10 Funny Facts About Pigs

Pigs by Alexandr frolov from Wikimedia Commons

10 Funny Facts About Pigs

I can’t help but chuckle as I sit here in my sty, surrounded by mud and slop, thinking about all the hilarious quirks and habits of my fellow pigs. We’re actually brilliant animals with a great sense of humour, in case you didn’t know. Still not convinced? I’ll run through ten funny pig facts with you now, all of which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Therefore, sit back, unwind, and get ready to snort with hilarity at these endearing and often underrated creatures.

1. Pigs don’t sweat

While the other animals are panting and perspiring on this hot summer day, we piglets are coping just fine. You see, we don’t have sweat ducts in contrast to our furry cousins. Yes, despite the sweltering weather, we remain as cool as a cucumber. So, we are out here living it up to the fullest, rolling around in the mud and staying cool while everyone else is huddled in the shade. We wouldn’t have it any other way because it’s just one of the pig’s many intriguing quirks.

2. Pigs are actually pretty clean

Pig by Français from Wikimedia Commons

We pigs are actually quite the neat freaks, despite what people think. The only reason we enjoy rolling around in the dirt is to keep nasties like bugs at bay and to help us regulate our body temperature. We actually place a high value on cleanliness to the point where we reserve a particular area of our pen for bathroom-related needs.

Because of how meticulous we are about keeping our home clean, we won’t even eat food or beverages there. As a result, you can confidently assert that you are just as clean as one of us the next time someone calls you a dirty pig remind them that we’re not dirty. 

3. Pigs are smarter than dogs

You should not be misled by our cute snouts and curly tails; we pigs are actually fairly intelligent animals. Studies have found that we are in reality even smarter than dogs, who are considered to be man’s best friend. We are able to solve challenging puzzles, have an excellent memory, and quickly adjust to new situations. Additionally, we have a lot of social interaction and enjoy squealing and grunting at one another.

Even though dogs may get all the focus for their intelligence, we pigs are discreetly showcasing our impressive mental prowess. Who knows, perhaps someday we’ll have our very own squad of pig detectives working to solve crimes and break cases!

4. Pigs don’t just oink

Pigs by Anneli Salo from Wikimedia Commons

While the traditional “oink” is undoubtedly one of our unique noises, we pigs are actually quite chatty. There are many different grunts, squeals, and even high-pitched screams that we use to interact with one another. From signalling danger to expressing hunger, each sound has a distinct significance.

In addition to verbal communication, we also use nonverbal cues like tail wagging and physical contact to send various messages. As a result, the next time you hear a piglet grunting, keep in mind that they’re saying much more than just “oink”—instead, they’re communicating in a complex language!

5. Pigs have great social skills

Although we have a reputation for being solitary animals, pigs are actually very social beings. Nothing makes us happier than cuddling up with our pig companions and spending quality time together. In actuality, each piglet in our group is aware of their position in the social hierarchy, which is complicated.

In order to establish relationships and trust, we also participate in playful behaviours like play-fighting and chasing each other around. Therefore, the next time you see a group of pigs cuddling up together, be aware that they’re doing more than just staying warm; instead, they’re also fostering lifelong friendships and social ties.

6. Pigs have one great tool…their nose

Pig by Pkuczynski from Wikimedia Commons

Us piggies have the best tool available: our noses, which are ideal for sniffing out a tasty meal or digging in the soil. We can locate scents up to seven feet beneath thanks to our keen sense of smell! Not only does this help us locate food, but it also helps us avoid predators and make our way around uncharted territory.

Depending on what we’re sniffing out, our snouts can move autonomously and even alter their shape, making them a very versatile part of our bodies. So, the next time you see a pig snuffling around, remember that they’re not just being cute; they’re actually using one of their strongest and most crucial weapons for survival.

7. Pigs can run and swim

Pigs may not have wings to fly, but we definitely make up for it with our amazing running and swimming abilities. When we’re not kicking back in the mud, we like to sprint off at breakneck velocities—some breeds can reach speeds of up to 11 miles per hour!

And if the ground beneath our trotters gets too hot, we have no problem going for a swim in the closest pond or stream because swimming is a great way to cool off and have fun. Since we can sprint and swim, we stay active and agile and are prepared for any journey, even though we can’t fly like birds.

8. Pigs have excellent memories

Contrary to common belief, pigs are not forgetful animals; in fact, some humans would consider our memory to be exceptional. For years, we have been able to recall and recognize the faces of other pigs and humans, and we have even been taught to recognize particular objects and symbols.

This long-term memory also aids in navigating our surroundings and avoiding possible threats, such as when we need to recall which areas of the pen are safe and which ones should be avoided. The next time you encounter a pig and assume it won’t recall you, reconsider; we have a strong memory that shouldn’t be underrated!

9. They have personalities

Our distinctive personalities are just one of the many characteristics that make us pigs such intriguing animals. We all have unique traits, tastes, and attitudes that set us apart from other people, just like humans do.

Others of us prefer to cuddle up in the warmth of our pig companions, while others are bold and love to explore new places. Some of us are naturally inquisitive and like to poke our noses into everything, while others are more relaxed and like to approach things slowly. Whatever our personalities, one thing is for certain: we all have our own unique brand of pig charisma, and we make the world around us much more joyful and entertaining.

10. Pigs are playful

Pig by Guido Gerding from Wikimedia Commons

Who says pigs can’t have a good time? Like any other animal, we pigs enjoy having fun. We’re constantly coming up with fresh ways to have fun, whether it’s playing with toys, chasing each other around, or rolling around in the mud. Playtime, however, is not just about having a good time; it’s also a vital method for us to socialize, forge bonds with others, and acquire useful skills.

Piglets in particular enjoy playing and taking part in activities that help them improve their balance, speed, and problem-solving abilities. So the next time you see a pig having a good time, remember that they’re not just having fun for the sake of it; they’re also making meaningful connections and learning essential life lessons!

You can also read 30 Interesting Facts About Cows