Credit: JEVTIC / GETTY IMAGES

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JEVTIC / GETTY IMAGES

There are few things that make me squeal more than the sight of piglets, or any well-kempt and reasonably sized pig, really. Iโ€™ve wanted a miniature โ€œteacupโ€ pig ever since I first learned they existed. And Iโ€™d always heard great things about pigs: Theyโ€™re smarter than the average pet, affectionate, social, hypoallergenic (also, they donโ€™t shed), and very similar to dogs and cats. They can learn tricks, be walked on a leash, and even be litter box-trained! But pigs are also highly intellectual animals that require a lot of attention and care that dogs and cats donโ€™t, and they can become destructive if they arenโ€™t properly tended to or donโ€™t get the activity they need. They should never be kept in a small pen, or left alone with free range of the house. While they love to lounge around with you, they also need space and a yard to graze, run, roll around, and be a pig in. For pet owners who can provide all that, they can be great indoor/outdoor companions for the suburbs and even the city (just make sure to check the zoning restrictions in your area).

Jenni Moore is a former music editor and hip-hop columnist and current freelancer at The Portland Mercury. She also writes about comedy, cannabis, movies, TV, and her hatred of taxidermy.