Pig,
hog or swine is applied to any hoofed animal of the family Suidae, in a broad sense including the peccaries. They belong to the genus Sus. Hogs belong to the order Artiodactyla (even-toed, hoofed mammals).
The origin of the pig is shrouded in mystery. It is thought the animal was domesticated in China at about 2900 B.C. Fossil remains of the pig have been found in Europe and India but not on the American continents. They were introduced into America by Christopher Columbus and other Spanish explorers.
Todays pigs are considered to be descendants of the European wild boar (Sus scrofa), and the Indian wild boar (Sus cristatus) probably developed on the Asiatic continent. The Chinese hog was brought to Europe and crossed with European hogs, thereby forming the foundation for present-day breeds. The pig belongs to the class Mammalia.
Domestic hogs are quick-footed and very intelligent. They have a short gestation period of 114 days and produce large broods. Wild pigs produce 4 to 6 young at a time, while domesticated pigs produce 8 to 10. They are omnivorous.
Today there are more than 200 varieties of hogs and 90 breeds.
There are many different kinds of pigs living in Jeannie's Cottage. There is Knuckles the Pig, a Ty Beanie Baby (two shown), Lofton by Boyds is in the middle with his checkered tie, Squealer the Pig Beanie Baby and Beanie Buddy, both made by Ty Inc., are at left, Ivy Bloomengrows of the Boyds Collection is the large pig with the sweater on the right and in front of her is Souie the black pig, a Puffkin made by Swibco. Percy the pig, a Puffkin, is on Lofton's right side and standing in the back is Mudpuddle P. Piglet by Boyds.
This is Porker P. Piggytoes from Boyds. Here are all the Beanie Baby pigs living at Jeannie's Cottage. We are not a Ty retailer, so these Beanies are just part of Jeannie's Collection and are not for sale. They are, from left: Hamlet, Stubby, Knuckles, Luau and Squealer. This group of pigs live at Jeannie's Cottage and are also available to own. You can find them and many of the others shown in the groups of pigs below in our Gift Shop. Be sure to check under the following categories: Barnyard, Flopimals, Soft Spots, Magnet Mates, Baby's Corner, Paw Pens, Page Pals, Webkinz and Wildtime Watches. These pigs shown above include pigs from Wild Republic, Ganz and Aurora. The large pig at right is a Flopimal. The tiny pig is a Magnet Mate. Here are more pigs including a Page Pal by Ganz (front) and the ones in back are Audrey, a Russ Lil Peeper (left), Oink Oink the Boyds Cuddle Fluff, a Paw Pen by Russ, Squealer a Ty Beanie Baby and Wiggly the Douglas Pig at right. Here are more pigs, including a Soft Spot by Ganz at left, a Webkinz, a Wildtime Watch by Ganz, a Piggy Bank and Knuckles the Beanie at right. In front is a Bouncy Buddy by MJC.
To see other barnyard animals, click on the links below: Barnyard | Cows | Ducks | Goats | Guinea Pigs | Horse | Llama | Pigs | Sheep
