Skinny pig breeding

[Myspoiltpiggies]

I am a member of a reptile forum and there was a discussion started about skinny pigs. I replied that I thought breeding them was wrong. It got me thinking, is it any worse than breeding a hairy pig? And why? (apart from the fact they need extra special care) Do they have weaker immune systems or something?

 

[FoolOnTheHill]

They were bred from inbred laboratory guinea pigs with a genetic mutation in the 70's, and as a result they have a weaker immune system.

Wikipedia specifies that "Skin cancer, upper respiratory infections, and internal problems are all extremely common."

 

[Myspoiltpiggies]

thank you.

 

[Myspoiltpiggies]

I told them the info you gave me but what do you know - the breeder posts that I shouldn't believe what I read on the internet lol I didn't want to argue so I just said I believe they are just as healthy as haired pigs. I have actually seen this breeder in real life - back in the days that I used to show guinea pigs.:sarcastic