How to Show Your Pigs

Last Updated: January 10, 2023

Showing hogs can be a fun and learning experience. Many youths enjoy the rewarding feeling of stepping into a show ring and exhibiting the animal they have worked so hard to raise.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Adopting a Pig

1
Pick out a hog with good confirmation and a smooth body. It has to have good definition but be sound. Ask the breeder about the hog if you are having trouble.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Select a pig with good muscles.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Caring for and Readying the Pig

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.)^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
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.^{[3]
X
Research source}
5
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.
6
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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Getting Ready for the Show

1
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.^{[4]
X
Research source}
2
Enter the show class according to your hog's weight and breed.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

At the Show

1
Keep the hog between you and the judge while showing. Never put the whip, cane, or pipe in between the judge and the hog.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Keep your eyes on the judge and follow his/her instructions promptly.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
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.

Community Q&A

Question

Is keeping eye contact with the judge important?

Community Answer

Very much so. Keep your eye on the judge at all times; keep your pig between yourself and the judge; look at the pig from the corner of your eye; smile; be gentle with your cane or pig whip; be calm; and don't run.
Question

How do I make my pig less stubborn to walk around?

Community Answer

You need to simply walk your animal every day, be patient, gentle, and reward good behavior with lots of small treats, like small pieces of apple, or mini marshmallows.
Question

Can I have a brush in my back pocket when showing?

Community Answer

In my experience, I've always been told it is okay to keep a brush and/or a rag with me to insure the pig stays clean.

Warnings

If the judge is looking at someone else's pig, do not get in the way. You can get marked down for poor sportsmanship.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Try to avoid groups of pigs or unruly pigs.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Try to keep your pig out of corners, try to keep your pig moving as much as possible.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0