White coat with distinct black spots, lop ears, smooth skin, silky coat
The Gloucestershire Old Spot has a large, deep body with a white coat marked by clear black spots. It has lop ears that droop forward, a slightly dished nose, and a long, straight back. The skin is smooth and the coat is silky without bristles or a mane. The breed is known for its broad, deep body and well-filled hams.2
The Gloucestershire Old Spot is known for its calm, docile and friendly nature. It is a relaxed pig that is easy to handle and makes a good first pig for new keepers. Its quiet temperament and lack of aggression make it a pleasure to keep, though it does need proper fencing and care.35
Daily activity how busy a day looks
These pigs need space to graze and root. They are active foragers and do best when kept outdoors with access to pasture. They should have a large, secure enclosure with sturdy fencing, as they can be strong and determined rooters. They enjoy wallowing in mud to keep cool and protect their skin from sunburn.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grooming is minimal for this breed. They need regular access to fresh water and a wallow to help with temperature control and sun protection. Their skin should be checked for sunburn, especially on the ears, neck, back and flanks during hot weather. Hoof care may be needed if they are kept on soft ground.3
Home where they are happiest
They are hardy and can live outdoors all year round in most climates, but they need shelter from extreme weather, especially sun and wind. A large, well-fenced paddock with a sturdy shed or arc is ideal. They need a wallow and plenty of space to root and graze. They are not suitable for small gardens or urban settings.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
They are grazing pigs and do well on pasture, but they also need supplementary feed. A balanced pig ration is recommended, fed in controlled amounts to avoid obesity. They can also eat windfall fruit and vegetable waste, but should not be overfed. Fresh water must always be available.31
Company who they like around
Pigs are social animals and should be kept with at least one other pig for company. They are intelligent and curious, and need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can be kept in pairs or small groups. They are not suitable to be kept alone as pets.3
The story where it all began
The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a traditional English pig breed that originated in the Berkeley Vale in Gloucestershire. It was developed by crossing the original Gloucestershire pig, a large off-white pig with wattles, with the unimproved Berkshire, a sandy-coloured prick-eared pig with spots. The breed was historically kept in orchards and on dairy farms, where it grazed on windfall fruit and dairy waste. The breed society was formed in 1913, and it is the oldest pedigree spotted pig breed in the world. The breed is known for its excellent meat quality and docile temperament.12
Recognised by the official bits
Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders Club
Breed society formed in 1913; oldest pedigree spotted pig breed in the world1
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Listed as a rare breed with a female breeding population estimated at 424 in 20242
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Gloucestershire Old Spots. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterMeasured meals, pigs overeat easilyevery day
House spot cleanPigs keep a clean bed and a separate toilet spotevery day
EnrichmentRooting and foraging every dayevery day
Keep cool summerShade and a wallow or sprinkler on hot daysevery day
Weigh inevery month
Hoof trimevery 6 months
Flea, tick and worm protectionAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
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
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Blend the oats in a food processor until they become a fine flour.
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
Slowly mix the oat flour into the mashed bananas until a stiff dough forms.
Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet and flatten gently with the back of a wet spoon.
Bake for 9–12 minutes until golden and firm.
Cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two cookies per day as a training reward. Always supervise your pig when giving 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
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and flour together.
Stir in the milk and softened butter until a stiff dough forms.
Roll small balls of dough (about the size of a marble) and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden and firm.
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.
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. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Gloucestershire Old Spots, and what should it eat?
Feed your pig daily with measured meals of a balanced pig ration, plus access to pasture for grazing. They can also enjoy windfall fruit and vegetable waste, but avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity. Always provide fresh water.31Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Gloucestershire Old Spots?
Common dangerous foods for pets include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, and xylitol. Avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and raw meat or eggs. For a full pig-safe list, consult your vet.6
How much space and land does a Gloucestershire Old Spots need?
These active foragers need a large, secure paddock with sturdy fencing to contain their rooting. They are not suited to small gardens or urban settings and require plenty of space to graze and root.32
What kind of shelter does a Gloucestershire Old Spots need?
Provide a sturdy shed or arc for shelter from extreme sun and wind. A wallow for mud bathing is essential to keep them cool and protect their skin. The shelter should be in a well-fenced paddock.32
How do I look after a Gloucestershire Old Spots's hooves or feet?
Check hooves regularly and trim them every 6 months or as needed, especially if kept on soft ground. Furry Diary's plan includes a hoof trim every 180 days to maintain good foot health.3Furry Diary plan
Does a Gloucestershire Old Spots need grooming or shearing?
Grooming is minimal; they need a wallow for cooling and sun protection. Check their skin for sunburn on ears, neck, back, and flanks during hot weather. No shearing is required.3
Can a Gloucestershire Old Spots live alone?
No, pigs are social animals and should be kept with at least one other pig for company. They are intelligent and need mental stimulation, so a pair or small group is ideal.3
How long does a Gloucestershire Old Spots live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask your vet or a reputable breeder.
Is a Gloucestershire Old Spots good with children?
Yes, they are known for their calm, docile, and friendly nature, making them a good choice for families. Always supervise interactions between pigs and children.35
What regular vet care does a Gloucestershire Old Spots need?
Regular check-ups with an exotic-pet vet are important. Furry Diary's plan includes monthly weigh-ins and hoof trims every 6 months. Consult your vet for vaccinations and a full health schedule. 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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