From Developed in the 1960s at the University of Göttingen, Germany, by crossing the Minnesota Minipig, Vietnamese Pot-bellied pig and German Landrace pig.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
Göttingen Minipigs are known for their gentle, docile temperament. They are intelligent, curious and respond well to positive interaction and training, such as clicker training. They are social animals that enjoy company and can become very tame with regular, calm handling.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
They need daily mental stimulation and physical activity. Provide rooting material, toys that are rotated regularly to maintain interest, and opportunities to explore. They enjoy playing with water, such as a shallow wading pool, and benefit from positive human interaction as enrichment.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hooves need trimming every 60-90 days if housed on smooth flooring. Provide bedding such as chopped straw or wood shavings with hay for rooting. Clean water troughs frequently. Remove uneaten pellets after one hour to encourage a healthy appetite.3
Home where they are happiest
Group housing is preferred; if singly housed, they must have snout contact or at least visual and auditory contact with other pigs. Pens should have solid, medium-grit flooring with a slight slope, and divisions at least 1.2 m high to prevent climbing. Provide a dry, warm sleeping area at the back of the pen. Water nipples should be at shoulder height and adjusted as they grow. Bedding or rooting material must always be available.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous but prone to obesity, so a restricted, high-fibre (13-14%) low-energy diet is essential. Feed specially formulated minipig pellets. Minipigs under 7 months should be fed twice daily; older ones can be fed once or twice daily. Males have higher maintenance requirements and lose weight faster than females. Always provide fresh water ad libitum.35
Company who they like around
They are highly social and must be kept in compatible groups or at least have sensory contact with other pigs. Hierarchy exists, so compatibility must be monitored. Daily positive human interaction is also important for tame pets.3
The story where it all began
The Göttingen Minipig was created in the 1960s at the University of Göttingen, Germany, by crossing the Minnesota Minipig (for small size), the Vietnamese Pot-bellied pig (for fertility and small size) and the German Landrace pig (for white skin and leaner body). The aim was to produce a small, white, docile pig for biomedical research. Although originally bred for laboratories, they became popular as pets in the 2010s, especially in the United States, due to their exceptionally small adult size and gentle nature. Today, breeding colonies exist in several countries, and the University of Göttingen still oversees the genetic management of the breed.124
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Göttingen Minipig. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterMeasured meals, pigs overeat easilyevery day
House spot cleanPigs keep a clean bed and a separate toilet spotevery day
EnrichmentRooting and foraging every dayevery day
Keep cool summerShade and a wallow or sprinkler on hot daysevery day
Weigh inevery month
Hoof trimevery 6 months
Flea, tick and worm protectionAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
These simple two-ingredient treats are low in sugar and high in fibre, making them a healthy reward for training or bonding. Oats provide slow-release energy, while bananas offer natural sweetness without added sugar.
You need
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats (blended into a flour)
How
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Blend the oats in a food processor until they become a fine flour.
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
Slowly mix the oat flour into the mashed bananas until a stiff dough forms.
Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet and flatten gently with the back of a wet spoon.
Bake for 9–12 minutes until golden and firm.
Cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two cookies per day as a training reward. Always supervise your pig when giving treats.
These four-ingredient biscuits are perfect bite-sized rewards for training sessions. Cheese provides protein and calcium, but the recipe uses only a small amount to keep calories in check.
You need
1 cup shredded cheese (low-fat, e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup milk (unsweetened, e.g. oat or cow's milk)
1 tablespoon softened butter (unsalted)
How
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and flour together.
Stir in the milk and softened butter until a stiff dough forms.
Roll small balls of dough (about the size of a marble) and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden and firm.
Cool completely before offering to your pig.
How much: Use one or two biscuits per training session. Because these are richer, limit to occasional use.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Göttingen Minipig, and what should it eat?
Feed specially formulated minipig pellets; under 7 months twice daily, older ones once or twice daily. Always provide fresh water. Furry Diary's starting plan is measured meals daily to prevent obesity.35Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Göttingen Minipig?
Avoid many human foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Avocado is especially dangerous for birds and rabbits, so best to avoid for pigs too. Always consult a vet for a full list of toxic items.6
How much space and land does a Göttingen Minipig need?
They need a spacious pen with solid, medium-grit flooring and divisions at least 1.2 m high to prevent climbing. For exact space requirements, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.3
What kind of shelter does a Göttingen Minipig need?
Provide a dry, warm sleeping area at the back of the pen with bedding like chopped straw or wood shavings. Rooting material such as hay should always be available for comfort and enrichment.3
How do I look after a Göttingen Minipig's hooves or feet?
Hooves need trimming every 60, 90 days if housed on smooth flooring. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a trim every 180 days, but adjust based on your pig's activity and flooring. Consult a vet for proper technique.3Furry Diary plan
Does a Göttingen Minipig need grooming or shearing?
They have sparse white hair and do not require shearing. Regular hoof care is the main grooming need, along with providing bedding and cleaning water troughs frequently.34
Can a Göttingen Minipig live alone?
They are highly social and should not live alone. They need compatible group housing or at least sensory contact with other pigs. Daily positive human interaction is also important for tame pets.3
How long does a Göttingen Minipig live?
Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for specific information about this breed.
Is a Göttingen Minipig good with children?
They are gentle and intelligent, but always supervise interactions with children. Ask a good breeder about their temperament with kids for more tailored advice.13
What regular vet care does a Göttingen Minipig need?
Regular vet check-ups are important; consult an exotic-pet vet for a health plan. Furry Diary's starting plan includes monthly weigh-ins to monitor weight and prevent obesity. Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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