It’s no surprise that a plush pig toy is a favorite stuffed animal of children, especially when they’re young. They are, after all, incredibly cute and equally as huggable. While they’re nothing like a child’s cherished teddy bear, plush pigs can certainly give them a run for their money.

Children are introduced to pigs at a young age; from songs (Old MacDonald), to fairy tales (The Three Little Pigs), to cartoons (Porky Pig). They are fascinating creatures and are considered the most intelligent of all domesticated animals, but they’re often misunderstood simply because they’re thought of as dirty. The truth is, pigs have no sweat glands thus on hot days they need access to mud or water so they can roll around in it and stay cool. A plush pig toy, however, should remain on dry land so as to ensure their soft fur remains intact for a long time to come.

Pigs have been a domesticated animal for 5,000 to 7,000 years. They are considered to be the fourth smartest animal group after humans, apes, chimps, whales, and dolphins. They are reportedly easier to train than dogs or cats and are often kept as pets, especially pot bellied pigs. Pigs first arrived in North America from Europe, where they were brought over by early Spanish explorers. Pigs can also be found all across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

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