The Large Black pig is a large breed of domestic pig originated from United Kingdom. It is particularly native to Cornwall, Devon and Essex. The breed is also known by some other names such as Boggu, Cornwall Black and Devon. The breed actually resulted from the amalgamation of black pigs from two geographically separate areas, Cornwall and Devon in the South-West of England, and Essex, Kent and Suffolk in the east. The Large Black pig is the only British pig breed which is entirely black in color.

The breed combined local black pig breeds from the West County and the East of England. An association for the breed founded in 1898 or 1899. It was most common and was a popular breed in the early 1900s, and it was exported to many areas of the world. But it’s total population declined after the Second World War as farmers turned to more productive pig breeds which were more suitable to intensive pig farming system. And the Large Black pig breed was almost extinct by the 1960s. Although the total numbers have slowly risen, but the breed is still considered as ‘vulnerable‘ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Rare Breeds Canada and American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Read more information about the breed below.

Large Black Pig Characteristics

The Large Black pig is perfectly named, as it is a large pig breed. It is an entirely black breed of pig, and is the only British pig which is entirely black. These animals have deep and long bodies and their ears, noses and tail are also long. The ears of the animals are large and dropping which obscure their vision. They have long hair and their all black coloration help them to protect from sunburn or sunny climates.

Average live body weight of the fully grown boars is between 320 and 360 kg. And average live body weight of the fully grown sows vary from 270 to 320 kg. Photo and information from Wikipedia.

Special Notes

Large Black pigs are very hardy animals. They are of very good behavior and have relatively docile temperament. The sows are known for having larger litters of 8-10 piglets, with some sows have been known for having litters of up to 13 piglets. The animals are excellent foragers and their foraging ability make them very useful for extensive farming system, but they are not good for intensive pig farming system. They are best suited for the pasture-based farming system due to their strong foraging and gazing ability. The sows have strong maternal instincts and they are known for their long periods of fertility. The Large Black pig was mainly used for meat production, especially bacon. Meat of this animal is known for good flavor and lean quality without an excess of black fat. The breed was often crossed with the Yorkshire and Middle White pigs in commercial production for producing a vigorous hybrid that was well regarded by the farmers. However, review full breed profile of the Large Black pig in the chart below.