History:

The first pedigree records of pigs began in 1913, much later than for cattle, sheep, and horses because the pig was considered a peasant’s animal and a scavenger so was never highly regarded.

Old Spots originated around the Berkeley Vale on the southern shores of the River Severn in south west England. No other pedigree spotted pig was recorded before 1913, so today’s Old Spot is the oldest such breed in the world!

They are usually kept on dairy farms and in cider and perry pear orchards, where dairy waste and windfall fruit supplements grazing.

Besides its correct title and variations such as Gloucester Spot or just Old Spot, the breed is also known as The Orchard and The Cottager’s Pig. Local folklore says that the spots on the back are bruises from the falling fruit.


Characteristics:

The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a large breed of pig, white in colour with at least one distinct black spot. It has lop ears, that when the pig is mature, will cover most of its face.