GUINEA HOG
Sus scrofa

Guinea hogs live off of the Guinea coast of Africa.

Deceptively cuddly: Historically, these hogs were large and square with reddish bristly hairs, a long tail and pointed ears. Today they tend to be smaller, standing 12 to 20 inches tall and weighing 150 to 300 pounds. Their usual color is black, often very hairy. They are very gentle and easy to care for.

The skinny on hogs: These animals were first brought to England, France, Spain and the Americas during the years of the slave trade. At one time they were common in the southern United States; they are now practically unknown. They declined dramatically when the lard market collapsed and there was a shift away from backyard pork production. Since Guinea hogs were hard grazers that could be raised on negligible pastures yet still produce both meat and lard, their earlier popularity on small farms is understandable.

Small bites: Amazingly enough, the Guinea Hog knows when to quit eating. So, were does the term "eating like a hog" come from?

Status: Minor breed.

Australasia | Conservation Corner | Madagascar |
Marco Polo Trail | North America | Plains of Africa | Tropical America