N.J. Pigs Bring Home The Bacon

Ms. World is a 30 lb. pot-bellied pig named Amy. Amy celebrated her first birthday the day before winning her title. Amy's owner is George Clements, a 15 year-old from Augusta, N.J. --the same town where the contest was held.

Mr. Universe is a 600 lb. pig named Oscar. Oscar's owner is Kathy Sperduto. They are from Hackettstown, N.J., where Oscar is part of "The Party Animals" - an animal entertainment company. Oscar is from the Jersey Eurock breed of pig and he can grow another 150 lbs. Oscar dressed as a bull for the contest and his owner as a rodeo clown.

The pigs are judged in several categories including: costuming, theme, originality, poise and how well their costumes match the costumes of their owners. According to Jane Dombrowski (a pig owner), the pigs qualify for the pageant simply by entering. This year's group had pigs from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. In year's past, pigs have come all the way from Texas to take part.

About The Pot-Bellied Pig

Pigs are the fourth smartest animal group on the planet, following only humans, apes and chimps, whales and dolphins. Their intelligence, curiosity and charm make them appealing, but it may also make them challenging pets. Pigs have special needs. They make wonderful pets for people who understand their special needs and are willing to educate themselves and meet those needs.

In 1985, four boars and 12 sows were imported into Canada, which began the first "pet pig" industry.

Miniature pot-bellied pigs originated in the jungles of Vietnam and China. They were introduced as pets in the United States in the mid-1980s, when they were shipped in small numbers from neighboring Canada. The first pot-bellied pigs to arrive in the states sold for prices as high as $25,000.

All potbellied pigs are miniature in relationship to their cousins, the farm hog. Farm hogs can grow up to 900 pounds or more. A typical, full grown, pot-bellied pig can be anywhere from 100 -250 pounds. The largest registered pot-bellied pig is over 400 pounds.

Following are some pot-bellied pig fun facts: (from the NJ State Fair)