Pigs are omnivorous mammals and are among the smartest of all domesticated animals.
They are even smarter than dogs.
I have picked 25 of the most popular pig breeds in the world.
#1 Chester White
The Chester White breed originated in Chester County and is known for its strong build and white colour.
They are considered the most durable of the white pig breeds.
#2 Mulefoot Pig
Mulefoot pigs are black, but on rare occasions have white markings.
They reach a weight of 180 to 270 kg.
#3 American Yorkshire
Yorkshire pigs are known for their muscle, with a high proportion of lean meat. They are known for their friendly temperament and are the most widely distributed breed of pig in the world.
#4 British Landrace
The British Landrace produces large litters of piglets with very good daily gain.
These pigs are found all over the UK; however, it is a pig breed at risk of extinction. In 2023, there were reportedly just 23 British Landrace sows left.
#5 Dutch Landrace
It is a breed of domestic pig originating in the Netherlands that has the same general appearance as the other Landrace breeds.
#6 Red Wattle Pig
The Red Wattle Pigs are characterised by their distinctive wattles and red coat. Mature animals weigh 800 lbs. but can be as large as 1,200 lbs. They grow fast and are resistant to disease.
Editor’s Pick
#7 Duroc
Durocs originated in America, specifically in New Jersey and New York. They are the second most recorded breed of swine in the US. Durocs are well known for their feet and leg strength, while their ears are drooping.
Exportation has been extensive due to the fact that they are suitable for anything from light pork to heavy hog production.
#8 Hereford Pig
Herefords are a medium-sized breed of pig that is unique to the US.
They are adaptable and thrive both under confinement systems and in outdoor operations, and mature sows weigh about 270 kg.
#9 Berkshire
The Berkshire has a short but deep body and is one of the oldest breeds in England. During the early 1800s, the first Berkshire was exported to the United States. Adult boars weigh about 280 kg.
#10 Tamworth
The Tamworth is a light red breed with erect ears. The Tamworth pig breed was developed on the estate of Sir Robert Peel, and it takes its name from the village of Tamworth in Staffordshire.
They are hardy and suited to outdoor production.
#11 Hampshire
The Hampshire is an American breed of domestic pig with a white belt and is also known as the Thin Rind. The first Hampshires in the United Kingdom were imported from the United States in 1968. They are rapid growers and well-muscled.
#12 Poland China
Poland China is a popular meat animal in the US and South America, and they gain readily under conditions of good care.
They are black, sometimes with six white patches, and are among the largest of all pig breeds.
#13 Mangalica
The Mangalica is a Hungarian breed of domestic pig that loves to eat everything they can.
#14 Gloucestershire Old Spots
They are recognisable by their distinctive white coats with black spots. The Gloucestershire Old Spot has lop ears that will almost cover the face. There are fewer than 2000 exemplars of GOS worldwide.
#15 Krškopolje
The Krškopolje pig breed is well known for its continuous pink belt. The black-belted pig is adapted to poor circumstances and can gain around 1 kg per day.
#16 Large Black
The Large Black pig is native to Cornwall, and it is large-framed and solid black. The breed originates from the Old English Hog; however, it is not well-suited to intensive management.
#17 Middle White
The Middle White originated in Yorkshire and can weigh 275 kg. It is usually slaughtered at three or four months old.
#18 British Saddleback
The British Saddleback was created by merging the Essex and Wessex Saddleback. Their coat is straight and silky, and they are watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
#19 Welsh Pig
Welsh Pigs are quite muscular and produce high-quality bacon and pork. The breed is native to Wales, and it weighs 150 to 200 kg.
#20 Oxford Sandy & Black
The Oxford Sandy and Black originated in the county of Oxfordshire, and is suitable for outdoor keeping.
#21 Piétrain
The Piétrain is of medium size and is white with black spots. The breed is native to Wallonia and has a stocky appearance.
#22 Bazna
It is a Romanian native breed that was created by cross-breeding Berkshire and Mangalitsa.
The Bazna breed was officially recognised in 1958. In late 2025, it was reported that Romania has over 20K Bazna pigs, and breeders try to preserve their authenticity.
#23 Kunekune
Kunekune are the smallest breed of pigs. An adult Kunekune can only weigh 60 kg and is descended from an Asian domestic breed.
#24 Ossabaw Island Hog
It is a breed of pig with origins on Ossabaw Island. These pigs are highly omnivorous and have a friendly temperament.
#25 Husum Red Pied
The Husum Red Pied was recognised as a breed in 1954. Also known as the Danish Protest Pig, it is a red pig with a white belt.