Meishan

Large Black

This file reproduces official breed standards verbatim for research. No original standard is authored here.

The Large Black originated in England (Devon, Cornwall, Essex, Suffolk). The British Pig Association is the official UK breed society and herd-book keeper. The Large Black Hog Association is the principal US registry and publishes a breed standard on its site.

Sources

  1. British Pig Association. Breed Standard and Standards of Excellence — Large Black. Updated Autumn 2013. Official PDF: https://www.britishpigs.org.uk/documents/bpa-standards-of-excellence-large-black.pdf (retrieved 19 August 2026). Index page: https://www.britishpigs.org.uk/breed-standards.
  2. Large Black Hog Association. The Large Black Hogs Breed Standard, in “Large Black Hogs—A Heritage Grazing Pig.” https://largeblackhogassociation.org/large-black-hogs-a-heritage-grazing-pig/ (retrieved 19 August 2026). Association home: https://largeblackhogassociation.org/.

1. British Pig Association — Breed Standard and Standards of Excellence

LARGE BLACK

Updated Autumn 2013

Section A - To be eligible for Herd Book entry a pig must (except in exceptional circumstances) be: - bred in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland - have at least 12 sound teats - ear-marked and birth recorded with the BPA in accordance with current regulations - the offspring of parents already registered either in the Herd Book of the same breed (or in a supplementary register of the Herd Book maintained at BPA’s discretion) - Free from congenital defects (e.g. Umbilical and Scrotal Hernias , Atresia Ani (blind anus), cryptorchid boars, extra cleys, twisted, overshot or undershot jaw and rose on the back) - conform to any other such regulations as are made by the BPA Council from time to time

In exceptional circumstances a pig which does not fulfil all the criteria above may be accepted for herdbook registration following an inspection.

Breed Specific Requirements for Herdbook Registration

Ears Lop ears Colour Black.

Breed Specific Disqualifications which make the pig ineligible for Herdbook Registration

              Any colour other than black

Section B – Standard of Excellence – These are recommendations only - breeders should try to achieve these standards in their breeding programmes. Pigs will be judged against these standards of excellence at BPA shows.

The Standard of Excellence should be used in the light of known commercial requirements. When assessing the relevant merits of Large Black pigs, this should be done against a background of the killing-out value of the pig at correct weight and age. The value of the pig from a commercial point of view should always take precedence over its ability to conform to breed characteristics as laid down by the Standard of Excellence.

General Quality and Conformation Good carriage on sound feet with length and well developed loin and hams

Head Well-proportioned Medium length, broad and clean between the ears Jowl & Cheek Freedom from jowl. Strong under-jaw Ears Long, thin and well-inclined over the face. Neck Long and clean. Chest Wide and deep Shoulders (Important) Fine and in line with ribs. Back Very long and strong Ribs Well sprung Loin Broad and strong Sides Long and moderately deep Quarters Long, wide and not drooping Hams Very broad and full. Legs Well set, straight and fat. Fine bone Tail Set moderately high and thick-set. Skin Blue-black Fine and soft. Coat Fine and soft, with moderate quantity of straight black silky hair. Underline Full, straight underline, with at least twelve sound, evenly spaced, well-placed teats and starting well forward

Breed Specific Objections – Breeders should try to avoid these in their breeding programmes

Ears Thick, coarse, cabbage leafed. Coat Coarse, curly or bristly-mane. Skin Thick, wrinkled or sooty-black. Legs and Feet Crooked. Low pasterns and excessively bent hocks. Neck Coarse Collar Head Excessive jowl, narrow forehead Shoulder Heavy and coarse shield. Condition Excessive fat to be discouraged at Show.

Pigs must comply with Section A. Breeders should aspire to breed pigs which meet the Standards of Excellence in Section B. More information is available in the BPA leaflet – Pedigree Breeding the Next Steps.

British Pig Association, Trumpington Mews, 40b High Street, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 2LS Tel: 01223 845100 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.britishpigs.org Updated Autumn 2013

2. Large Black Hog Association — The Large Black Hogs Breed Standard

Source: Large Black Hog Association, “Large Black Hogs—A Heritage Grazing Pig,” https://largeblackhogassociation.org/large-black-hogs-a-heritage-grazing-pig/

The Large Black Hogs Hogs are aptly named large since they can reach weights upwards of 700 pounds or more. Their head is well proportioned of medium length with a long neck. The ears are large, thin and hang forward covering the eyes and most of the face. The chest is wide and deep with fine shoulders in line with the ribs. Their back is very long and strong with a broad loin. Ribs should be well sprung on a long deep body. The hams are very broad and full on well set, straight fat legs. The only acceptable color is solid black with fine straight black silky hair. The belly should have a straight underline with at least 12 evenly spaced teats starting well forward.