This type was first defined by Gladwin (1931). According to Dean Wilson at the Southwestern Ceramic Typology Project, "This type appears to have developed out of Red Mesa Black-on-white but exhibits greater use of bold solids that are often divided by thin parallel lines. This type is difficult to define and in many cases it is advisable to include ceramics exhibiting solid designs into a single group. Still, the effect is quite distinct and may be useful at times in monitoring this distinct style. This type seems to date from eleventh to early twelfth century" (Wilson 2014).

From Oppelt (2007): Sherd and sand are the temper materials in this type. The surface is usually polished and has a thin white slip. Bowls, jars, pitchers, ladles and effigies are the forms present. Designs are painted in black to dark brown mineral paint. Sets of vertical parallel lines or checkerboards, used as panel dividers to separate areas of solid elements, are diagnostic of this type. Banded designs are common. Bold lines and checkerboards, negative lightning, dot filled squares and bold triangles also appear. This type is derived from Red Mesa Black-on-white with greater use of solids and the lack of pendent dots. Solid triangles, scrolls, parallel lines, usually vertical, are common elements. Puerco is most abundant along the Rio Puerco of the West from Petrified Forest to Mt.Taylor, and north from the Zuni Mountains to Chaco Canyon.