British Lop Pigs
The British Lop is a large, white pig with large ears that fall forward over its face. Originating from the West Country they can now be found all over the British Isles with the first British Lop for thirty years being exported to Ireland in 2010.
British Lops are the only pig breed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust “endangered” list. Making excellent pork and bacon pigs they are also superb mothers, milking well and very docile. So, why are they the rarest breed of pig? Possibly the answer is that other traditional breeds are more attractive to the smallholder as they are coloured, spotty or saddled and it is this that sways the buyer away from the British Lop.
Despite only a small number of dedicated breeders the British Lop has maintained its traditional characteristics and does well against other breeds in the show ring.
The British Lops that will be moving to Saving Rare Breeds will be Harmony gilts born on the 4th of January 2011. Their dam is Ashghyll Harmony the 4th and this homebred sow was Overall Champion at the Cheshire County Show as a July gilt. She was described by the judge as “the perfect pig”; long, deep, wedge shaped (broader at the back than the shoulders) well filled hams and good legs as well as 14 evenly spaced teats.
This sow has bred many show winners with our boar who is from the Duke line.