The Large Black Pedigree breed originates from the Old English Hog established in the 16th and 17th centuries. By the late 1880s there were two distinct types of Large Black, one to be found in East Anglia and the other in Devon and Cornwall. However the founding of the Large Black Pig Society in 1889 led to an increase in the exchange of stock between breeders in the two regions.

In the early part of the 20th Century, Large Blacks were widely distributed throughout the country and were frequently crossed with Large Whites and Middle Whites to produce bacon and pork pigs. The Large Black Pedigree breed was also very successful in the showring at this time: at Smithfield in 1919, the Supreme Championship was awarded to a Large Black sow that subsequently sold for 700 guineas. The same year the breed outnumbered all other breeds at the Royal Show when 121 Large Black pigs were exhibited.

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. These characteristics, coupled with its black skin, make the Large Black ideal for a wide range of climatic conditions. In fact, by 1935, pigs of this breed had been exported to well over 30 countries.

A change in demand by the meat trade and a developing prejudice against coloured pigs led to a severe decline in numbers throughout the 1960s. Today Large Blacks can be found throughout the British Isles, mainly in small herds, some of which were established well before World War 2.

Large Black sows are renowned as excellent mothers with exceptional milking ability.
They are able to rear sizeable litters off simple rations and a placid temperament ensures they can be contained behind a single strand of electric fencing.

Current demand for meat produced from traditional breeds of pigs raised extensively is now promoting a growth in the number of breeders keeping Large Blacks as from this particular breed's meat, it is much appreciated for its succulent taste and eating quality.

Currently the Pedigree breed has 6 boar lines and 24 sow lines

Breed News

THE LARGE BLACK PIG. This admirable versatile breed is extremely docile and hardy. They are suited to simple outdoor sytems. Their placid temperament enables them to be easily contained by a single strand electric fence.

The sows are excellent mothers with exceptional milking ability, They rear sizeable litters on unsophisticated rations.

The meat from the Large Black is much appreciated for its succulent tasty meat and eating qualities.

LARGE BLACK PIG BREEDERS CLUB was founded in 1996 to bring together breeders and further promote this splendid traditional British Pig Breed. Membership is open to all. You do not need to own a Large Black pig. The Club welcomes all enthusiasts and can put you in touch with the breeder nearest to you.

Members are scattered through out the British Isles and include herds in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Club welcomes members from overseas and currently has members in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America. Current membership is ten pound sterling per annum for all members including overseas. The Club's financial year runs from 1st April to 31 March. New members joining throughout this period are provided with the relevant back numbers of the Newsletters.

NEWSLETTERS The Club publishes Newsletters each year. These contain articles about the Breed and Archive material together with advertising of members stock and produce, and other general information of interest to pig breeders.

THE BRITISH PIG ASSOCIATION & PEDIGREE REGISTRATIONS. The Herdbook for the Large Black pig breed is held by THE BRITISH PIG ASSOCIATION.www.britishpigs.org.uk. For a pig to be entered in the Herdbook, the litter from which it comes has to be earnotched to a specific numbering system & the litter Birth notified to the BPA before the pigs reach 10 weeks of age or are mixed with other pigs. A Birthnotified pig then becomes eligible for pedigree registration in the Herd book. In order to conserve this important breed Pedigree status is vital.

HERDSIZE. Most of the Large Black herds in the United Kingdom are small with a many breeders keeping their pigs outside. Each year the Large Black Pedigree national herd is surveyed to monitor the state of its bloodlines. This survey, conducted on behalf of the British Pig Association, provides information to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust for publication in its quarterly newsletter, the Ark

THE RARE BREEDS SURVIVAL TRUST The Large Black is one of 8 pig breeds on the list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. http://www.rbst.org.uk/

Membership Application Form Available Here