Best breed for temperment & training
Best breed for temperment & training
This might be an everyone has their own opinion post but I was just wondering what is your opinion on which breed of pig has the best temperament & is the most easiest to train? We have a hamp that I can not get to slow down no matter the amount of training. Calm & sweet as can be in her pen at home and at shows....Just sleeps away but runs everywhere at home trying to work with her & in the show ring. My child who works so hard is getting discouraged & with it being her first year of showing I would hope we would have gotten an easier pig to train. My little girl said she wanted a Duroc next time but every pig person I say that too looks shocked and says oohhhhh noooooo not a duroc they are hard headed to train. I had a breeder tell me they thought the most laid back pig was a York. Just wanting to get some feedback as to what everyone here thinks.
Re: Best breed for temperment & training
I think a lot of it is in the breeding and blood line. We had a purebred York that would get mad and bite my daughter on the foot when she was being pushed to do something she didn't want to do. We seem to see a better temperament with cross pigs. Each pig is different though.
Re: Best breed for temperment & training
I will agree with mjw 1980. In my opinion it comes down to the blood line and the individual pig. But some people say that the broke ear pigs are hard headed and hard to train??? For me it comes down to the pig.
Re: Best breed for temperment & training
If comes down to the blood line, the litter, and the pig itself. Litters will be different, but so will each pig. This past season I had two hamp/york crosses. The barrow was the best pig I have ever had. The gilt had an attitude that thankfully quite at fair, but the day before she knocked me down. Tell your daughter not to get discouraged. Pigs can pick up on anger and fear. If you are angry with them, they will be angry with you. Keep working with the pig and have fun with what you are doing. If you are making money off the pig, great, buy if not, just enjoy it. Good Luck!
Re: Best breed for temperment & training
I have to agree with all the previous posts. it all really depends on the pigs personality. though I do want to give some advice on durocs. most durocs are hardheaded and aren't as easy to train. their "broken ears" make them want to keep their heads on the ground so they can see better. I would not advise a duroc for a new shower.
"If you can laugh at yourself you'll have a lifetime of entertainment."
Re: Best breed for temperment & training
We have never had an issue with any of our Duroc's. We train them the same as all other showpigs, if fact some of my kids favorite pigs through the years have been durocs
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Re: Best breed for temperment & training
When chosing a pig for a child, look for a breeder that makes a point of guiding children towards even tempered, good natured pigs. I am a breeder and spend alot of time with each litter. I can generally tell which pigs are gentle and easy to be around before the kids buy from me. Also, the sow's temperment seems to infuence the overall behavior of the babies.