British Saddleback breed page
The British Saddleback is a very docile breed, well-suited to outdoor rearing.
British Saddlebacks are hardy and noted for their mothering ability. The breed is known for its grazing ability and is very hardy. It has secured a niche in outdoor and organic production. These are docile pigs making them more manageable than some.
They are liked by many as they are attractive pigs and because they are bigger than some of the breeds produce good bacon.
Read on to learn more about keeping this breed, the BPA's conservation efforts and much more!
Conservation Targets
With 14 boar lines the breed has more than most. Working with the Club we now have 12 lines in the tank.
Help us fund a Guardsman boar for genebanking and increase the geographical spread of the Alvis sow line.
Buyers Guide
The British Saddleback, once two separate breeds, the Essex and the Wessex, is a docile pig that’s excellent mothering ability as well as its attractive look makes it a popular breed as a starter pig.
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Me and My Pigs
Jeremy Davis and Lynne Curtis have created something special in a secluded corner of East Sussex with their British Saddleback pigs the key to their future successes.
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Conservation
The British Saddleback has lost a number of lines in the past couple of years and therefore the focus must be on promoting the breed and ensuring the remaining bloodlines are protected.
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Breed Standard
Thinking about buying a British Saddleback? Find out more about the essential characteristics that define the breed.
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Breed History
The British Saddleback derives from the amalgamation of two breeds that were very similar these were the Essex and Wessex pigs. In order to enable there survival it was decided in 1967 that the British Saddleback would be formed.
When the popularity of coloured pigs dwindled so did the number of Essex and Wessex pigs and this is when the two breeds became more intertwined.
In 1949 there were 2,435 Essex and Wessex boars licensed representing almost 25% of the licensed boars for that year.
The Wessex and Essex breeds are now extinct in their original form.
Contact
Breed representatives
Breeders club
Mr I Carter
Carpenters Farm
Avon, Chippenham
Wilts
SN15 4LS
01249 740248
irvingccarter@gmail.com
Christina Crozier
2 Cumnock Terrace
Castle Cary
Somerset
BA7 7HY
07814 498342
admin@saddlebacks.org.uk