Mulefoot Hogs

Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. owns the largest herd of American Mulefoot hogs today. Through our wonderful relationship with RM Holliday, we have been able to expand our gene pool and breeding stock to encompass all known bloodlines of Mulefoots.
We have been diligently collecting DNA samples and working with Dr. Phil Sponenberg of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and two major Universities in order to obtain DNA profiles on our pigs. This DNA research will enable us to determine the number of bloodlines left in existence as well as look at the similarities and possible ancestry of the Mulefoot breed. ALL PIGS FROM THE HOLLIDAY HERD HAVE BEEN DNA TESTED as well as all adult pigs at Maveric.

Our Mulefoots can bee seen around the country at many breed preservation facilities, public zoos and sustainable farms. Contact us for available stock and start raising this truly American breed today!

***Maveric has just imported the first American Mulefoot Hogs in to Canada. The quarantine and importation went smoothly with the help of our wonderful veterinarians, the Pipestone Vet Clinic, and the assistance of the US and Canadian Animal Industry Boards.***

Mulefoot Hogs have been documented in agriculture census books since the late 1800's. The most distinctive feature of the American Mulefoot hog is the solid hoof, which resembles that of a mule or horse. Pigs with solid hooves (also called syndactylism) have attracted the interest of many writers over the centuries, including Aristotle and Darwin.

The American Mulefoot is the only syndactyl breed with a documented history & breed standard. Mulefoots are solid black with occasional white points (feet or nose), medium flop ears & a soft body coat. They are typically docile, friendly and exceptionally intelligent animals.

In the early 1900's, mulefoots were considered premium "ham-hogs", and were fed to great weights before slaughter. A typical mulefoot today will reach 400-600 pounds by age 2.

All pigs love to eat, roll in the mud, play with their mates and take long naps. Contrary to public belief, pigs are very clean animals. Pigs will designate areas for each activity such as dining, sleeping and elimination. All pigs in a group will conform to these areas.

A sow's nesting habits are quite amusing & amazing! She will gather her materials, such as straw, hay & sticks, & build an elaborate hollow in which to farrow (give birth). A sow's gestation lasts for 3 months, 3 weeks & 3 days on average. The piglets will be born & up nursing within minutes. By three days or so, the little ones will be venturing out of the nest to explore their surroundings. Several sows living together will share the mothering duties, & a piglet can nurse on any sow with an available teat.

Our mulefoots are raised in a tree stand & pasture, with plenty of fresh air, mud and the opportunity to behave "naturally". Raised in this manner, pigs don't produce the offensive odor you might notice when going by a confinement. They are very playful, mischievous & like to run, wrestle & lift things (like dumping their water buckets). They enjoy a large variety of foods, especially fruit & treats from the bakery. We trained our pigs to be friendly & to gently take food by hand feeding them bananas. Pigs also like to sit like a dog & relish a tasty mouthful. It is very entertaining to have a mulefoot herd.

Mulefoots are classified as "Critical" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservacy & are the rarest American pig breed. This means that there are less than 200 annual registrations of these pigs, and less than 2000 in the global population. We are exceptionally honored to be the stewards of such an amazing breed.

Mulefoots are available now at Maveric! We have a few Mulefoots directly from the RM Holliday herd available. These are adult pigs of varying ages. The genetic significance of these pigs cannot be talked about enough. If you are interested in conservation of this breed, please consider buying a pig from the Holliday herd.

We typically have mulefoot piglets available from unrelated bloodlines. Sows, bred sows, gilts and adult boars are available occasionally. If you are interested in starting your own herd of this exciting breed, raising a mulefoot for freezer pork or would like a large and loving pet, please contact us! Shipping or transport can be arranged by Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. All costs associated with shipping, health certificates, veterinary inspections and shipping crates are the responsibility of the purchaser. Email for info.