larger than 25-35 pounds. The truth is that when these pigs are first born, they can fit into a teacup (like many of the pictures the breeders will show you).....but.....the other truth is - they do not stay that small, no matter what the breeder guarantees, that is - if the pig is fed properly. The problem is most times those breeders do not provide proper feeding instructions, in order to keep the pig small, when in actuality, if the pig is not fed properly - the pig will not be a healthy pig due to malnutrition and is most likely prone to being an aggressive pig due to hungriness. Another issue is that folks are not doing their research, before obtaining a potbellied pig, in order to check their zoning ordinances and/or become properly educated on raising these potbellied pigs. Potbellied pigs can make great pets, but you must be properly informed and educated regarding their needs. Due to the fact that there are so many homeless and neglected potbellied pigs these days, we highly recommend adopting as opposed to purchasing from a breeder. The following links will help to educate you. Please take time to view these links, especially if you are considering a potbellied pig for a pet.
As mentioned before, the Valentines bred and sold a small number of piglets. They raised purebred potbellied pigs from the original stock brought to the US. All piglets were born in their home and lovingly trained by Priscilla and Steve, professional pig trainers of 20+ years!
SILVER HERD SIRE OINKIE! NEW HERD SIRE! RED and SPOTTED PIGLETS! Why is a Valentine pig so unique? That's when they considered breeding "Dumpling" and "Brutus". These two perky registered pigs with smooshed-in pug noses and classic potbellied faces were so good-natured, Priscilla decided to raise just one litter and see if the personalities and conformation could be passed on.
That beautiful litter was so sweet and structurally correct from birth that Priscilla decided she wanted to improve the breed by raising her own stock. Since then, the offspring have gone on to become IPPR and NCOPP conformation champions. But most of all, this line makes good pets because the babies are so sweet and of course have the trademark smooshed-in face to die for! Priscilla, a full-time professional trainer who loved doing what she did, started socializing the piglets the very day they were born. She'd gently shape the pig's personality so it would potentially be secure and happy living as a pet. The pigs were litterbox-trained, properly weaned, harness trained, vaccinated, and wormed. No one spent more time living and loving with their pigs than Priscilla!
If you buy a pig that is unvaccinated, improperly weaned, untreated for parasites, unsocialized, and comes from weak stock, both you and him may suffer. Because of the fragile nature of potbellies, Priscilla believed that it is imperative that they be professionally socialized and trained before a new owner takes them home. Otherwise, behavorial problems often erupt that could cost the pig his home. Only two litters a year were usually available, and prospective owners were screened to make sure that a potbellied pig is the pet for them. Caring for one can be a 15+ year responsibility, and pigs are special pets for special people, so they always suggested that one educates themself as to size, personality traits, and habits of the breed. They specialized in rare white pigs with silver saddles and unique black panda markings, but sometimes had all colors. The pigs were guaranteed against genetic defects for their entire life and came with their training book and a potbellied pig harness. No piglet has a personality as sweet as a Valentine pig, and they make excellent pet therapy pigs, because they love people! Eighty percent of their customers were people who already own a potbellied pig, and wanted the best this time around.
Below, on the left, is two-year-old Sophia, a gorgeous Valentine pig, purchased by the Sayers family of Albuquerque, NM. All Valentine pigs had short noses, big, wide eyes, and a sweet, gentle disposition. Wilbur, the darling white pig, was purchased and is still owned by actress Rosalinde Tropper of Los Angeles, CA.
Below is Nellie when she was a wee piglet! |
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CLICK HERE TO SEE PRISCILLA VALENTINE ON "THAT'S MY BABY" (A whole show devoted to Valentines Performing Pigs! See them performing, living at home, and giving birth. Animal Planet's That's My Baby, this video is over 20 minutes, mp4 version, and should open up with your own computer's video player - if you have trouble viewing it, please E-Mail the Webmaster) |
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