Our rare breed pigs

Find out more about our pigs in this guide below, we have a five different types of pigs and also a unique one that we devoted a whole page to: The Managlitza Pigs

Gloucestershire Old Spot

The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a large meaty animal with a broad and deep body. Its white coat has large clearly defined black spots. It was usually kept in the cider and perry pear orchards of the area and on the dairy farms. Windfall fruit and waste from the dairies supplemented its grazing habit.
Local folklore says that the spots on its back are bruises from the falling fruit. Besides its correct title and variations such as Gloster Spot or just Old Spot, the breed is also known as The Orchard Pig and The Cottager’s Pig.

“Once you try Gloucestershire Old Spots pork, you’ll turn your back on the tasteless, dried up, intensively reared pork forever.” - Derek Cooper on the BBC Radio 4 Food Programme

The breed is extremely docile and friendly. Modern pigs have hardly any fat whether as visible back fat or as marbling within the muscle. The GOS does have a distinct layer of back fat and marbling within the meat. That layer of back fat means that it is hardy enough for outdoor production but it also means that when the meat is cooking, it is being basted in its own fat making the meat succulent and full of flavour. (BPA)

Oxford Sandy & Black

The original Oxford Sandy & Black is believed to have developed some two centuries ago in Oxfordshire. At one time a breed called the Oxford Sandy and Black was found in Oxford County, England. The Oxford Sandy & Black Pig sometimes referred to as the 'Plum Pudding or Oxford Forest Pig' is one of the oldest British pig breeds, it has existed for 200-300 years.

The Oxford Sandy & Black Pig sometimes referred to as
the 'Plum Pudding or
Oxford Forest Pig'

A traditional farmer's and cottager's pig, of the middle part of the country (OS&B pig society) The breed is noted for its many qualities, particularly its excellent temperament and mothering abilities, and it produces meat of very high quality and flavour (OS&B Breeders club)
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The British Saddleback

The British Saddleback is a striking pig being black with a white unbroken band over the shoulders. The Saddleback originated from the amalgamation of the Essex and Wessex breeds in England. The Saddleback breed in England has a high reputation as a mother sow. The sows have large litters and are said to be excellent milkers.

British Saddleback meat is robustly excellent by contrast, succulent, flavoursome and with crackling to die for

British Saddleback meat is robustly excellent by contrast, succulent, flavoursome and with crackling to die for. It carries some extra fat but that is necessary to baste the meat while it cooks to give flavour and succulence. Further recent developments in scientific studies show that more naturally produced pork can carry health-benefiting Omega-3 fatty acids in the fat so that it is not necessarily the bad thing that some people have claimed. (BSB Breeders club)
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The Large Black

With its lop ears and long, deep body, the Large Black is Britain's only all-black pig. Extremely docile, and very hardy, it is ideally suited to simple outdoor systems. The breed originates from the Old English Hog established in the 16th and 17th centuries.

They are distinguished by their gigantic size, they are the largest of the kind I have ever seen, and as perfect a make as possible in pigs; their heads are large, with very long ears hanging down on each side of the face, so they can scarcely see their way.

Described by Parkinson in 1810: "They are distinguished by their gigantic size, they are the largest of the kind I have ever seen, and as perfect a make as possible in pigs; their heads are large, with very long ears hanging down on each side of the face, so they can scarcely see their way." Large Black meat is exceptional. The lean, micro-marbled meat is extra tender due to the breed's short muscle fibres. This produces a tender, moist cut of pork with an exquisite & unique taste.
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The Tamworth

The breed originated in the Midlands around the town that shares its name. It is the only native breed of pig in Britain which is red, and its ancestry is subject to several conflicting claims and theories. The prick-eared Tamworth is active and suited to outdoor systems, being used in woodland and scrub reclaimation projects, where its colour protects it from sunburn.

Although sometimes referred to as ‘boisterous’ this should not be interpreted as being ‘nasty’ or difficult to handle.

Although sometimes referred to as ‘boisterous’ this should not be interpreted as being ‘nasty’ or difficult to handle. It is a big pig that is full of life and who could ever expect the ‘aristocrat’ of the pig world to be anything other than full of life. A loving, talkative pig that is really a gentle giant. The Tamworth is one of the great ‘dual purpose’ pigs producing stunningly good pork as well as equally tremendous bacon.
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