Tamworth Pigs — The Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Pig lovers, are you looking for a more unusual breed to care for? Tamworth pigs might be great for you. They are not as small as the common pet pigs, but they will surely surprise you with their good nature.

Most people prefer to keep a smaller breed because having a larger one is too much for them. But if you think you’re up to the challenge, it’s almost like caring for a big baby!

For this article, we will be talking about everything you need to know about Tamworth Pigs.

History and Origins

To get started, we’ll begin with the history behind this breed.

The name Tamworth was derived from Tamworth, Staffordshire United Kingdom and was crossbred with Irish pigs known as “Irish Grazers” back in 1812. This domesticated breed of pigs originated from Sir Robert Peel’s Drayton Manor Estate at Tamworth, Staffordshire.

It was Sir Robert Peel who had the Irish Grazers when he saw the pigs in Ireland. This crossbreeding resulted in a much stronger Tamworth breed.

Sir Robert Peel was regarded as the father of modern British policing and was one of the founders of the modern Conservative party. He served twice as United Kingdom’s Prime Minister around 1834 to 1835 and 1841 to 1846. Sir Robert Peel was a British statesman and a Conservative Party politician.

Currently, Tamworth pigs are considered a “threatened” or “vulnerable” breed due to its small number of females. They are closely being monitored to conserve the popular breed.

Appearance and Anatomy

Tamworth pigs are notably known for their “ginger” color and also called as “Sandy Back” because of its coloration similar to that of sand.

The Tamworth distinctive feature aside from their coloration is their long neck and legs, deep sides but narrow backs. Tamworth pigs may also appear muscular and firm and have great foot structure.

This breed also has strong bones which means they are born with a great skeletal system. They are one tough breed yet so gentle!

COLORS — Tamworth colors range from a pale gingery to dark mahogany red. Early in the breed history, colors were orange and purple, but breeding has been conducted to remove the orange coloration.

HEAD — A Tamworth’s head shape should be an elongated shape paired with their long and narrow bodies.

EARS — Their ears are normally pointed upwards or erect.

SNOUT (THE NOSE) — A healthy Tamworth should have a “rectangular” shape of snout.

WEIGHT — An average, fully grown male Tamworth could weigh from 250 kg to 370 kg (550 lb to 820 lb) while an average, fully grown female Tamworth can weigh from 200 kg to 300 kg (440 lb to 660 lb)

HEIGHT — An average adult Tamworth (regardless of gender) can reach the height of about 50 cm to 65 cm (20 inches to 26 inches)

BODY LENGTH — An average adult Tamworth (regardless of gender) can grow from 100 cm to 140 cm (39 inches to 55 inches)

TEETH — Tamworth 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 Tamworth 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 — Tamworth 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, but Tamworth pigs are usually kept outdoors and have a stable, solid footing which may result in lesser trimming.

TAIL — Adult Tamworth pigs often have straight tails but are capable of curling their tails.

Curious why pigs have curly tails? We have an article about that for you here.

UNCOMMON TRAITS — According to breed aficionados, Tamworth pigs can be born with curly hair, coarse mane, turned up nose, and dark spots on the coat. These traits are not normal and should be checked.

Characteristics and Personality

To most people, the Tamworth’s medium 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

Tamworth pigs grow slower compared to other pigs but they are definitely larger than the other common pet pigs. Since Tamworth pigs grow slower, they are rarely raised by other farmers but those who do often praise the breed.

Tamworth pigs are a tough breed that doesn’t get sick easily and they can be independent like other breeds. They can be left outdoors without much supervision.

They are excellent at finding their own food and grazing on pasture grounds. Farmers also say that Tamworth pigs have good mothering skills.

Other pig breeds have accidents when going into motherhood such as smothering their offspring or unconsciously laying on them until they choke.

Tamworth pigs rarely make those mistakes. They are large compared to other common pet breeds, but their good nature makes them a good choice.

A mothering Tamworth pig may become distant especially around her young. She may grow defensive when there are people around her offspring. This is common and natural behavior among other animals.

Their behavior is significantly similar to that of an average large dog.

Intelligent

Did you know that pigs are so intelligent, they ranked fifth among the most intelligent animals in the world? Tamworth 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 Tamworth pigs make them popular as pets. This also makes them unique from other regular pets.

Tamworth 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 Tamworth 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 Tamworth 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.

Tamworth pigs can be trained

Many owners say they can learn even faster than dogs. Tamworth 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 proven that the “treat rewarding” method works very well with pigs when training them.

Compassionate

In relation to their intelligence, pigs like Tamworth pigs 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 Tamworth Pigs should come to an end.

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.

Tamworth pigs 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 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. Tamworth 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 Tamworth pigs can be emotionally sensitive too.

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!

Tamworth Two: The Pigs that became Celebrities

Did you know that back in 1998, there were two Tamworth pigs named Butch (a female pig) and Sundance (a male pig) made their escape right after they were unloaded from the truck used to move them?

They were five months old and the two were siblings.

The siblings squeezed through the fences and swam across the River of Avon. Butch and Sundance lived a life of freedom in a dense thicket near Tetbury Hill.

Following the escape, the owner of the two Tamworth pigs named Arnoldo Dijulio was determined to recapture the two and this persistence drew the media’s attention.

The media went through with the search and even the creators of the popular pig movie named “Babe” were intrigued by the pig’s runaway act.

However, Arnoldo stated that he still intends to send Butch and Sundance to the slaughterhouse once recaptured. This caused the media outlets to offer Arnoldo money in order to spare the two pigs their freedom!

Animal lovers also cooperated in donating money to Arnoldo just to save Butch and Sundance. After all, the media and the British people considered the two as celebrities.

The two Tamworth pigs earned the respect of people as they proved that they are animals that still long for freedom and will fight for it.

Eventually, Butch was retrieved without struggle but Sundance was spotted foraging in a garden by a couple named Harold Clarke and Mary Clarke.

When he was spotted, Sundance was so nervous and ran away for yet another escape. He was later found by being tracked by two Springer Spaniel dogs. Sundance was tranquilized by a dart gun.

The tranquilizing took more than two attempts as the pig had thick skin and the darts bounced off! After successfully immobilizing Sundance, he was taken to a veterinary clinic to recover his health.

Butch and Sundance’s escape even caused a debate among the government officials! Imagine living such a famous life, even the politicians were concerned about them.

In the end, Butch and Sundance were thankfully set free by their owner and were sent to Rare Breeds Centre which is an animal sanctuary in Ashford.

A statue was built in June 2004 as a remembrance to the two celebrity Tamworth pigs. The statue was built together with a sculpture trail along the River Avon, where the siblings swam through to escape.

Before the statue was built, a film entitled “The Legend of the Tamworth Two” was produced as a 60 minute television drama to contribute to Butch and Sundance.

Well, that was one amazing escape story! Some people may be wondering how they survived on their own for a while.

Tamworth pigs have a natural strong body which allows them to survive harsh conditions such as extreme or harsh weather conditions! They were surprisingly thriving well during severe winter seasons.

These pigs could tolerate even cold wind that is why it’s no surprise how Butch and Sundance survived on their own, out in the wild! After all, they are part of nature from the very beginning.

Tamworth pigs are also extremely well-suited for forest grazing and great foragers too. Butch and Sundance probably managed to dig the ground for roots to consume too.

Don’t you think their story is heartwarming? There’s still more to know about Tamworth pigs, so read on!

Breeding and Life Expectancy

Like many other pigs, Tamworth 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.

It is best to breed Tamworth pigs at around one year of age due to their slow rate of growth.

Offspring

Tamworth pigs are commonly expected to have 10 up to 15 piglets when giving birth. Smaller breeds are expected to have fewer while larger breeds could give birth to 20 or more!

Female 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 Tamworth pig’s average life expectancy is 15 years up to 20 years.

Many pig owners claim that they usually expect a shorter lifespan for their pigs. The most common estimated lifespan was around 5 to 10 years, almost similar to the average lifespan of a pig in the wild which is 4 to 8 years only.

Surprisingly, the pigs always outlived the common estimated lifespan that people give them and were able to remain as a lifelong companion

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 Tamworth 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 Tamworth pig’s natural habitat is forests, grasslands or woodlands and swamps. They have a natural skill in foraging and even scavenging.

Their long snouts allow them to have an even greater sense of smell which helps them be alerted by predators and also seek out potential prey in the wild.

Environment

Tamworth pigs are also remarkably thriving better under northern conditions or in other words, cold climate. Although it is common for most pigs to prefer cool weather, most of them cannot withstand harsh temperatures unlike Tamworth pigs.

This is one of the things that make them good pets. Other breed of pigs can be really sensitive with temperature due to their inability to sweat which makes adjusting difficult.

Having a Tamworth keeps an owner at ease even when the season turns extremely cold.

Despite being great animals with excellent survivability skills, Tamworth pigs are still 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.

The fences must not be set loosely apart in order to prevent the pig from squeezing through and running off on their own.

Even though Tamworth pigs are tough and can tolerate the cold, they must still be shielded from rain and any kind of storms to avoid any sickness.

Space

Tamworth 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.

They will attempt to find a way out, no matter what. Just like what you read about the Legendary Butch and Sundance!

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, especially with Tamworth pigs.

Depending on the number of other pigs that will live with them, a Tamworth pig should be able to have their own pen of at least 5 meters in size.

If they are being kept as indoor pets, a great solution is to give them access to at least two or more rooms to give them comfort. The best solution is letting them have access to the entire house.

It should be safe to do so as long as the house 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”

Molting

I’m sure you’ve heard about snakes and insects molting or shedding their skins… but do you know that pigs are also capable of molting?

Tamworth pigs molt in a similar way to how cats and dogs lose their hair during certain times depending on the seasons. Tamworth pigs usually molt during June and August in the Northern hemisphere.

Tamworth hair or coat has a bristle density that protects their skin from ultraviolet harm from the sun but when they molt, they need additional protection as pigs are usually prone to sunburn.

When they don’t have access to enough shade, pigs may roll around in mud to cover their body in it. It’s one way for them to keep cool and protect their skin from the sun as well as keeping away flies.

The more you learn about Tamworth pigs or just pigs in general, the more interesting they become! We’ve always thought of them as mindless creatures, but learning about their activities and personalities changes our opinion on them.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Every animal including humans have its own imperfections. All pets will have their own pros and cons. Tamworth pigs have more pros than cons that is why we will talk about the advantages first.

PROS	CONS
Strong and not picky	Can be sensitive
Good as pets	Prefers living outdoors
Social animals	Can be territorial
Clean animals	Needs enough space

Pros

1. Strong and not picky

Pigs of any breed including Tamworth 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.

Tamworth pigs are also strong and can thrive under harsh c conditions which have been repeatedly mentioned in the earlier sections. This is why, most people who raised Tamworth pigs praise the breed.

There are less medical bills compared to other breeds that have certain needs and complications due to selective breeding.

2. Good as pets

Regardless of gender, Tamworth pigs make good pets as they generally love human contact and a bit of physical interaction. They are gentle and friendly by nature!

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.

Pigs can be really sweet and cuddly as long as their trust is properly earned.

3. Social animals

Aside from being generally kind, Tamworth 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 smaller to them in size.

Dogs may be as large as a pig, but they are clearly more powerful than pigs and can cause unwanted injuries or accidents when put together.
As long as you trust your dog won’t hurt your Tamworth pig, then they can definitely be great friends too.

Tamworth 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, Tamworth 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. They can be sensitive

Did you know that raising your voice can also leave a bad impact on your pigs? Tamworth 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 Tamworth pig. They remember a lot of things, be it good or negative.

Leaving them alone for long hours can also be unhealthy when your Tamworth 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 Tamworth pigs should be aware of their emotional sensitivity. Remember, your piggy friend remembers!

2. Prefers living outdoors

Since most people want pigs as indoor pets, they may not be compatible with a Tamworth pig as they thrive better outdoors. They have more freedom and they enjoy foraging their own food.

Keeping them inside might cause trouble for owners who have not pig proofed their homes! They tend to be destructive when it comes to forcing their escape.

The best way to counter this downside is by getting them used to living indoors as young as possible. Most breeders will let you take them when they are already tame enough, so this is rarely a problem for Tamworth pet pigs.

However, it is still important to anticipate this trait as it is part of their natural preferences.

3. Can be territorial

While they are indeed social animals by default, they are still capable of developing a territorial behavior. Other breeds often do not have this trait, but Tamworth pigs are commonly known to have a territorial phase.

This is especially common among males (boars) and they will establish their dominance over a territory by loud oinking or grunting. They are rarely violent or aggressive, but they can show stubbornness to show they are the “boss” or “alpha male”.

Territorial behavior could also be a sign of negative growth or improper handling. They could have been mistreated or abused which caused made the pig feel like it’s necessary to declare their territories to intimidate potential abusers or competition.

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 Tamworth 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 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. They may 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.

Tamworth pigs are proven to function better under cool temperatures but harsh weather conditions could potentially harm their health.

Severe cold or extreme heat could give pneumonia or heat stroke. There have been cases where pigs passed away due to extreme temperatures. It might be rare for a Tamworth pig, but it’s still best to secure their health and safety.

Tamworth 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.

Doing this will also be a soothing 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.

Tamworth pigs are known to be very energetic and adventurous. They will enjoy a walk in the morning and will appreciate exploring their surrounding areas.

Note: Walking your pig may require legal permissions.
Read our article about legalizing your pet and getting a pig license.
“How to get a License for your Pig”

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!

Tamworth pigs can also grow larger than expected, 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.

They are a medium sized breed, but can grow bigger if they are very well fed.

4. Healthcare

Since pigs can be sensitive when it comes to health, it’s highly recommended to let your 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 Tamworth as a Legal Pet

Raising pigs especially “threatened breeds” like Tamworth 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.