Cornish/Large Black

The Large Black or Cornish Black is a breed of domestic pig native to Great Britain. It is a large breed, and is the only British pig which is wholly black. The breed originates from the Old English Hog established in the 16th and 17th centuries. Thus the Large Black resulted from the amalgamation of black pigs from the south-west with those of East Anglia. The pigs from East Anglia, mainly Essex, were strongly influenced by importations from China in the late 18 Century, while those from Devon and Cornwall were probably much more closely related to the pigs on mainland Europe, particularly France. The Large Black is a very docile breed, possibly because its large, drooping ears obscure its vision. Sows give birth to a large litter of 8–to 10 piglets, but some sows have been known to have litters of up to 13 piglets, a good all round pork pig best known for its succulent joints.

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