Yorkshire vs Landrace
Yorkshire or Landrace? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Yorkshire | Landrace | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meat | Meat |
| Origin | Yorkshire, England | Denmark |
| Mature weight | Sows 500–700 lb | Sows 500–700 lb |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 15–20 years |
| Temperament | Calm | Calm |
| Best fit | Commercial herds, 4-H | Commercial herds, maternal |
| Docility | ●●●●● Calm | ●●●●● Calm |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Sunburns outdoors | ●●●●● Sunburns outdoors |
| Rooting | ●●●●● Moderate rooting | ●●●●● Moderate rooting |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Big, fast growers | ●●●●● Better indoors |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Docility: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Hardiness: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Rooting: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (3 of 5 each).
The Yorkshire
Yorkshires, also called Large Whites, come from England and are the most common pig in US commercial herds. They are white, fast-growing and known for large litters and strong mothering.
White skin sunburns outdoors without shade or mud. They are large and grow fast, so they need strong fencing and good feed.
The Landrace
Landrace pigs come from Denmark and are white with long bodies and drooping ears. They are known for large litters and strong mothering, and are common in commercial breeding herds, often crossed with Yorkshires.
White skin sunburns outdoors without shade. They do best in housing or with good shelter.
Questions
Is a Yorkshire or a Landrace better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 3 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Yorkshire: Big, fast growers. Landrace: Better indoors.
What is the main difference between a Yorkshire and a Landrace?
White skin sunburns outdoors without shade or mud. They are large and grow fast, so they need strong fencing and good feed. By contrast, white skin sunburns outdoors without shade. They do best in housing or with good shelter.