The Hampshire pig is recognized by its black body with a white band around its shoulders.
Hampshire pigs are a distinctive British breed associated with a broad white belt that extends over the shoulders and down the forelegs. The rest of the body is normally black. The breed's history in Britain predates its development in the United States, where it became an important commercial and show pig.
Hampshire pigs are valued for lean, muscular carcasses and strong growth. Their markings can vary, so the white belt is a defining breed feature rather than an absolute guarantee that every individual looks identical. Berkshire pigs, by contrast, are black with white points on the face, legs, and tail.
The Hampshire name can cause confusion because the breed is linked to Hampshire in England but was also extensively developed and standardized in North America. It is raised for pork and remains one of the recognizable breeds in modern pig production.