There are many breeds of pigs originating from either the United States or the United Kingdom. But for this case, Black Iberian pigs are part of Spain and can also be found in Portugal.
The breed is rare because it cannot be found in other areas but still popular and most praised for their meat.
Despite being raised as mainly livestock, they still have a lot to offer just like the other breeds of pigs.
The Black Iberian pig became the symbol or signature of a town in Spain called Jabugo which is why the Black Iberian pig is also known as the “Jabugo Pig“.
While in Portugal, the Jabugo pig is known as the “Alentejano pig“.
Jabugo pigs can grow around 160 to 190 kg (350 to 420 pounds) as long as they are properly fed and cared for.
History and Origins
The Black Iberian pigs originated from the Iberian Peninsula or shortly known as “Iberia” and is located in the southwest of Europe.
The Iberian Peninsula is divided between Spain and Portugal which is why the Black Iberian pigs can be found in both countries.
Aside from being called the “Jabugo pig”, the Black Iberian pig is also known as “pata negra” which translates to “black hoof” because of their coloration.
It is believed that the Black Iberian pigs are one of the oldest breeds discovered, considered “ancient” and they were first crossbred with wild boars (undomesticated pigs) which resulted into the current Black Iberian pigs we know today.
The production of the Black Iberian pig is studied to be deeply rooted to the Mediterranean ecosystem and became one of the few living breeds that managed to adapt to a pasture based lifestyle.
However, around year 1960, the popular breed declined in population after falling victim to the notorious African Swine fever.
It is expected that a sick breed will fall into a low point that can be critical to their future. But just like how storm passes, the breed still survived the rough era and became a successful breed of pigs that earned the favor of many pig owners.
In the recent years, the Black Iberian pigs held the record of the most expensive ham in the world retailing at almost $5,000. Sold and raised by the country of Spain which is where it originated from.
What is Jamón ibérico?
Jamon iberico translates to “Iberian ham” and is a type of cured ham which is praised for its great, unique flavors that became well-demanded and resulted into a fast increase for the price.
The Black Iberian pig is farmed and raised for the popular and demanded Iberian ham.
Illegal Ham
Due to the ham’s expensive costs, there are people who believed the ham is illegal in several countries such as the United States.
The truth is, it is not illegal but it is only expensive and strict.
It only becomes illegal when an individual purchases the meat from Spain and consumes the meat for personal gains.
The reason why it is illegal to do so even if it’s only for personal gains is because of the disease prevention act which prioritizes minimizing virus outbreaks that can potentially harm large numbers of animals and people.
For medical reasons, food must be processed by authorized health facilities which is why only special markets usually have the privilege to obtain the strictly processed food and sell it for a higher price.
Anatomy and Physical Appearance
The Black Iberian pig is a medium to large sized breed of pig. As the name implies, they are often full black in color with little to no hair in their body.
If seen from afar, they can be mistaken for a smaller black buffalo or a dog.
COLORS — there are times when you may encounter a different colored Black Iberian pig. They can vary from dark brown, dark orange, dark red, full black or slight gray. Other colors can also possibly appear if crossbred.
HEAD — the Black Iberian pigs have a moderately long face and can have defined jowls. They have small eyes and naturally born with a poor eyesight.
EARS — their ears are usually drooping forward and moderately long in length, not long enough to hinder their eyesight.
SNOUT (THE NOSE) — the Black Iberian pigs have a straight snout that is often small to medium in size. Pigs are born with excellent sense of smell which is why their snouts can be quite sensitive to touch.
WEIGHT — the average weight for a matured Black Iberian pig can grow around 160 to 190 kg (350 to 420 pounds)
TEETH — Black Iberian 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 will be replaced by normal teeth afterwards.
TUSKS — all pigs grow tusks including domestic breeds like the Black Iberian 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 — the Black Iberian 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 — Black Iberian pigs often have short and curly tails if not docked. There is no actual explanation why pigs or hogs curl their 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
The Black Iberian pig is praised for their great adaptability which gives them higher survivability rates. They are also gentle and social animals which allow them to function peacefully as a herd.
These pigs can be great for any type of lifestyle which is why farmers are often pleased with the breed. The Black Iberian pigs can adapt to both outdoor living and indoor living without problem.
When the area is abundant with natural food resources, a Black Iberian pig can be left alone without many problems as they can be independent. They are great for pasture and can be trusted as they are not aggressive.
They can also tolerate harsh climate unlike most breeds of pigs. They are known for their sturdy bodies which make them stronger compared to other breeds of pigs.
The dark coloration of their body helps protect their skin from sunburn which most breeds of pigs are prone to.
Intelligent creatures
Did you know that pigs or hogs are so intelligent, they ranked fifth among the most intelligent animals in the world? Even the Black Iberian pigs are proven to be as smart as the other breeds 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 the Black Iberian pig makes them popular even as pets. This also makes them unique from other regular pets or farm animals.
Black Iberian 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.
For example, they will remember the spot where you left their treat and will come back to it the very next day!
Aside from ranking fifth in the world ranking, scientific studies and research also stated that an average hog have the same intelligence level as a 2 year old human child.
They 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. Pigs are a naturally obedient animal when raised or tamed properly.
The advantage of being a prey
Another reason why pigs like the Black Iberian pigs have such great intelligence compared to others is because they are prey animals.
Despite being domesticated, most animal breeds still retain their wild and natural traits.
Most pets that we have kept and raised are predator animals like cats and dogs so now we are being surprised by a prey like pigs and 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.
They can be house trained
Many owners say they can learn even faster than dogs. The Black Iberian pig 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.
Despite their medium to large sizes, they can still become your average house pet! No matter the size, domestic pigs are capable of becoming great companions for humans.
It has been proven that the “treat rewarding” method works very well with pigs when training them.
Compassionate
In relation to their intelligence, the Black Iberian breed of pigs is 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 should come to an end.
They can sense grief
Black Iberian 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.
They are 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 sensitive
Since they have almost the same mentality or intelligence level as a child, you can expect them to behave similarly to a child. Black Iberian pigs can grow easily bored when isolated or irritable when kept in an uncomfortable place and more.
Despite their discomfort, they are rarely violent. They will never attack unless deeply provoked or feel extremely cornered. Again, they are very docile but they can still feel negative emotions.
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 pigs can be emotionally sensitive too.
Breeding and Life Expectancy
Black Iberian pigs can become sexually matured at six to seven months of age like most hogs or pigs. They are normally bred around six months or one year of age.
Offspring
Black Iberian pigs are commonly expected to have 8 up to 10 piglets when giving birth.
Fully grown pigs can rarely give birth to 20 to 25 pigs, but it is possible with the larger breeds of pigs. 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
The Black Iberian pig’s average life expectancy is 15 years up to 20 years.
As long as they are healthy and well cared for, a pig or a hog can live longer than expected.
Habitat and Environment
Just like most pigs, Black Iberian pigs would prefer areas with rich pastures, sufficient food sources, fresh and clean water to drink and access to ponds or a muddy area to keep cool.
They should also have access to shelter that can shield them from severe weather conditions like strong winds, storms or extreme heat.
Natural habitat
In general, the wild habitat for most hogs or pigs generally moist forests, swamps and woodlands, especially oak forests and regions where seeds are abundant.
Environment
All hogs or pigs including the Black Iberian pig will prefer to inhabit places with favorable climate. Although they can tolerate the hot weather, 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.
Another point to remember is that they 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 hog or pig, Black Iberian 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 can be 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
Did you know that obesity is one of the most common issues among pet pigs? This can be avoiding by providing them enough space is necessary in order for them to get the exercise they need.
Hogs or pigs are also curious and outgoing creatures and would prefer living outdoors rather than staying cooped up. If kept as indoor pets, it is best to provide them enough space.
As herd animals, the Black Iberian pigs also like to constantly move around. They may not be able to tolerate a strictly confined space which is why it is important to give them freedom to explore.
If they do not have enough space or freedom to roam and explore, they may become depressed.
Depending on the number of other pigs that will live with them, a pig or a hog the size of the Black Iberian pig, according to studies, is recommended to have access to at least one hectare of a healthy pasture.
If they are being kept as indoor pets, the best solution is to give them access to at least one or two rooms to give them comfort.
Know more about how much space most pigs need by reading our article about it here.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Every animal including man has their own imperfections. All pets will have their own pros and cons. The Black Iberian pigs have more pros than cons, but of course, it’s important to learn what they are to fully understand their breed.
These pros and cons are applicable to many other breeds of pigs as they all exhibit similar traits and behavior. If you have read most of our articles, you may find these details similar with each other.
The explanation behind it is because all pigs have a similar nature which makes them little to no different with each other.
| PROS | CONS |
| Not a picky eater | Prone to diseases if not careful! |
| Social animals | Can be sensitive |
| Clean animals | Needs enough space |
PROS
1. Not high maintenance
These pigs are not high maintenance because they are not picky eaters and adjust easily to their environment. They also don’t get sick easily as long as they are kept in a safe and clean area with the right food.
Pigs of any breed including Black Iberian 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.
Read “What can I feed my Pig” if you’re curious to know about what pigs can eat and should not eat.
2. Social animals
Aside from being generally kind, a Black Iberian pig is 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 large breed of pigs, but they are clearly more powerful than pigs and can cause unwanted injuries or accidents when put together.
As long as you are comfortable that your dogs won’t hurt your Black Iberian pig, they can definitely be great friends too.
Pigs can be great companions or playmates for your kids and other house pets which is why they deserve to be treated with love.
3. Clean animals
Unlike what we originally thought of them, Black Iberian 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. Even though Black Iberian pigs are stronger than other breeds of pigs, they can still get sick.
Black Iberian pigs can eat 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 and secure their feeding area and always keep it clean.
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.
You can read our article entitled “Can Pigs eat Meat?” if you would like to have more information about this topic.
2. Can be sensitive
Did you know that raising your voice can also leave a bad impact on your pigs? The Black Iberian 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 pig. They remember a lot of things, be it good or negative.
Leaving them alone for long hours can also be unhealthy when a 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 Black Iberian pigs should be aware of their emotional sensitivity. Remember, your piggy friend remembers!
3. 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 Black Iberian pigs.
Though they may be the popular ideal breed and capable of adapting to confined spaces, some of them may still not be able to tolerate tight spaces. It’s still important to let them free even just a few times a week.
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 a pig.
Read about a similar topic in order to get an idea how to pig proof your home. Read: “Keeping a Pig Indoors”
RELATED QUESTIONS
- How much is a Black Iberian Pig?
An estimated amount for most breeds of pigs could cost around $300 up to $800 and above. The price may differ depending on the age and gender of the pig as well as the breeder and location of the buyer.
The Black Iberian pig is considered a “rare breed” due to its strict availability. Most numbers of these pigs can only be found in Spain and a few in Portugal.
If you’re looking to raise one for yourself in another country, it may come with special permissions which mean licensing your pig.
You may read our detailed article on how to get your pig licensed.
On another related topic, we also have an article about the total costs of raising a pig.
- Can African swine fever infect humans?
No, African swine fever virus (ASFV) cannot infect humans and can only infect pigs. The viral disease is deadly to pigs but pose no threat to people.
However, there were several virus outbreaks from pigs that was also transmitted to people that is why many countries follow a strict code for the disease prevention act.
Below are the examples of pig diseases that is transmittable to people. (Zoonotic diseases)
Swine Influenza (H1N1 virus) — This virus is deadly to all ages. It may be similar to a typical fever, but once it gets bad, it can be fatal to the point of death.
Foot-and-mouth disease —Causes severe fever, inflammation, appetite loss, sore throat, depression, and pain in the tongue or gums, red rashes on palms and soles and irritability in infants or toddlers.
These two diseases are notoriously known due to their terrible symptoms.