Middle White facts for kids
A Middle White sow at a pig show
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| Conservation status | Endangered |
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
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The Middle White is a special type of domestic pig that comes from the United Kingdom. It first appeared in Yorkshire around the same time as the Large White. Its name comes from its size, which was in between the Large White and the Small White (a pig breed that no longer exists). This breed was officially recognized in 1884.
Middle White pigs are known for their delicious pork meat. They also have a very unique, short, and upturned nose. These pigs are usually calm and friendly. They often live outside in fields, enjoying the grass. Even though more Middle White pigs exist now, the breed is still listed as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. This means we need to help protect them!
How the Middle White Pig Began
The Small White pig was often bred with other pig types, like the Cumberland pig (which is now extinct) and the Large White pig. This mixing of breeds led to the creation of a new kind of pig.
A special event happened at the 1852 Keighley Agricultural Show. A weaver named Joseph Tuley brought his pigs to the show. However, his pigs were not allowed in the Large White category because they were considered too small. Joseph Tuley had bred these pigs by crossing Large White mothers with Small White fathers.
Even though they were small, people thought Tuley's pigs were very good. Because of this, a brand new breed was created and named the Middle White. This new breed quickly became one of the most popular pig breeds in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Middle White pig still has the same pointy ears and short snout that the Small White pig had.
Images for kids
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Holywell Rosador, a Middle White boar, won first prize at the Royal Counties Show and at the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland Show in 1899.
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