Furry Diary

Juliana Pig

Sus scrofa domesticus

Also called Miniature Painted Pig, Mini-Juliana Pig

breedShort profile

From Europe, specifically developed in the Netherlands during the late 1900s12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan10 to 20 years234
Sizetiny
gentle and affectionate
highly trainable
clean and easily house trained
intelligent and curious
23

Looks how to spot one

short, smooth hair

The Juliana pig has a lean, athletic build with a body longer than it is tall, strong legs and a long, sensitive snout. Its coat is short and smooth, and the breed is known for its distinctive 'painted' spotted pattern.42

Coloursblack and white spottedsilvercreamredbrown23

Personality what they are like

Juliana pigs are outgoing, friendly and sociable. They form close bonds with their human family, enjoy cuddling and being stroked, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They are very vocal and communicate with a variety of squeals and grunts.325

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Pigs need daily playtime, mental enrichment and outdoor rooting opportunities. Without stimulation they become bored and destructive. They should not be left alone for more than four hours.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Hooves need trimming about once a year by a vet or experienced owner. Bathing is only necessary if the pig becomes smelly. Provide a litter pan, dog bed with blanket, and large bowls for food and water. Pig-proof the home by hiding chemicals and securing trash.2

Home where they are happiest

Juliana pigs need both indoor living space and secure outdoor access for rooting and foraging. They are sensitive to temperature and do best between 10°C and 27°C (50°F, 80°F). Check local zoning laws before acquiring one, as many areas do not allow pigs as household pets.24

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous. Feed about 2% of the pig's body weight daily, consisting of roughly 50% commercial mini pig pellets and the remainder fresh vegetables, leafy greens, fruit and occasional treats. Orchard grass hay can also be offered.24

Company who they like around

Very high. Juliana pigs are highly social and need regular human interaction. They should not be left alone for more than four hours. They bond closely with their owners and can become distressed if isolated. They are not recommended for people who are away from home all day.2

The story where it all began

The Juliana pig was developed in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, during the late 1900s. Breeders selectively crossed very small pigs from different lines to create a tiny, spotted companion animal. The breed is sometimes called the 'Miniature Painted Pig' because of its colourful markings. It is not formally recognised as a standard breed, but a dedicated registry and breed standard exist. Because size is achieved through selective breeding, there is no guarantee that a small piglet will stay small; some individuals grow much larger than expected.124

Recognised by the official bits

Juliana Pig Association & Registry
Maintains a breed standard and registry for Juliana pigs, though the breed is not formally recognised by major kennel clubs.6

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Juliana Pig. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banana Oat Piggy Cookies

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Blend the oats in a food processor until they become a fine flour.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
  4. Slowly mix the oat flour into the mashed bananas until a stiff dough forms.
  5. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet and flatten gently with the back of a wet spoon.
  7. Bake for 9–12 minutes until golden and firm.
  8. Cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two cookies per day as a training reward. Always supervise your pig when giving treats.

Recipe from American Mini Pig Association

Cheese Biscuit Training 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and flour together.
  3. Stir in the milk and softened butter until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Roll small balls of dough (about the size of a marble) and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden and firm.
  6. 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.

Recipe from American Mini Pig Association

Cranberry Orange Vitamin Punch Treats

These frozen treats provide a boost of vitamins and probiotics, making them a healthy and refreshing snack for mini pigs.

You need

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • About 12 fresh or frozen cranberries (dried cranberries may be substituted)

How

  1. Mix the yogurt and orange juice together in a small container.
  2. Pour or spoon the orange-yogurt mixture into each silicone pig mold or ice cube tray.
  3. When filled, gently drop one cranberry into each mold or cube.
  4. Place in the freezer and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
  5. Store in the freezer and pop out one treat to feed immediately.

How much: Feed one treat per day as a healthy boost, not as a main meal.

Recipe from American Mini Pig Association

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 Juliana Pig, and what should it eat?

Feed your pig daily, about 2% of its body weight. Half should be commercial mini pig pellets, and the rest fresh vegetables, leafy greens, fruit, and occasional treats. Orchard grass hay is also fine. Check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.24 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Juliana Pig?

Avoid alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, avocado, citrus, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, milk, dairy, macadamia nuts, coconut, raw meat, raw eggs, bones, xylitol, and salt. Avocado is especially dangerous. Always check with your vet for a full list.7

How much space and land does a Juliana Pig need?

Your pig needs both indoor living space and secure outdoor access for rooting and foraging. They are sensitive to temperature and do best between 10°C and 27°C (50°F, 80°F). Check local zoning laws, as many areas do not allow pigs as household pets.24

What kind of shelter does a Juliana Pig need?

Provide a warm, dry indoor space with a dog bed and blanket, plus a secure outdoor area for rooting. Pigs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so keep them between 10°C and 27°C. Pig-proof your home by hiding chemicals and securing trash.2

How do I look after a Juliana Pig's hooves or feet?

Hooves need trimming about once a year by a vet or an experienced owner. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a hoof trim every 180 days. Check with your vet for the best schedule.2 Furry Diary plan

Does a Juliana Pig need grooming or shearing?

No shearing needed. Bathing is only necessary if your pig becomes smelly. Provide a litter pan and keep their living area clean. Their short, smooth coat is low maintenance.2

Can a Juliana Pig live alone?

Juliana pigs are highly social and need regular human interaction. They should not be left alone for more than four hours, as they can suffer from separation anxiety. They are not recommended for people who are away from home all day.2

How long does a Juliana Pig live?

Juliana pigs typically live between 10 and 20 years. This is a long commitment, so be prepared to care for them throughout their life.234

Is a Juliana Pig good with children?

Juliana pigs are outgoing, friendly, and sociable, forming close bonds with their family. They enjoy cuddling and being stroked. However, always supervise interactions with young children to ensure safety for both.325

What regular vet care does a Juliana Pig need?

Your pig needs a vet experienced with pigs for checkups, hoof trims, and vaccinations. Furry Diary's plan includes monthly weigh-ins and hoof trims every 180 days. Ask your vet for a full care schedule. 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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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. pardalspetitepets.com: juliana pig pardalspetitepets.comused for origin, history
  2. pangovet.com: juliana pigs pangovet.comused for origin, weight kg, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
  3. cincinnatizoo.org: mini juliana pig cincinnatizoo.orgused for length cm, lifespan years, colours, best traits, temperament, fun fact
  4. saginawzoo.com: domestic pig saginawzoo.comused for lifespan years, coat or body, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, history
  5. animal-world.com: juliana pigs animal-world.comused for temperament
  6. julianapig.com: BreedStandard julianapig.com
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. julianapig.com julianapig.com
  9. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.