Furry Diary

Mangalica

Sus scrofa domesticus

Also called Mangalitsa, Mangalitza

breedShort profile

From Hungary, developed in the mid-19th century by crossing Hungarian breeds (Szalonta, Bakony) with the European wild boar and the Serbian Šumadija breed.12

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

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male170 kg3
Weight, female160 kg3
Height, male85 cm3
Height, female77 cm3
Length95 to 104 cm4
Lifespan15 to 20 years5
Sizemedium

Adult weights at 3 years of age; boars 150-170 kg, sows 140-160 kg.

Body length range for adult sows and boars.

friendly and dog-like behaviour
excellent foragers
hardy and cold-resistant
calm temperament
good mothering instincts
56

Looks how to spot one

curly coat

The Mangalica has a thick, long and dense coat that forms tight curls in winter and becomes finer and shorter in summer. This curly fleece is unique among pig breeds and gives them a sheep-like appearance.13

Coloursblonde (yellow, grey, reddish shades)red (light to dark brownish-red)swallow-bellied (black back and sides, white or grey-silver belly and neck)3

Personality what they are like

Mangalicas are known for their even temperament and social nature. They are intelligent, gentle and can become very tame, often displaying dog-like loyalty. Boars are generally calm and easy to handle, but as with all pigs, their strength should be respected.75

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They need plenty of space to roam and forage. A pen of at least 2 metres per pig is recommended, and they thrive when given access to pasture or woodland. Without enough room they can become bored and destructive.5

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Their curly coat is low-maintenance but should be checked for parasites. They need a dry, shady shelter with deep straw bedding to escape extreme weather. In hot weather, provide a wallow or shady area and plenty of water, as pigs cannot sweat.67

Home where they are happiest

Mangalicas are hardy and tolerate cold well, but they must have a windproof shelter with straw. They are not suited to tropical climates. They do well on pasture, dike meadows, bird preserves or chestnut-groves, and are excellent at caring for sensitive natural areas.64

Food basics what goes in the bowl

They are excellent foragers and can supply much of their own feed if given enough land. Supplement with barley, wheat, alfalfa, wheat bran or sunflower seeds. Soy and corn are not recommended. They grow slowly, taking over a year to reach 300 pounds.6

Company who they like around

Mangalicas are social animals that naturally group together. They should be kept with at least one other pig to prevent loneliness and depression. They are traditionally kept in herds and maintain natural social behaviour.53

The story where it all began

The Mangalica was developed in Hungary in the mid-19th century by crossing local breeds with the European wild boar and the Serbian Šumadija pig. It became popular for its high-quality fat and hardy nature. By the 1970s it nearly disappeared because it could not compete with modern lean-meat breeds. National preservation programmes began in 1976, and the breed was saved from extinction. Today it is valued again for its excellent meat, adaptability and calm temperament, and is kept both on hobby farms and in conservation grazing projects.14

Recognised by the official bits

Formally recognised as a distinct breed
19277

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Mangalica. 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. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Mangalica, and what should it eat?

Mangalicas are excellent foragers and can find much of their own food on good pasture. Supplement daily with barley, wheat, alfalfa, wheat bran or sunflower seeds, but avoid soy and corn. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests measured meals each day, and always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.6 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Mangalica?

Many common foods are toxic to pigs, including chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, and xylitol. Always keep these away from your Mangalica and ask your vet for a full list of dangerous plants.8

How much space and land does a Mangalica need?

Each pig needs at least 2 metres of pen space, and they thrive with access to pasture or woodland for foraging. Without enough room they can become bored and destructive, so give them plenty of space to roam.5

What kind of shelter does a Mangalica need?

They need a dry, windproof shelter with deep straw bedding to escape extreme weather. In hot weather, provide a wallow or shady area and plenty of water, as pigs cannot sweat. They are hardy in cold but not suited to tropical climates.674

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

Hoof care is important for all pigs. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests trimming hooves every 180 days, but the exact schedule depends on your pig's activity and terrain. Ask your vet or a farrier for guidance. Furry Diary plan

Does a Mangalica need grooming or shearing?

Their curly coat is low-maintenance but should be checked for parasites. They do not need shearing, as the coat sheds naturally in summer. Regular brushing can help keep it clean and healthy.67

Can a Mangalica live alone?

No, Mangalicas are social animals and should be kept with at least one other pig to prevent loneliness and depression. They are traditionally kept in herds and thrive with companionship.53

How long does a Mangalica live?

Mangalicas typically live between 15 and 20 years with good care. This is a long commitment, so be prepared for many happy years together.5

Is a Mangalica good with children?

Mangalicas are intelligent, gentle, and can become very tame, often showing dog-like loyalty. However, as with all pigs, their strength should be respected, so always supervise interactions with children.75

What regular vet care does a Mangalica need?

Regular vet care includes health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a monthly weigh-in to monitor health. Always work with an exotic-pet vet for a tailored 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. en.wikipedia.org: Mangalica en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, coat or body, history, fun fact
  2. mangalica.com: characteristics of the mangalica breed mangalica.comused for origin
  3. mangalicamennyorszag.hu: mangalica fajtak mangalicamennyorszag.huused for weight kg, height cm, coat or body, colours, social needs
  4. aab.copernicus.org: aab 46 245 2003 aab.copernicus.orgused for length cm, habitat needs, history, fun fact
  5. petpigworld.com: mangalica pigs the essential guide petpigworld.comused for lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, social needs
  6. hobbyfarms.com: mangalitsa pigs breed hobbyfarms.comused for best traits, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics
  7. royal-mangalitsa.com: 8d6388 d2bd9f3b243743d199771676792edc02 royal-mangalitsa.comused for temperament, grooming or care
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. iamcountryside.com: mangalitsa pigs hardy and adaptable iamcountryside.com
  10. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. 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.