Traditional Domestic Pig Breeds
Explore the origins and appearance of domestic pig breeds developed in different regions.
Published animal profiles
Berkshire
The Berkshire is a domestic pig breed developed in England's Berkshire region. A black body with white on the face, feet and tail tip, together with upright ears, is characteristic.
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Mangalica
The Mangalica is a traditional domestic pig breed developed in Hungary. Its selection history differs from that of modern lean-meat breeds. Curly hair is characteristic, with lines of different coat colors and patterns. Despite a sheep-like appearance, it is a pig.
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Meishan
The Meishan is a domestic pig breed associated with China's Taihu group. Its reproductive traits have led to research and use in other pig populations. Skin folds, large drooping ears and dark skin are conspicuous.
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Red Wattle
The Red Wattle is a traditional domestic pig breed conserved in the United States. Its early origins are uncertain, so a single ancient origin should not be asserted. A red coat and a pair of hanging projections beneath the neck are characteristic. Wattle in the name refers to these projections.
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Mulefoot
The Mulefoot is a domestic pig breed conserved in the United States. Modern registration and pig-farming records are better known than its precise early origins. An undivided, fused-looking hoof is the principal distinguishing feature. Most have black coats and drooping ears.
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Ossabaw Island pig
Ossabaw Island pigs developed from domestic pig lines remaining on the island. They are known through research into adaptation to a limited island environment and livestock conservation. Size and coat color vary, with a selection history different from commercial meat pigs. Black and spotted appearances occur.
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Gloucestershire Old Spots
The Gloucestershire Old Spots is a traditional British domestic pig breed. Its husbandry history is associated with farm environments such as orchards. Black spots on a white body and large drooping ears are characteristic. Spot positions differ individually.
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Middle White
The Middle White is a white domestic pig breed developed in Britain. It is a separate breed from the Large White. A short, upturned snout, white body and upright ears are characteristic.
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British Saddleback
The British Saddleback developed through combining Britain's Essex and Wessex Saddleback lines. A white belt crosses the shoulders and forelegs of the black body, and the ears droop.
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Swabian-Hall Pig
The Swabian-Hall is a traditional domestic pig breed from the Schwäbisch Hall region of Germany. It is connected with registration by regional breeding and conservation organizations. A typical pattern contrasts a black head and hindquarters with a light-colored middle.
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Turopolje
The Turopolje is a traditional Croatian domestic pig breed. Its history relates to husbandry in regional forests and damp environments. Dark spots on a light background and drooping ears are characteristic. Its conformation and breeding history differ from those of modern commercial pigs.
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Jeju black pig
The Jeju native pig is a local genetic resource of domestic pigs conserved on Jeju. Do not equate its native bloodlines with every black-haired commercial crossbred pig. Black skin and hair are characteristic, with size and form differing from modern selectively bred pigs.
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Tamworth pig
Tamworth Pig is another rendering of Tamworth, not a separate pig species. It is a traditional domestic pig breed developed in Britain. A reddish-brown coat, long snout and upright ears are characteristic. Ear shape allows comparison with the also-red Duroc.
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Danish Landrace
The Danish Landrace is a domestic pig line developed in Denmark. Do not group every country's registered Landrace population under identical standards. A white body, long trunk and forward-drooping ears are characteristic. Conformation varies with sex and growth stage.
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