Guinea Hog

The Guinea hog, often called the American Guinea Hog, is a small heritage pig from the southern United States. It is typically black, compact, and thrifty, with a history as a homestead lard pig that could forage, clear garden waste, and provide pork on smaller farms. The breed is not related to guinea pigs; the name belongs to an old domestic swine type shaped by farm utility, regional breeding, and later conservation by heritage livestock keepers.

Guinea hogs are commonly kept by smallholders who value moderate size, calm handling, and pasture or woodlot use. They still need strong fencing, shade, wallows or cooling options, balanced feed, and protection from parasites. Because they can gain fat easily, ration control matters more than pushing fast growth. Breeders should select for sound feet, good udders, mothering ability, and the traditional compact frame. Buyers often choose them for manageable scale, but they remain livestock with rooting behavior and social needs.