Tamworth

This file reproduces official breed standards verbatim for research. No original standard is authored here.

The Tamworth originated in England. The British Pig Association is the official UK breed society and herd-book keeper. In the United States the Tamworth is recorded by Certified Pedigreed Swine; a public Tamworth breed-classification page comparable to CPS’s other breed guidelines was not located at collection time, so only the BPA standard is reproduced here.

Sources

British Pig Association. Breed Standard and Standards of Excellence — Tamworth. Updated Autumn 2013. Official PDF: https://www.britishpigs.org.uk/documents/bpa-standards-of-excellence-tamworth.pdf (retrieved 19 August 2026). Index page: https://www.britishpigs.org.uk/breed-standards.

British Pig Association — Breed Standard and Standards of Excellence

TAMWORTH

Updated Autumn 2013

Section A - To be eligible for Herd Book entry a pig must (except in exceptional circumstances) be: - bred in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland - have at least 12 sound teats - ear-marked and birth recorded with the BPA in accordance with current regulations - the offspring of parents already registered either in the Herd Book of the same breed (or in a supplementary register of the Herd Book maintained at BPA’s discretion) - Free from congenital defects (e.g. Umbilical and Scrotal Hernias , Atresia Ani (blind anus), cryptorchid boars, extra cleys, twisted, overshot or undershot jaw and rose on the back) - conform to any other such regulations as are made by the BPA Council from time to time

In exceptional circumstances a pig which does not fulfil all the criteria above may be accepted for herdbook registration following an inspection.

Breed Specific Requirements for Herdbook Registration

Colour Golden-red and as free from black hairs as possible

Breed Specific Disqualifications which make the pig ineligible for Herdbook Registration

              None

Section B – Standard of Excellence – These are recommendations only - breeders should try to achieve these standards in their breeding programmes. Pigs will be judged against these standards of excellence at BPA shows.

Coat Abundant, straight and fine and as free from black hairs as possible. Head Not too long, face slightly dished, wide between ears, jowl light. Ears Rather large with fine fringe, carried rigid and inclined slightly. Neck Light, medium length, proportionately and evenly set on shoulders. Chest Well sprung and not too deep. Shoulders Light, free from coarseness and in alignment with forelegs below and with side as seen from in front. Legs Strong and shapely, with good quality bone and set well outside body; pasterns short and springy, standing well up on toe. Back Long and deep. Sides Long and of medium depth. Loin Strong and broad. Tail Set high and well tasselled. Belly Straight underline with at least twelve sound, evenly spaced and well placed teats starting well forward. Flank Full and well let down. Hams Well developed with plenty of width and giving a firm appearance. Skin Flesh coloured, free from coarseness, wrinkles or black spots. Action Firm and free.

Breed Specific Objections – Breeders should try to avoid these in their breeding programmes

Coat Black hairs growing from black spots No oil or other enhancement is to be applied to the coat for the show ring.

Pigs must comply with Section A. Breeders should aspire to breed pigs which meet the Standards of Excellence in Section B. More information is available in the BPA leaflet – Pedigree Breeding the Next Steps.

British Pig Association, Trumpington Mews, 40b High Street, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 2LS Tel: 01223 845100 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.britishpigs.org Updated Autumn 2013