Tiny pigs fly into high demand

The micro pigs grow to be no bigger than knee high

It would seem pigs are the new must have pet this year and the smaller they are the better.

The Little Pig Farm in Christchurch, Cambridgeshire is the only specialist micro pig breeder in the UK.

Jane Croft, who runs the farm, has been working overtime to keep up with demand for the 14in high (35.5cm) snorters.

She says it's because they are the perfect pet: "Contrary to public belief they're very clean, highly intelligent and you don't have to walk them."

The appeal of a little piggy is likely to increase with Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley, taking two home with him recently.

The pigs are no bigger than a cup of tea when they are born weighing about 9oz (0.25kg).

They can grow to be 12-16in tall and can live for up to 18 years.

Not for everyone

"It's just selective breeding over many years," explains Jane. "People breed sheep to be bigger and pigs to be bigger, we're just making them smaller."

It seems smaller is pricier though with some of the tiny hogs costing over £450.

MICRO PIG FACTS Height: 12-16in Weight at birth: 9oz Life expectancy: Up to 18 years Cost: On average £450

And Jane won't just let anyone have them, she has to make sure that the prospective owners have the space and time to care for the piglets.

"I vet people and turn people down which upsets them," she says. "I get people ringing up from flats in London and of course that's just not suitable.

"It's not a new thing it's been going for a few years and of course in America it's extremely popular."

The Little Pig Farm breeds micro pigs, mini pot bellied pigs and pet pigs and is the founder of the British Micro Pig Club.

The animals are a mixture of breeds including miniature pot-bellied, Kune Kune, German micro, Gloucester Old Spot and Tamworth pigs.

As cute as the little pigs are you should not look at getting one unless you are certain you can commit the time and space it requires.