With the industrialization of farming, a few breeds of livestock have been standardized for maximum productivity. This expansive growth of the few breeds resulted in the critical endangerment of many other breeds, with several becoming extinct. These pre-industrial breeds, known as heritage breeds, possess a priceless genetic diversity that can help farmers, and society at large, adapt to variable conditions, ranging from new consumer tastes to varied landscapes.

The American Mulefoot Hog is truly one of the most unique breeds of swine in the world. Once almost extinct, it is making a comeback today.

Known for its solid hoof that resembles that of a mule, they are gentle animals and remarkably hearty. Their coats are soft, mainly black with occasional animals having white points. They are easy to raise and may weigh between 400 and 600 pounds by the age of two.

The hogs were of fairly gentle disposition and fattened quite easily. They were considered the highest quality "ham hogs" and were fed to great weights before slaughter. For some years, breeders claimed that Mulefoots were immune to hog cholera. That claim has been disproved, though the breed does seem to possess remarkable hardiness.