Quick answer
Domestic pigs descend from wild boars and rank among the smartest farm animals, weighing about 100 kg, living 15 years, and running 17 km/h. They root with sensitive snouts and learn tasks as quickly as dogs.
Key takeaway
Domestic pigs descend from wild boars and rank among the smartest farm animals, weighing about 100 kg, living 15 years, and running 17 km/h. They root with sensitive snouts and learn tasks as quickly as dogs.
Domestic Pig overview
Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a mammal listed here as Domesticated. Typical weight 60–150 kg (130–330 lb); commercial breeds vary; lifespan around 10–15 years (commercial pigs shorter).
Domestic Pig ecology
Diet: Omnivore — grain, vegetables, forage, and scraps. Habitat: Farms worldwide; wild boar ancestry in Eurasia. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Domestic Pigs and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild domestic pigs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Domesticated. See the full Domestic Pig profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Domesticated on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild domestic pigs.
Human interest and research
Domestic Pigs feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Domestic Pig FAQs
What are key facts about domestic pigs?
Domestic pigs descend from wild boars and rank among the smartest farm animals, weighing about 100 kg, living 15 years, and running 17 km/h. They root with sensitive snouts and learn tasks as quickly as dogs.
What is the scientific name of the domestic pig?
Sus scrofa domesticus — used in research and conservation listings for domestic pigs.
What do domestic pigs eat?
Domestic Pigs eat grain, vegetables, forage, and scraps, with seasonal and regional variation in Farms worldwide; wild boar ancestry in Eurasia.
Where do domestic pigs live?
They are associated with Farms worldwide; wild boar ancestry in Eurasia. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of domestic pigs?
Listed in our guides as Domesticated. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.