The term “boar” refers specifically to the male of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), the species from which all domestic pigs descend. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, this animal and its feral descendants have spread across the globe, often interbred with domestic stock. Understanding the size of a boar requires looking beyond the domesticated male pig to the powerful, tusked wild ancestor or its resilient feral hybrid.
Standard Dimensions of the Wild Boar
The physical size of the Wild Boar is impressive, with the average adult male exhibiting a robust physique. A mature boar typically stands between 90 and 100 centimeters (35 to 39 inches) tall at the shoulder, with a body length ranging from 120 to 180 centimeters (4 to 6 feet). Average adult males weigh between 100 and 200 kilograms (220 to 440 pounds).
This standard size is dwarfed by the upper range of the species, particularly in the larger Eurasian subspecies. Exceptional male specimens, especially those found in areas like Far East Russia and Manchuria, can exceed these numbers significantly. These massive boars have been documented to stand up to 125 centimeters (over 4 feet) at the shoulder and reach weights approaching 350 kilograms (770 pounds). The scientific upper limit for a pure wild boar is represented by these colossal Eurasian individuals.
Geographical and Age-Related Size Differences
Size variation is heavily influenced by geography and resource availability, leading to distinct differences between subspecies. The largest boars belong to northern Eurasian subspecies, such as Sus scrofa attila and Sus scrofa ussuricus, which benefit from colder climates and vast habitats that allow for maximum growth. Conversely, boars in island or Mediterranean populations, like those in Corsica or Sardinia, are noticeably smaller due to resource limitation and insular dwarfism.
In North America, animals referred to as “feral hogs” or “feral swine” are often hybrids, mixing pure European wild boar and escaped domestic pigs. These hybrids tend to be smaller than their pure Eurasian cousins, with mature males averaging only 59 to 68 kilograms (130 to 150 pounds) in many regions. This difference highlights how intermixed domestic genetics and novel environments alter the species’ maximum size potential.
Age and sex also play a profound role, displaying pronounced sexual dimorphism. Mature male boars are consistently larger than females (sows), typically exceeding them by 5 to 10 percent in height and 20 to 30 percent in body weight. The largest specimens are always the oldest males, who have had years to accumulate mass and reach full skeletal development. This physical advantage is crucial for dominance during the breeding season.
Physical Traits Linked to Maximum Size
A boar’s intimidating appearance is enhanced by specialized physical traits that develop with maturity and are linked to its status. The most recognizable features are the continuously growing canine teeth, known as tusks, which are far more prominent in males. The upper canines grow sideways and curve upward, while the lower canines are much longer and sharper, honed into lethal weapons as they rub against the upper pair.
In the largest, oldest boars, the exposed portion of these lower tusks can measure between 10 and 12 centimeters (4 to 4.7 inches) in length, clearly protruding from the mouth. Another unique trait of the mature male is the development of the “shield,” a layer of subcutaneous tissue that forms along the shoulders and flanks. This armor is a thick, gristly layer of cartilage and hide, reaching a thickness of 2 to 3 centimeters (up to 1.2 inches) in some individuals. The shield serves as protective padding, defending the boar’s organs against the tusks of a rival male during the intense combat that defines the breeding season.