A total of 12 AFLP primer combinations were used to detect genetic variation of pooled DNA in a sample of 19 Chinese native pig breeds, 1 cultivated pig breed and 4 European and American pig breeds. The genetic similarity coefficient of 24 pig beeds was calculated from AFLP data, UPGMA cluster analysis was also performed. The 12 primer combinations generated more than 1000 bands, of which 208 bands were polymorphic, 17.3 polymorphic markers were detected by one primer combination on the average. Thirteen putative breed specific bands were produced in the pooled DNA of 8 pig breeds. The cultivated pig breed and 4 exotic pig breeds were clustere into one group, while 19 Chinese native pig breeds were gathered into the other group in the UPGMA tree. The result indicated that AFLP analysis had high assay efficiency index (Ai) and provided a valuable tool for assaying genetic diversity and breed characterization in pigs. Chinese native pig breeds and exotic pig breeds show remarkable genetic differentiation, which had farther genetic relationships. Nanchang White pig and Large White pig, Yushan Black pig and Yanshan Black pig had intimate genetic relationships with each other respectively, which were consistent with its breeding history, geographical distribution and RAPD analysis results. In addition, the reasons for cluster results of some pig breeds from AFLP data were not consistent with morphology, geographical distribution and existing classification were discussed.