Critically Endangered: Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig

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I remember, when I was younger, reading Charlotte's Web. When Wilbur goes to the State fair there is a beautiful illustration of a massive boar with spots and heavy ears hanging over his eyes. That's what came to mind when I first saw a picture of the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig, commonly referred to as the GOS.

To me, there is an instant appeal, one of those moments where I just feel an attraction to a particular breed. In this case I decided to study further. I have never owned a pig, and will be the first to admit that my knowledge of Hogs is next to nothing.

As the name suggests, this breed was developed in England. Actually, the original members of this breed did not have spots at all. This original Gloucestershire pig was a large off-white pig who was most likely crossbred with the Berkshire pig, which I assume was spotted and added the coloration. Both the original Gloucestershire pig and the unaltered Berkshire pig are now extinct.

The GOS was imported to the US in the 1900s and made its mark on American breeds-- being an contributor to the American Spot and Chester White breeds. Never numerous in the US, by 1990 the GOS breed was nearly extinct in the Americas. In fact, as the ALBC says: "As of 2009, there are about less than 1000 Gloucestershire Old Spots in Great Britain and fewer than 200 breeding animals in the US,"

GOS hogs are known to be prolific, self-sufficient, and are the pork of choice for those with a discerning palate. They are known for their docile temperaments, which makes them a great choice for the small homesteader. Most over-processed and over-bred sows today have poor maternal skills, while the GOS sows are known for their mothering skills.

More Information can be found at:
http://www.gosamerica.org/
http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/gloucestershire.html

Where to get a GOS Hog:
http://homegrownacres.com/