Furry Diary

Berkshire Pig

Sus scrofa domesticus

Also called Lady's pig

breedShort profile

From Thames Valley, England, around 1790, refined in the early 1800s with Chinese blood12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Weight, female220 kg3
Lifespan15 to 20 years4
Sizemedium

Female weight given; male weight not found in sources

friendly temperament
hardy and disease-resistant
manageable size
excellent pork flavour
good mothering ability
56

Looks how to spot one

hair

The Berkshire has a fine, plentiful black coat with white markings on the snout, lower legs and tail tip. It has a straight back, deep body, forward-pricked ears, a dished face with a medium-length snout, and strong, straight legs.27

Coloursblack with white points on snout, legs and tail tip27

Personality what they are like

Berkshire pigs are famously docile, friendly and curious, making them excellent for families and first-time keepers. They are non-aggressive and enjoy human interaction, though they retain a natural piggy enthusiasm for rooting and exploring.45

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Berkshires need plenty of outdoor space to roam, graze and root. They will turn over grassland, so a robust enclosure is essential. Daily exercise on a leash or in a secure paddock keeps them healthy and happy.45

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Berkshires are low-maintenance. Provide shelter from sun, rain and draughts, fresh water daily, and a secure fence. Watch for internal and external parasites (e.g. mange from foxes) and worm regularly. Their black coat resists sunburn, making outdoor living easier.52

Home where they are happiest

A minimum area of 20x10 feet for two pigs, but more space is always better. They need a sturdy shelter, a dry bed, and a paddock with grass and rooting opportunities. Berkshires are hardy and cope well with British weather, but must have shade and a dry lying area.52

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a growing Berkshire about 2.5 kg of good-quality pig nuts per day, adjusted as needed. They also graze grass, browse leaves, and eat berries, fungi and invertebrates. Always provide fresh, clean water. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.52

Company who they like around

Pigs are highly social and should not be kept alone. Berkshires are friendly with people and other pigs. They are not known to be aggressive, but like all pigs they need companionship and mental stimulation. There are no legal restrictions on keeping them as pets in the UK, but check local regulations.45

The story where it all began

The Berkshire pig originated in the Thames Valley around 1790, possibly near Wantage. Early Berkshires were larger, tawny red or spotted animals. In the early 1800s, Lord Barrington and others introduced Chinese and Siamese blood, which created the modern black pig with white points, prick ears and a dished face. The breed became popular with aristocrats and was exported to the USA. Numbers declined in the 20th century, nearly to extinction, but dedicated breeders and organisations like the RBST have revived it. Today it is a Priority breed with a small but stable population.125

Recognised by the official bits

British Pig Association
Recognised breed with a breed standard6
Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)
Priority breed, 236 breeding females in 20242

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Berkshire Pig. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banana Oat Piggy Cookies

These simple two-ingredient treats are low in sugar and high in fibre, making them a healthy reward for training or bonding. Oats provide slow-release energy, while bananas offer natural sweetness without added sugar.

You need

  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups rolled oats (blended into a flour)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Blend the oats in a food processor until they become a fine flour.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
  4. Slowly mix the oat flour into the mashed bananas until a stiff dough forms.
  5. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet and flatten gently with the back of a wet spoon.
  7. Bake for 9–12 minutes until golden and firm.
  8. Cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two cookies per day as a training reward. Always supervise your pig when giving treats.

Recipe from American Mini Pig Association

Cheese Biscuit Training Treats

These four-ingredient biscuits are perfect bite-sized rewards for training sessions. Cheese provides protein and calcium, but the recipe uses only a small amount to keep calories in check.

You need

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (low-fat, e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup milk (unsweetened, e.g. oat or cow's milk)
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter (unsalted)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and flour together.
  3. Stir in the milk and softened butter until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Roll small balls of dough (about the size of a marble) and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden and firm.
  6. Cool completely before offering to your pig.

How much: Use one or two biscuits per training session. Because these are richer, limit to occasional use.

Recipe from American Mini Pig Association

Cranberry Orange Vitamin Punch Treats

These frozen treats provide a boost of vitamins and probiotics, making them a healthy and refreshing snack for mini pigs.

You need

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • About 12 fresh or frozen cranberries (dried cranberries may be substituted)

How

  1. Mix the yogurt and orange juice together in a small container.
  2. Pour or spoon the orange-yogurt mixture into each silicone pig mold or ice cube tray.
  3. When filled, gently drop one cranberry into each mold or cube.
  4. Place in the freezer and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
  5. Store in the freezer and pop out one treat to feed immediately.

How much: Feed one treat per day as a healthy boost, not as a main meal.

Recipe from American Mini Pig Association

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Berkshire Pig, and what should it eat?

Feed your Berkshire measured meals daily, about 2.5 kg of good-quality pig nuts per day for a growing pig, adjusted as needed. They also graze grass, browse leaves, and enjoy berries, fungi and invertebrates. Always provide fresh, clean water and follow the food label and your vet's advice to avoid overfeeding.52 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Berkshire Pig?

Avoid feeding your pig alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, avocado, citrus, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, milk, dairy, macadamia nuts, coconut, raw meat, raw eggs, bones, xylitol, and salt. Avocado is especially dangerous. For a full list, ask your vet.8

How much space and land does a Berkshire Pig need?

A minimum area of 20x10 feet is recommended for two pigs, but more space is always better. They need a paddock with grass and rooting opportunities, and a secure fence to contain their natural enthusiasm for exploring.52

What kind of shelter does a Berkshire Pig need?

Provide a sturdy shelter with a dry bed, shade from sun, and protection from rain and draughts. Berkshires are hardy and cope well with British weather, but must always have a dry lying area and shade.52

How do I look after a Berkshire Pig's hooves or feet?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests hoof trimming every 180 days. Regular checks and trims by a vet or experienced hoof trimmer are important to keep their strong, straight legs healthy. Furry Diary plan

Does a Berkshire Pig need grooming or shearing?

Berkshires are low-maintenance and do not need shearing. Their black coat resists sunburn, making outdoor living easier. Provide fresh water daily and watch for parasites like mange from foxes.52

Can a Berkshire Pig live alone?

Pigs are highly social and should not be kept alone. Berkshires are friendly with people and other pigs, and they need companionship and mental stimulation to thrive.45

How long does a Berkshire Pig live?

Berkshire pigs typically live between 15 and 20 years, so they are a long-term commitment.4

Is a Berkshire Pig good with children?

Yes, Berkshires are famously docile, friendly and curious, making them excellent for families and first-time keepers. They are non-aggressive and enjoy human interaction.45

What regular vet care does a Berkshire Pig need?

Regular vet care includes worming, checking for internal and external parasites, and hoof care. Furry Diary's plan also suggests monthly weigh-ins. Always consult an exotic-pet vet for a tailored health schedule.52 Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. berkshirepigs.org.uk: history of berkshire pigs berkshirepigs.org.ukused for origin, history
  2. rbst.org.uk: berkshire rbst.org.ukused for origin, coat or body, colours, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, history, fun fact
  3. en.wikipedia.org: Berkshire pig en.wikipedia.orgused for weight kg
  4. thepetwell.com: berkshire pig pros and cons thepetwell.comused for lifespan years, temperament, activity needs, social needs
  5. britishpigs.org.uk: berkshire buyers britishpigs.org.ukused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
  6. britishpigs.org.uk: berkshire britishpigs.org.ukused for best traits, fun fact
  7. en.wikipedia.org: berkshire pig en.wikipedia.orgused for coat or body, colours
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. breeds.okstate.edu: berkshire swine breeds.okstate.edu
  10. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.