Hampshire Pig

The Hampshire pig is a domestic swine breed characterized by erect ears and a black body with a whitish band around the middle, covering the front legs.

The American National Swine Registry notes this is the fourth "most recorded breed" of pigs in the United States, and probably the oldest American breed of hogs. It is believed to have derived from the Old English Breed, found in northern England and Scotland.

Hampshire hogs are noted for being well-muscled and rapid growers, and for exhibiting good carcass quality when used as meat animals. When used as breeding stock, the sows of this breed have been praised for their capacity as mothers, having "extra longevity in the sow". Hampshires are good tempered; they do not grow as fast as many cross-breds, but they do grow faster than Yorkshires.