The British Saddleback is the result of the amalgamation of two similar breeds, the Essex and Wessex Saddleback.

The National Spotted Swine Record Inc., was formerly the National Spotted Poland China Record. At the 1960 Annual Meeting, the breed's Board of Directors and members voted to change the name of the association from the National Spotted Poland China Record to the National Spotted Swine Record, Inc. Further, it was voted to refer to the breed as Spotted Swine, or SPOTS, rather than the longer previously used name for the breed.

Originated in the region around Schwäbisch Hall (in Baden-Württemberg), southern Germany. In 1820/21 King Wilhelm I from Württemberg imported Chinesische Maskenschweine / Meishan to improve the existing landrace.

The Swedish Landrace is the leading breed of swine in Sweden, a country not known for large numbers of swine. The heavy drooping ears found on the Landrace strains in other countries are also typical of the Swedish breed, as is the white color and high proportion of lean meat. The Swedish strain of Landrace originated from importations from neighboring countries, particularly Denmark.