Facts About Breeds of Pigs

While there are 73 known breeds of pigs around the world, there are eight major pig breeds that are most common in the United States. The dark breeds consist of the Hampshire, Duroc, Berkshire, Poland China and Spot, while the most common white breeds are the Chester White, Landrance and Yorkshire. Here are some interesting facts about the most common breeds of pigs in the United States.

  1. Dark Pig Breeds

    • The dark breeds of pig -- the Hampshire, Duroc, Berkshire, Poland China and Spot -- are good breeds because they can pass traits such as durability, meatiness and leanness onto their offspring. These breeds are also known for their siring ability. Duroc hogs are red in color and are known for rapid growth -- Durocs need less feed than other breeds to gain muscle. Berkshires are black with six white points on their bodies and have a short snout. They can be kept in enclosed areas. The Poland China breed also has six white points and a quiet disposition. This breed gains weight easily, even under rugged circumstances. Spots are white with a large spot and produce pigs with a good growth rate.

    Hampshire

    • Possibly the most popular breed of pig in America is the Hampshire. The Hampshire is a very popular breed that was developed in the U.S. Original stock was imported from Wessex in the United Kingdom in 1832. Until 1928, the breed was known as "The Thin Rind" because these pigs produce an abundance of meat that is very lean. The Hampshire has since become one of the most important breeds in the world. Hampshire hogs have erect ears and are black with a belt of white that covers both front legs and goes over the shoulder.

    White Breeds

    • The three most common white breeds of pig are the Chester White, the Landrance and the Yorkshire. These pigs possess good mothering and reproductive abilities. Chester White hogs are solid white and have droopy ears. While Chester White boars are aggressive, the sows have a good, mothering nature. Landrances have very large, floppy ears. Landrances have the highest weaned average of all pig breeds and the highest piglet survival rate. The most common white pig breed, however, is the Yorkshire.

    Yorkshire

    • The Yorkshire is the most sought after due to these pigs' ability to produce big litters. Pigs of the Yorkshire breed make very good mothers. Yorkshires are the most recorded breed of pig in the United States, and while they can be found in nearly every state, they are very popular in Nebraska, Indiana, Illionois, Iowa and Ohio. Yorkshires were first brought to the United States in the 1830s. Modern Yorkshires are white pigs with a large, muscular frame. They posses a large proportion of lean meat with low backfat. Unfortunately, Yorkshire pigs do have a tendency to get sunburn when exposed to the sun.