How to Show Your Pigs

Caring for and Readying the Pig

Keep the pig in a clean pen. Keep the pig clean. Keep the pig's snout and butt clean when it is exiting the pen.

Keep the pig in good condition. Exercise it regularly. Start walking to help the pig lose weight and stay in good condition. Do not allow the pig to become underweight or overweight.

Feed the pig a high-quality feed free choice at least 2 times a day. Depending on the feed, pick a high-protein feed. (This does not mean feed hormones.)

Handle your hog daily to get it used to a whip or pipe. Tap only on the hog's shoulder to the underarm area on each side. Try if possible to keep your pig's head up to make the top line of your pig look more even. Not too high though.

Train the pig in a larger pen or, if possible, at the place it will be shown, so it is used to being in a larger area.

Make sure your pig has been trained/exercised in a pen the size of the show ring, or as close as you can get. Pigs tend to get excited and run around their first time inside a large pen. Note that this will excitable behavior will occasionally happen even after you work with them. The best thing to do is just to walk past the judge, maintaining eye contact. Don't get upset.

Getting Ready for the Show

Prepare before the show. Shear and bathe your hog. Do this a few days before the show so that the coat will come out smooth.

Enter the show class according to your hog's weight and breed.

At the Show

Keep the hog between you and the judge while showing. Never put the whip, cane, or pipe in between the judge and the hog.

Keep your eyes on the judge and follow his/her instructions promptly.

Handle your pig with gentleness. Judges like a hog that handles softly. Don't hit your hog hard enough to make it whine, judges won't like that. For showmanship, know the style the judge likes (if possible) and conform to it.