The Essex pig is a beautiful breed of domestic pig appearing in the UK. Like many other British pig breeds, the ancestor of the breed may have originated from the county of Essex from selective breeding of local wild pigs.
The strain was a white, rough, black and little animal that was noted for being managed and economical to feed. All these qualities ensured the breed’s popularity.
By crossing with pig breeds the breed has been enhanced from the mid 19th century. While traveling in Italy from the early 19th century, 1st Baron Western, Charles Western sows. One of his tenants, Fisher Hobbs, filmed the consequent Neapolitan-Essex boars together with his “rough” Essex sows and established the Improved Essex.
Essex Pig Characteristics
The Essex pig strain remained popular until as recently as the mid-1950s. The total population of the breed had actually increased during the Second World Ward and instantly afterward.
A strain society for the breed was formed in 1997 called ‘The Essex Pig Society’. And since 1997 Jimmy Doherty and Michaela Furney of Jimmy’s Farm have made efforts to publicize and re-establish the strain. Read some more information regarding the breed.
The Essex pig was a small breed of pig in its traditional form. It’s pricked ears and black ground color.
The Essex pig breed has a reputation for hardiness and well known for its ability to nourish itself by foraging. The animals are excellent foragers and well suited for its broad pig farming system. The Essex pig was considered to have become extinct in 1967. Nevertheless, it was believed a couple of pure-bred animals might endure on small farms.
Essex Pig Breed Information
| Breed Name | Essex |
| Other Name | None |
| Special Notes | Hardy, excellent foragers, ability to feed itself by foraging, well suited for extensive system |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Coat Color | Black with a broadband of white across the shoulders |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |
