The terms “pig” and “hog” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about whether they refer to the same animal or different species. Both words describe the same animal, a domesticated member of the genus Sus, meaning the distinction is not biological. The difference between a pig and a hog is primarily one of terminology, determined by the animal’s size, age, and specific context, particularly in agriculture.
The Size and Age Distinction
The most common way to differentiate between a pig and a hog is by using a weight benchmark, a practice widely accepted in the farming industry. A “pig” is typically the general term for the species, but it is often used to describe a younger, smaller animal. This designation usually applies to swine weighing less than 120 pounds, which have not reached full maturity.
A “hog,” conversely, is the term reserved for a larger, mature animal, often one that is nearing market weight. This classification generally applies to any swine weighing over 120 pounds. Some sources use a higher threshold, such as 250 pounds, to denote a market-ready animal. The term “hog” is a functional designation, indicating an animal older and large enough to be processed for meat production.
Contextual and Gender-Based Usage
Beyond size, the terms used to describe the animal change based on its gender and environment, which adds another layer of specific terminology. An adult female that has already given birth to a litter of young is called a sow. A young female that has not yet reproduced is known as a gilt.
For males, an adult that has not been castrated and is used for breeding is referred to as a boar. A male that has been castrated, typically to improve the quality of the meat, is called a barrow. The term “hog” also takes on a contextual meaning when referring to wild populations, where “wild hog” or “feral hog” is used to describe escaped domestic swine that have returned to the wild, regardless of their size.
The Scientific Umbrella Term
The most formal term for the entire group of animals is “swine,” which serves as the scientific and agricultural umbrella term. Swine belong to the family Suidae, which includes the domestic pig and its wild relatives, such as the wild boar.
The domestic pig is scientifically classified as Sus scrofa domesticus, a subspecies of the wild boar (Sus scrofa). In a technical context, “swine” is the most accurate term for any animal within this group, whether it is a piglet, a hog, or a wild boar. This term is frequently used in veterinary medicine and large-scale livestock management.