The Berkshire pig is the oldest recorded pedigree pig in Britain. The breed originated in the Thames Valley, possibly around Wantage, circa 1790. During the 19th century the breed became very popular, enjoying patronage from the aristocracy, including Queen Victoria. During the last 17 years of the 19th century, the breed produced 12 Smithfield champions, including pigs exhibited by members of the Royal Family. In the 1900’s, the decline in numbers of Berkshire pigs kept resulted in the near extinction of the breed in this country.
The Berkshire pig is medium sized (220-280kg) and is well suited to outdoor living. A productive, placid breed who is a heavy milker and will lose little flesh whilst rearing her litter with an average of 10 piglets. Piglets should reach 60-70kg within 3-4 months. There are traditional types that vary in size and some bigger, faster growing modern strains. The black coat makes them resistant to sunburn and the fat makes them very hardy. A female pig is known as a gilt-from birth until she gives birth to a litter of pigs and thereafter as a sow and a mature male is known as a Boar.
Although primarily black in colour, the Berkshire dresses out completely white and has a high proportion of lean meat to fat which is prized for juiciness, flavour and tenderness, making it the choice for many leading chefs. The flesh is fine in texture and has a distinct flavour.
Breed Standards
Fine face, dished snout of medium length; wide between the eyes and ears. Ears fairly large, carried erect or slightly inclined forward and fringed with fine hair. Jowl light.
Fine neck, evenly set in shoulder, free from wrinkles and free from crest.
- Fine, well sloping shoulder blades. Special notice to be taken regarding this point in females.
- Short legs, straight and strong set wide apart, standing well on toes and a good walker.
- Long back and level. Tail set high. Good spring of rib.
- Broad ham, wide and deep to the hock.
- Straight belly underline, with at least twelve sound and well-placed teats.
- Well-developed bone in males and fine in females.
- Flesh should be fine and free from wrinkles.
- Long hair, fine and plentiful, with absence of mane, especially in females.
- Colour – Black, with white on face, feet and tip of tail
Berkshire Pigs are currently on the Rare Breed Survival Trusts Priority list: for more information, please use the following links
https://www.rbst.org.uk/berkshire
https://www.berkshirepigs.org.uk
