Pig Paradise Farm

The Home of all the Rare Pig Breeds

Oxford Sandy and Black

Not recognised as a rare breed by the RBST because it is not yet breeding pure and is known as a ‘reconstituted’ breed. The breed society was formed in the late 1980’s and the foundation stock used could not be verified (other than by word of mouth) as being pure ‘Oxford Sandy & Black’ because there had been no herd book or registration for many years.

In any litter the piglets can range from all sand (looking like a ‘Tamworth’) to white or pale cream with black spots (looking like a ‘Gloucester Old Spots’) and occasionally almost black (very similar to a ‘Berkshire’). Whilst having such a variety of colours makes the litter very attractive the only pigs that can be registered are those that meet the following breed standards:

Sandy (Dark to light) with black blotches (not spots). Ears must be lop or semi lop and ‘prick’ ears are not acceptable Underline (number of teats) must be minimum 12 for a gilt or 14 for a boar White tip to tail, four white feet and a white blaze is an added bonus.

In the picture on the left only one weaner piglet would qualify for registration (third from left) with all the others being unsuitable although from similar litters.

This breed is renowned for the quality of pork and bacon that it produces and therefore as colour does not matter when it comes to rearing for meat there is always an outlet for unregistered pigs as ‘fattening’ stock. One of the best pigs for a first time pig keeper. Great personality, very docile, wonderful mother and easy to handle. This pig does not seem to have a bad bone in its body and is great where children are concerned. A pig that certainly ‘catches the eye’.

Oxford Sandy and Black Sow

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'Oxford Sandy & Black' weaners enjoying life around a car