Pigs just always seem to be associated with negative things. A dirty room is often likened to a “pigsty”, and when you sweat more than normal, someone would most likely tell you that you’re “sweating like a pig”. However, once you get to know our porcine friends a little bit more, you’ll see that being called a “pig” isn’t too bad after all.
In celebration of National Pig Day, we’ve listed 8 surprising pig facts for you down below!
Fact No. 1: Pigs don’t sweat!
Yep—unlike humans, pigs don’t have sweat glands! To keep themselves cool, they simply enjoy a good roll in the mud. Makes you wonder why the term, “sweat like a pig” is even a thing, right?
Fact No. 2: Pigs are incredibly smart
You may already know that pigs are one of the most intelligent animals, but pigs aren’t only smarter than dogs, cats, and some primates—no, no—they have a higher mental capacity than 3-year-old human kids!
Fact No.3: Pigs are one of the cleanest animals around
Think pigs are filthy? Well, think again! Aside from having an outstanding level of intelligence, they’re known to be incredibly hygienic. When given the choice, pigs will refuse to go number 2 in their living and eating area. A study even found that pigs will wash dirty food when they can!
Fact No. 4: Mama pigs sing their babies to sleep
We’re not the only species that sing lullabies to babies—pigs do, too! You see, baby pigs can recognize their mama’s voice, and like a human baby, they find comfort in hearing it. So when nursing, mama pigs sometimes sing a little lullaby to help her piglets sleep.
Fact No. 5: Pigs are big on talking
Believe it or not, but pigs talk to each other a lot, and no, they don’t just say “oink”. Over 20 different vocalizations have been identified so far, each one with a specific meaning—from a simple greeting to wooing a mate to “Hey human, where’s the grub?”.
Fact No. 6: Pigs are practically blind
If there’s an animal that needs glasses, it’s pigs! Aside from only being able to see certain colors, they also have really bad short-range vision and a limited ability to visually focus.
Fact No. 7: Pigs have an amazing sense of smell
They may have poor eyesight, but they make up for it with their excellent sense of smell. They’re capable of detecting scents 5 to 7 miles away and up to 25 feet underground! That’s why they’re traditionally used to sniff out truffles.
Fact No. 8: Pigs are louder than jet engines
Nope, we’re not kidding. The noise level of jet engines reaches up to 112 decibels, but pigs can top that and produce squeals as loud as 115 decibels!
