Domestic pigs are stocky animals with short legs, cloven hooves, and large, floppy ears. Their skin ranges in color from pink to black, sometimes spotted, and is covered by sparse bristles that can also range in colors from black, brown, grey, and pink. A broad, flat snout dominates their face, used for rooting in soil, while their small eyes lend them a surprisingly expressive appearance. They have unique short coiled tails and small teeth.

Despite their reputation, pigs are quite clean when given space, preferring to defecate away from their eating and sleeping areas. However, pigs still love to bury themselves in mud because it helps to cool their overall body temperatures down.

Female pigs usually give birth to 6-13 pigs per litter. Once born, the piglets are nursed and then weaned after 3-4 months. Female pigs produce, on average, 2 litters throughout their life.

Behaviorally, pigs are intelligent and social creatures. They form close bonds with herd mates and communicate through a variety of vocalizations, each with a distinct meaning. Curious by nature, pigs enjoy exploring and problem-solving, often seen nudging objects or testing boundaries. When housed in stimulating environments, they display playfulness and affection, similar to dogs. Their complex social structures and emotional sensitivity make them one of the most cognitively advanced domesticated animals.