Looking for a more interesting breed of pig to be your pet? Berkshire pigs could be the best choice for you. However, they are not your average small breed of pet pigs.
They are big pigs with big hearts!
Berkshire pigs are one of the largest breeds of domestic pigs in the world. They have notable color pattern that will let anyone know it’s a Berkshire pig. Berkshire pigs also have short legs and that is why they are large, yet short.
This is part of the reason why many pig lovers adore Berkshire pigs. They can be very large in terms of weight, but still look small because of their short legs.
What’s so interesting about Berkshire pigs? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Berkshire pigs.
History and Origins
Berkshire pigs are considered a rare breed of pigs that originated from the English county of Berkshire which is now known as Oxfordshire. They are bred and raised in different parts of the world.
Berkshire pigs are known as “Kurobuta” in Japan — “Kuro” meaning “Black” and “Buta” meaning “Pig“.
This breed is considered as one of the oldest breeds of pig in England and was the first breed to record pedigrees in herd books.
Since the Berkshire breed was declared “vulnerable” or “threatened” during the recent years, the herds of Berkshire pigs are being maintained by different conservation groups or centers.
Berkshire pigs made a comeback in terms of popularity because of the Japanese’s demand for Berkshire pigs and resulted into an increased rate of population for the pigs after being bred for marketing.
These pigs were also used for literature in the past. One example is a novel by Helen Beatrix Potter who wrote “The Tale of Pigling Band” where the main characters are Berkshire pigs.
In some novels, Berkshire pigs were used to represent a negative symbol because of their large bodies and dark coloration. This is also part of the reason why there is such a dark stigma surrounding pigs.
We must all remember that appearance does not always tell us if someone or something has a pure heart or not. Pigs are gentle by nature and we should work together to clear their bad image that we painted for them.
Appearance and anatomy
Berkshire pigs that are matured will appear large. Their original coloration was actually a reddish color or Ginger. Some Berkshire pigs had spots too.
Now, the Berkshire pig developed a completely different coloration which became their distinctive feature. The Ginger colored Berkshire pigs were intentionally crossbred with Chinese and Siamese pigs that were introduced to British agriculture in the past years.
The intention behind the crossbreeding was to improve the quality of meat and even though it changed the coloration of Berkshire pigs, breeders didn’t mind.
Berkshire pigs also have a fast growth despite being a large breed compared to other breeds of pig.
COLORS — As mentioned above, the original colors were reddish before it became the popular black pig. The modern color is now black with white parts around the feet area, nose and tail.
The way their modern colors turned out makes it a signature color for Berkshire pigs and it is part of what appeals to those who want to have them as pets.
HEAD — Berkshire heads are small which makes their back appear wider than it is. The face may appear as a flat, circular shape when observed from a certain angle.
EARS — Their ears are normally pricked up or pointed upwards. Some owners say that this trait is what makes Berkshire more adorable.
SNOUT (THE NOSE) — A Berkshire is born with a short, upturned snout.
WEIGHT — An average, fully grown male Berkshire pig could weigh at 600 lb (270 kg) or higher. While a female Berkshire pig could be around 396 lb (179 kg) but can still grow bigger.
HEIGHT — An average adult Berkshire (regardless of gender) can reach the height of about 70 cm to 75 cm (27 inches to 29 inches)
TEETH — Berkshire pigs will have normal and non-sharp teeth but can still bite really hard onto food. All pigs usually get their needle sharp teeth clipped moments or hours after birth.
The sharp teeth get replaced by normal teeth afterwards.
TUSKS — all pigs grow tusks including domestic breeds like Berkshire pigs. Male or female, wild or domestic, there are no exceptions.
Females usually have shorter or smaller tusks that rarely grow long or large enough to stick out of their mouths. Because of this trait, it was one of the easy ways to identify the gender of the pigs in the wild.
The tusks serve as a pig’s offensive and defensive weapon. However, domestic pigs usually have their tusks completely removed as it serves no purpose in captivity.
For those who may not be aware, the tusk is actually part of the jawbones and is considered part of the teeth. This means that if you cut off their tusks, it will not grow back.
However, trimming is a different task and is only done to care for the pig.
NAILS AND HOOVES — Berkshire pigs also have hooves and “dewclaws” that may need trimming. On an average, a pig should have trimming at least once a year.
Indoor pigs will require more trimming while outdoor pigs that have a stable, solid footing may only require lesser trimming sessions.
TAIL — Berkshire pigs often have curly tails. There is no actual explanation why pigs began to have curly tails but there are a lot of theories as to why they do.
The only known purpose of a pig’s tail is to drive away insects like flies. It is to reach the areas their legs and mouth cannot reach.
Curious why pigs have curly tails? We have an article about that for you here.
Characteristics and Personality
To some people, the Berkshire’s large size may be intimidating to care for. However, size isn’t all that matters when it comes to pigs. Most of them have big and individual personalities.
Behavior
Berkshires have a natural curious personality and are also friendly towards people. They may occasionally enjoy physical interactions too. Despite their large size, they are docile creatures that can enjoy having fun at times.
They are one of the heritage breeds are known to be gentle towards other animals including people.
Berkshire pigs are also known to have great mothering skills like certain other breeds and are great for pastures. They may sometimes follow you around in silence when you are out in the field with them!
Intelligent
Did you know that pigs are so intelligent, they ranked fifth among the most intelligent animals in the world? Berkshire pigs were proven to be smart just like any other breed of pigs.
They are also capable of outsmarting chimpanzees, one of the top smartest animals we’ve ever known! Many people also say they can be smarter than dogs.
The intelligence of pigs such as Berkshire pigs make them popular as pets. This also makes them unique from other regular pets.
Berkshire pigs can also really surprise you with their great memory as well as how fast they can learn and pick up hints about certain things.
Aside from ranking fifth in the world ranking, scientific studies and research also stated that an average pig have the same intelligence level as a 2 year old human child.
This is why raising a Berkshire pig could be almost similar to having a large baby! Though of course, they are different from humans and have different needs compared to a human child.
Studies also discovered that pigs can have better focus and produce a higher success rate when it comes to tests and challenges unlike dogs and chimps.
Not all dogs can learn as fast as a pig can, as some dogs are known to be stubborn or even be full of pride. Although they are usually submissive, many dogs can be stubborn when it comes to training.
Unlike pigs that seem to naturally learn without feeling forced. They tend to learn faster because of their ability to focus better. Dogs can be easily distracted because of their playful nature.
How being a prey can be an advantage
Another reason why pigs such as Berkshire pigs have such great intelligence compared to others is because they are prey animals. Most pets that we have kept and raised are prey animals and now we are being surprised by their capabilities.
Prey animals need to be on alert more than predators and thus, may develop a more sensitive way of living. They need to be smarter than their swift and strong predators.
Pigs possibly learned to enhance their intelligence by adapting and learning how to outsmart their predators.
Predators do not have to be on guard most of the time, they are usually comfortable anywhere and don’t struggle as hard as a prey when searching for food.
I have a personal saying regarding this aspect in life. The poor may be poor, but they can definitely be wiser than the rich.
It’s because when you are always on edge, you become desperate to cling on for survival. While those who are at the top have it easy and tend to forget the meaning of challenges.
When life is hard, it teaches you to become strong. Even if they are prey animals, if their minds are strong, their chances of survivability will definitely increase.
Berkshire pigs are trainable
Many owners say they can learn even faster than dogs. Berkshire pigs or just pigs in general, can be house trained. They may learn how to use the litter box, play fetch and do several other tricks.
Keep in mind that their medium size shouldn’t distract you from the fact that they are very similar to dogs. Big but gentle!
It was also proven that the “treat rewarding” method works very well with pigs when training them.
Compassionate
In relation to their intelligence, pigs like the Berkshire breed are capable of being compassionate. Their smart brains allow them to feel both negative and positive emotions!
This means that they can also feel pain, become depressed, be excited and many more! Because of this, many people are convinced that the cruel treatment towards livestock pigs such as Berkshire pigs should come to an end.
Nevertheless, the breed is considered as a rare species and is definitely being carefully conserved by the proper organizations or animal welfare centers.
They can sense grief or sadness
Pigs are capable of sensing grief from other animals, their companions or their human owners. When they do, they have a tendency to console them for comfort.
Berkshire pigs can be aware when a companion passes away or when they get left behind or abandoned. They can be sad, depressed and lonely to the point of crying real tears when mourning their loss or simply missing something or someone.
They can be emotionally sensitive
Since they have almost the same mentality or intelligence level as a child, you can expect them to behave similarly to a child. Berkshire pigs can grow easily bored when isolated or irritable when kept in an uncomfortable place and more.
They are capable of throwing tantrums, being stubborn, being spoiled, become manipulative or dominant. However, they are rarely violent.
When a pig is mistreated or abused, they WILL remember it. They know how to hold grudges, remember the faces of their abusers but they can also be grateful and remember those who cared for them.
This is part of the reason why they are lovely pets, because they exhibit a behavior where the owners must be emotionally prepared as Berkshire pigs can be emotionally sensitive too.
They are definitely big pigs with a big heart.
Most people would think pigs are good for first time pet owners, but in reality, it is not. They are not that simple and must be handled with genuine love and care!
Breeding and Life Expectancy
Like many other pigs, Berkshire pigs become sexually matured at six to seven months of age. Though they can become pregnant at around five months, they are normally bred around six months or one year of age.
Breeders that care for Berkshire pigs may prefer to breed them around one year of age to ensure a healthy and secure pregnancy.
Although pig pregnancy success rate are usually high, Berkshire pigs are large and has a threatened population which is why the birthing process must be handled with utmost care.
Despite this, Berkshire pigs have good mothering skills and reproductive efficiency.
Offspring
Berkshire pigs are commonly expected to have 10 up to 20 piglets when giving birth. Smaller breeds are expected to have fewer while larger breeds could give birth to 20 or more!
Pigs can rarely give birth to 25 pigs, but is possible and has already happened before. The average number of piglets that can be born from most breeds starts at 5 piglets up to 10 piglets.
If you’re interested in learning more about breeding, you can check our article about that here.
Life expectancy
A Berkshire pig’s average life expectancy is 15 years up to 20 years. It is definitely way longer compared to wild pigs that only live 4 years to 7 years.
Many pig owners state that they always make sure their pet pigs are well fed and properly taken care of.
This information brings us to the conclusion that there are times that they can live longer than their expected lifespan as long as they are healthy and loved.
Habitat and Environment
Domesticated animals such as Berkshire breeds are often kept in a better condition when they are adopted as pets compared to their wild or natural counterpart. Still, it’s important to know their natural habitats.
Natural habitat
A Berkshire pig’s natural habitat is forests, grasslands or woodlands and swamps. Pigs in general have a natural skill in foraging and even scavenging.
When it comes to survivability, pigs can thrive in areas where seeds or any possible source of food for them is abundant.
Environment
All pigs including large ones like Berkshire pigs will prefer to inhabit places with favorable climate. Although they function better under cool temperatures, they can still be sensitive to severe cold or extreme heat.
If you’re looking to keep one as a pet, you must read on to understand their preferred environment when under captivity.
Berkshire pigs are prey animals and need to be kept away from possible predators. If they have a wide space to graze outside, there must be fences to keep out animals like wolves, coyotes or even regular stray dogs.
Like every other pig, Berkshire pigs have a hard time cooling off because of their inability to sweat. Because of this, they should be placed in an area that can keep them cool.
Again, they are sensitive to harsh weather conditions and thus must be protected from extreme heat and severe cold. They must be shielded from rain and any kind of storms.
Space
Berkshire pigs in captivity will need specific space and conditions in order to thrive properly on a daily basis. Since they are smart and can be sensitive, if they are cramped up in one place for too long, they may grow bored which may lead to destructive behavior.
If they do not have enough space or freedom to roam and explore, they may become depressed. Pigs are naturally curious animals and prefer living outdoors as much as possible.
Depending on the number of other pigs that will live with them, a pig the size of a Berkshire should be able to have its individual pen of at least 4 to 5 meters in size.
To save you from the costs, it is best to give them a wide area outside or if they are being kept as indoor pets, the best solution is to give them access to at least two rooms or the entire house to give them comfort.
Letting them have freedom to roam the house as your indoor pet will give them mental stability and also keep them entertained. This can be safe as long as your home is “pig proofed”.
Know more about how much space most pigs need by reading our article about it here. If you want to know about “pig proofing” your home, you can check a related article about it here.
The article is called: “Keeping a Micro Pig Indoors”
Advantages and Disadvantages
Every animal including us, humans, have its own imperfections. All pets will have its own pros and cons. Berkshire pigs have more pros than cons, but of course, it’s important to learn what they are to fully understand their breed.
This pros and cons may be applicable to almost any breed of pig as they have a general shared behavior which highlights their personalities.
| PROS | CONS |
| Not a picky eater | Prone to diseases if not careful! |
| Good as pets | Can potentially be destructive |
| Social animals | Can be sensitive |
| Clean animals | Needs enough space |
PROS
1. Not a picky eater
Pigs of any breed including Berkshire pigs have an opportunistic mentality when it comes to feeding. As long as it looks edible, they will accept and eat it.
They have what we call a “stomach of steel” which means they can eat almost anything without getting sick from it.
However, just because they can eat anything including junk, doesn’t mean we should feed them with just anything. Certain food can still be harmful to their health and will weaken their immune system.
Learn more about what to feed your pig by reading our article about it here.
2. Good as pets
Regardless of gender, Berkshire pigs make good pets as they do not have different behaviors unlike other breeds where certain male pigs could develop territorial behavior.
Though they may not be a good pair with kids as they will try to “dominate” kids or compete with them, they will never be violent or aggressive towards other animal or people.
This is why it’s not advisable to give pigs as presents to children as it is usually not a good combination and may result in another abandoned pig. Only keep pigs if you are ready for the responsibility.
They are very patient and capable of being really sweet!
3. Social animals
Aside from being generally kind, Berkshire pigs are also capable of getting along well with other pets like cats. They can get along with dogs too, but it’s safer to leave them with animals that are close to them in size.
Dogs may be as large as a Berkshire pig, but they are clearly more powerful than pigs and can cause unwanted injuries or accidents when put together.
Even so, if you trust your dog won’t hurt your Berkshire pig, then they can definitely be great friends too.
Berkshire pigs or just pigs in general are great companions for adults who want something similar to a child and a dog. They can also be great playmates for others pets too!
4. Clean animals
Unlike what we originally thought of them, Berkshire pigs are clean and prefer to keep their living area clean too.
As much as possible, they will assign a corner to become their toilet area in order to avoid soiling their living space.
They will enjoy baths and prefer water more than mud. Most pigs only rolled around in mud to keep cool because it’s the only thing they can do when there is no pond of water around them.
CONS
1. Prone to diseases if not careful
The disadvantage of being a non-picky eater is the risk of eating a harmful food that can infect their systems.
Any pig can eat nearly anything including scrap food, junk, rotten food, spoiled food, decomposing food and decaying carcasses.
This is why it’s important to supervise your pig during feeding time or when letting them outside in order to prevent them from eating unwanted food.
They are also strictly prohibited from eating meat (including any other meat products and food that has had contact with meat) as it is the easiest way for them to be infected by a disease that may be transmitted to humans.
2. Can potentially be destructive
Since Berkshire pigs have a wide range of emotions, they also have bad sides too. They can be stubborn and destructive as mentioned earlier.
Destructive pigs are a sign of playfulness, stress, depression or a way to establish dominance in their selected territory.
If you think your pig is behaving deeply negative, it’s important to get them checked as it could be their only way of expressing internal pain that we usually do not notice until it gets worse!
It is also a sign of mistreatment and abuse. This behavior can easily be corrected with proper training and discipline.
Remember, pigs in general are gentle by nature which is why destructive behavior can be a bad sign for your pig but it happens. Large breeds like Berkshire pigs can be a lot more forceful and break more things.
To prevent that from happening, make sure you have read our article about keeping pigs indoors. It can serve as a guide if you plan to keep a Berkshire pig indoors.
3. Can be sensitive
Did you know that raising your voice can also leave a bad impact on your pigs? Berkshire pigs are no exception to this. For some, they might perceive it as a hostile behavior.
Little actions such as slight hitting will also be remembered by your Berkshire pig. They remember a lot of things, be it good or negative.
Leaving them alone for long hours can also be unhealthy when your Berkshire pig doesn’t have enough space to explore or companions to interact with.
To some, it may be similar to leaving a child alone.
This is why, people who plan to own Berkshire pigs should be aware of their emotional sensitivity. Remember, your piggy friend remembers!
Despite this, it can all depend on your pig’s personality. Even though they have a common behavior, it is not always the same for every pig out there.
Just like people, pigs can be different from each other and it is advisable to get to know your pig properly in order to get along with each other.
4. Needs enough space
This has been mentioned many times in this thread. But yes, many first time owners are not aware that pigs need space! Other animals may tolerate being kept in one spot, but not pigs.
They might try to make several escapes or even attempt to break through obstacles just to get to freedom. If they do not try to be free, they will become lonely and depressed.
This is why it’s frequently mentioned in order to remind potential owners that they need to be ready for adjusting their homes and make it “pig-proof”!
It might take some effort which is why it is considered as a disadvantage when owning Berkshire pigs or any other pigs.
Proper care and needs
All pigs will have a lot of needs and buying one as a pet comes with great responsibility, patience and commitment. Aside from being mentally prepared, one must be financially prepared too when it comes to the costs and physically ready to care for them.
Caring
1. Proper Feeding
An average pig should eat at least two times a day. Pigs are not picky eaters and you can feed them almost anything!
However, pigs of all breed are strictly NOT ALLOWED TO CONSUME MEAT.
The reason behind this is to prevent pigs from getting sick. The easiest way for them to get infected with a disease is by eating meat.
This can turn into a virus that may be transmitted to humans and cause yet another outbreak.
Instead, you may feed your pig with various fruits and vegetables. Real pig pellets are the best choice for your pet pig as it provides a balanced diet for them.
Pigs can also eat grass, so if you have a yard or lawn that has grass, you may let them graze on it. Berkshire pigs are good for pasture, so this can be easy for them. They may also occasionally dig the ground up to eat roots and certain insects. (Safe for them to consume)
You may learn more about what to feed your pet pig by checking one of our helpful articles about it. Read “What Do Pigs Eat”
2. How much water they need
On a daily basis, an average pig can drink 5 to 10 liters a day. A pregnant or mothering pig might need twice the regular amount in order to produce enough milk.
Pigs are unable to sweat which is why they have a hard time cooling off. Drinking lots of water will help them keep their body temperature cool.
Make sure that their water tanks or drinking bowls cannot be tipped over as they have a tendency to play with food or water. Sometimes, they can be careless or clumsy.
It’s important to ensure they always have enough water to drink as dehydration can make them sick or if it’s too hot and they can’t cool off, pigs are easily prone to heat stroke.
Know more about what pigs need by reading our article about it here.
3. Living Area
As mentioned above, your pig has a hard time cooling off due to their dysfunctional sweat glands.
Studies say that they function better under cool temperatures but harsh weather conditions could easily affect them or make them sick.
Severe cold or extreme heat could give pneumonia or heat stroke. There have been cases where pigs passed away due to extreme temperatures.
To properly care for your pig, it’s important to pay attention to the temperature. The room must be averagely cool or warm. They must also be able to remain dry and protected from parasites such as flies.
Despite being kept indoors, pigs will also need sufficient amount of sunshine. You can take them out or let them outside to bask under the sunlight in the morning.
Berkshire pig’s dark coloration help prevent sunburn which other pigs are easily prone to.
Taking them out for walks will also be a soothing exercise and activity for your pet pig as they enjoy the outdoor life, they like the morning sun and have the opportunity to graze on grass.
If you don’t have an area where they can stay out, an optional solution is taking your pet pig out for a walk. This could also serve as an adequate exercise for your pet pig.
Most pigs will enjoy a walk in the morning as they are adventurous animals that appreciate exploring their surrounding areas.
Note: Walking your pig may require legal permissions.
“How to get a License for your Pig“
Read our article about legalizing your pet and getting a pig license.
As a pig owner, you will also need to buy a proper bed for your pet. If they are still growing, it’s safe to go for the long term product as they might grow twice their current size!
A pig as large as a Berkshire will require a comfortable bed and if you got one as a piglet, we will set your expectation that they will definitely grow larger. So to help you save, it’s advisable to anticipate growth for your pet pig. With a good bed that they can fit in, they will be comfortable to stay in your home.
4. Healthcare
Since pigs can be sensitive when it comes to health, it’s highly recommended to let your Berkshire pet pig have annual medical checkups. Vaccination is necessary while spaying and neutering is also deeply encouraged.
Another reason why owning a pet pig will require frequent visits to the veterinary clinic is because you might need help with trimming. Hooves, nails and tusks trimming are important and crucial to your pig’s health.
Overgrown and unmaintained hooves, nails and tusks could cause soreness and severe pain when it starts injuring the body structure. It may also cause infection, appetite loss, locomotive issues and more.
Trimming can be a challenging task for a new owner which is why we advise to seek professional help or assistance from a veterinarian.
If you are curious on how to do the entire process of trimming and caring for their hooves, nails and tusks, you may read our article about it here.
5. Registering your Berkshire pig
Raising pigs especially “threatened breeds” and “exotic breeds” like Berkshire pigs may be illegal or restricted depending on where you live. Laws differ on every country especially regarding animal welfare.
It’s highly recommended to check with your local animal welfare laws to verify first before you adopt a pig.
If it requires a license, please register your pig for its safety and yours too. It might also come with various benefits, so it’s worth the cost. This step is very important and must be done if required.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- How much is a Berkshire pig?
One matured Berkshire pig could cost around $225 while buying a pair could cost $400. Prices may differ depending on your area or it could also vary depending on your local breeder.
Most of the time, it’s advisable to go for reputable breeders that sell at a high price which secures a healthy and well-bred pig than those who sell at cheaper prices but may result in an unhealthy pig.
We are not generalizing breeders, so it’s important to get to know your breeder before buying a rare breed like Berkshire pigs.
Sometimes it may not be easy to get their hands on the Berkshire pig which is why it can also be more expensive during certain times when there is more demand but less available pets.
- What is the world’s largest breed of pig?
The largest known breed of pig is the Giant Forest Hog.
If you are familiar with Pumbaa of the popular Disney film, “The Lion King“, the warthog and Giant Forest Hog are similar in terms of appearance.
The Giant Forest Hog inhabits areas around Africa and some places in the West. They are wild pigs and may tend to be aggressive towards intruders.
It is best not to threaten or intimidate a Giant Forest Hog as they are capable of mauling a human with their tusks and leaving grave injuries.
Despite their large size, they are still considered prey animals and still in hunted by predators in the wild. They may not live as long as a domestic pig due to their mortality rate in the wild.