Sarda pig
Smallest Italian pig breed, raised extensively in Sardinia.
The Sarda pig, also called Suino Sardo or Porcu Sardu, is a domestic breed from the Italian island of Sardinia. It is primarily found in the provinces of Ogliastra and Nuoro, with additional populations in Medio Campidano, Sassari, and the Sarrabus-Gerrei area. On 8 June 2006, a ministerial decree officially recognized the breed, making it the sixth native pig breed acknowledged by Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Quick Facts
- Country
- Italy
- Height
- 60 cm / 2 ft
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Coat colour is highly variable: black, fulvous, grey, red, or white, either solid-coloured or with rounded patches or blotches of colour.
- Pigmen train the pigs to come at their call to the usual feeding-place; feed is often given directly on the ground, or at the side of the road.
History
The Sarda pig was first described in detail by Francesco Cetti in 1774. His account and drawing closely match the modern breed and its official standard. The breed's herd-book opened in 2006, managed by Italy's national pig breeders' association. By the end of 2012, 575 pigs were registered. Official recognition came in 2007, when only 78 animals were reported, including four boars and six sows, though actual numbers were probably higher. In 2023, the population recorded with DAD-IS reached 874 pigs, with 273 sows and 49 boars used for breeding. As of 2025, the breed's conservation status is listed as at risk or endangered.
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