Measuring Your Mini Pigs For Registration

 

Measuring Your Mini Pigs 

For AMPA Mini Pig Registration  

Why Measure Your Mini Pigs

 

Photographed measurements of your mini pigs are required for AMPA Mini Pig Registration. These measurements will prove the size of your mini pigs. This is important for several reasons. The data collected in the AMPA Registry needs to be accurate and verifiable. The data collected will help to scientifically back up the American Mini Pig breed standard. The verifiable measurements will be valuable in studying mini pig growth patterns. In addition, these trusted measurements will be used by families looking to add a mini pig to their home. These potential customers will have the opportunity to see the proven sizes of AMPA Registered Breeders pigs to make an educated decision on which breeder they choose. 

 

Measuring your pigs helps you stand out as an AMPA Registered Breeder. Anyone can claim 10, 12, or 14 inch pigs but can they prove it? AMPA Registered Breeders say “If you claim it, put a stick to it!”. Give your pig families peace of mind knowing the true size of the mini pig parents. Potential pig families will no longer have to trust someone’s assumptions or guesses. They can see the actual measurements! Mini pig families are loving this new transparency in mini pig sizes. 

 

Registered mini pig measurements will also be listed on the pig’s official AMPA Registration Certificates. 

measuring your mini pigs

Photo credit: Pigs in a Pocket  

Height Measurements 

 

  • Use a yardstick, measuring tape, or ruler (for piglets).
  • Measure on a flat surface.
  • Yardstick or tape should be in front of the mini pig, closer to the camera with a view of the stick touching the ground.
  • Measure from the bottom of the front hoof to the highest point of the shoulder, not farther forward on the neck or in the dip in the back.
  • A second yardstick or other straight item can be used to level the top of the shoulder, pinpointing the height.
  • Photo should be taken from the side of the pig at a low point to provide a straight on view of the measurement. Photos taken from above are more difficult to see this measurement clearly.
  • Faults that would invalidate a measurement: Yardstick behind the pig, no view of the yardstick touching the ground, or improper positioning to get a lower height in the dip of the back. 
become registered breeder
this little piggy
pigs in a pocket
pig pen hill
pig pen hill
little rooters mini pigs

Length Measurements

  • Measure from the base of the ears to the base of the tail. 
  • This measurement is taken along the back/spine. 
  • Photograph from above the pig to show the measurement. 

 

 

 

pig pen hill
pigs in a pocket

Girth Measurements  

  • Use a soft measuring tape. 
  • Wrap tape around the girth of the pig just behind the front legs. 
  • Photo needs to show the tape and measurement clearly. 

 

mini pig measurements

When To Measure  

 

  1. Photographs of measurements are required at the time of registration. Fee is included in registration.
  2. Resubmission of measurements are required within 6 months prior to each litter. $10 fee per pair.

 

 

 

The resubmission of measurements is important to collect the growth data of mini pigs. This is the first time in history that verifiable growth data is being collected on mini pigs. The information compiled will be invaluable for scientific research and understanding how mini pigs grow. 

 

This data benefits the breeders as well. By measuring your mini pigs at intervals you will be able to track the growth of your own lines. Some mini pigs have shown faster growth, reaching their mature height at an earlier age. Other mini pigs are slow growers, staying very short and small until a later age when they have a suprising growth spurt. Measurements prior to each litter also gives searching pig parents a current and accurate height of the parent pigs. Mini pigs can grow several inches each year. Current measurements will answer any questions that potential mini pig parents will have when searching for a piglet to bring into their family. 

 

The fee for resubmission of a pair of mini pigs (a boar and a sow) is $10. This fee helps to cover the collection, processing, and lifetime storage of the data and photographs ensuring they are permanently recorded in the AMPA Mini Pig Registry database. 

Tips for Measuring  

 

Measure in a well lit, flat area. 

 

Practice in advance without the pressure of time. Don’t press for a complete measurement, just get the pig used to the sensation and restraint. 

 

Take your time! Prepare and desensitize your pigs just as you would for harness training. Make it a pleasant experience for them to ensure your future measurements are stress free. 

 

Some breeders have success taking a video recording of the measurements and then screenshot the individual clip with the best measurement image. 

 

Get your pig comfortable with the yardstick by using it as a back scratcher. 

 

Slowly desensitize your mini pigs to the measuring tools. Place the tools on the ground next to their feed. Once they are comfortable seeing the yardstick or measuring tape, gently press it against their side while offering a treat. 

 

Measure at meal times. 

 

Plan on having atleast one helper for measuring. One person will need to handle the measuring tape or yardstick and another will be in charge of the photos. 

 

Always bring your sense of humor to measurement sessions. You will likely need it! 

 

Remember the good you are doing for the entire mini pig communitiy with these valuable measurements. 

 

Post your pig measurements on your website or Facebook page for public viewing. Mini pig customers LOVE having the transparency and honesty of the photo measurements. 

Learn more about becoming an AMPA Registered Breeder  

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Visit our website to learn more about mini pigs, find a registered mini pig breeder, become a member of the AMPA and register your mini pig in the official mini pig registry!

 

www.AmericanMiniPigAssociation.com