U.S. #5583
2021 55¢ Heritage Breeds – Mulefoot Hog
Issue Date: May 17, 2021
First Day City: Mount Vernon, VA
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset, Flexographic
Format: Pane of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 25,000,000
The Mulefoot hog is a traditional American breed of hog named for its unusual hoof shape. Most pigs and hogs have cloven hooves with two toes. Mulefoot hogs have hooves, like a mule or horse, with a single toe.
Today, the mulefoot hog is the rarest breed of American swine that still exists. No one is quite sure where the breed originated, but it most likely originated from Spanish hogs brought to America in the 1500s. The mulefoot hog was bred through careful selection and became a standardized breed in 1900. It was a farmer-favorite for meat production as these hogs were easy to fatten.
In general, Mulefoot hogs all share the same characteristics. They weigh between 400 and 600 pounds, have forward-facing ears, and are solid black in color with occasional bits of white. Females are caring mothers and give birth to five to six piglets, though litters of up to 12 haave been known to occur.
Mulefoot hogs eventually fell out of popularity with farmers, and now, are quite rare. However, they are making a comeback thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders and heritage farmers across the United States. These men and women ensure breed standards remain intact. Thanks to them, the Mulefoot hog has stayed the same as when the breed began all those years ago.