[4]: 700  Its origins are unknown, but it appears to have developed near the town of Tamworth in south-eastern Staffordshire, close to Warwickshire border.

It appears to have originated shortly before or after 1800 near the town of Tamworth in south-eastern Staffordshire, close to Warwickshire border.

A herd-book was started in 1885, and a breed society, the Tamworth Incorporated Pig Breeders Association, was formed in 1906.

These pigs have characteristically long necks and legs, deep sides, and narrow backs.

Unacceptable features, according to breed aficionados, are: curly hair, a coarse mane, a turned-up nose, and dark spots on the coat.