Characteristics

The Gloucester Old Spot is a large pig and has white colouring and very distinctive black spots (there must be at least one black spot on the body to be registered as an Old Spot).  They have lop ears almost covering the face and pointing towards the nose.  They are known to be gentle natured and of good character.  This is combined with good natural mothering abilities and hardiness make them an easy breed to manage.

Average Size

Male = 272kg

Female = 227kg

History

The Gloucester Old Spot, was first registered in 1914 and originally bred in Berkeley Vale in Gloucestershire.  It is the oldest registered spotted breed int he world.  The Gloucester Old Spot is a hardy breed but on the at risk breeds list in the UK, with under 2000 globally.  Originally thought to have grazed the cider and perry orchards in the South West of England they are also called "The Orchard Pig" and the story goes that the black spots are from apples falling on them and leaving bruises.

Since July 2010, the Gloucester Old Spot has had European Commission Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status for Old Spots meat under the name "Traditionally farmed Gloucestershire Old Spots pork"  This is recognised in both the EU and the UK.

Uses

The Gloucester Old Spot is reared across Britain and is widely respected for its good quality meat. The breed's mothering abilities allow it to have and raise large litters even when out on pasture.  This level of self sufficiency make it very appealing to farmers and small holders keeping pigs on pasture or using them to diversify.  Males also rarely pose a threat to piglets making husbandry much easier.