The KuneKune is a domestic pig breed closely related to other Polynesian and European-derived pigs, sharing ancestry with traditional small-framed pigs brought to New Zealand.
200–250 lbs (90–115 kg)
Weight (Boar)
150–200 lbs (70–90 kg)
Weight (Sow)
About
The KuneKune Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a small, friendly heritage breed belonging to the family Suidae. Originating in New Zealand, its name means “fat and round” in the Māori language, a fitting description of its compact, sturdy build. Believed to have been introduced by early Polynesian settlers and later developed with European breeds, the KuneKune was once nearly extinct but has been revived through dedicated conservation efforts.
KuneKunes are one of the smallest domestic pig breeds, typically weighing 130 to 220 pounds (60–100 kg) when mature. They have short legs, round bodies, and often sport wattles, known as “piri piri,” that hang from their lower jaws. Their coats can be smooth or long and hairy, appearing in a wide variety of colors, including black, brown, ginger, cream, and spotted patterns. Their upturned snouts make them natural grazers rather than rooters, which helps preserve pastures.
Renowned for their gentle and docile temperament, KuneKunes are popular as pets, in small farms, and in educational or therapeutic settings. They are intelligent, social, and easy to manage, often enjoying close interactions with people. Unlike many pig breeds, they thrive on a grass-based diet, making them efficient and environmentally friendly grazers.
Though smaller in scale than commercial breeds, KuneKunes produce flavorful, marbled pork, valued in specialty markets. However, their greatest significance lies in their cultural heritage, companionship qualities, and conservation story.
Today, KuneKunes are found worldwide, cherished for their charm, manageability, and unique appearance. Their blend of history, friendliness, and adaptability ensures their place as one of the most beloved heritage pig breeds.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The KuneKune Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a small, hardy heritage breed from New Zealand, originally kept by the Māori people. It is best known for its compact size and friendly nature.
Coat: Hair is long and coarse, ranging from straight to curly. Colors include black, brown, ginger, cream, gold, and spotted combinations.
Head: Short, upturned snout with a dished face. Many individuals have tassels (called piri piri) hanging from their lower jaw, a signature feature of the breed.
Body: Small, compact, and rounded with a short, deep frame. They tend to carry a healthy fat layer, giving them a sturdy appearance.
Legs & Hooves: Short, strong legs with tough hooves, well-suited to grazing pastures rather than rooting heavily.
Size:
Adult Boars: 200–250 lbs (90–115 kg)
Adult Sows: 150–200 lbs (70–90 kg)
The KuneKune’s tassels, small size, and grazing ability make it one of the most unique and easily recognizable pig breeds in the world.
Reproduction
Mating and Breeding:
KuneKune pigs are fertile and reliable breeders. They can reproduce year-round, with natural mating being the most common method. Breeding emphasizes preserving small size, gentle temperament, and distinctive traits like tassels.
Breeding Age:
Sows are typically bred from 8–12 months of age, while boars may be ready as early as 8 months.
Gestation:
The sow’s gestation lasts about 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days), consistent with most domestic pigs.
Litter Size:
KuneKune sows usually produce 6–8 piglets per litter, smaller than commercial breeds but with high survival rates due to attentive mothering.
Parental Care:
Sows are gentle, calm, and highly maternal, nursing piglets for 6–8 weeks. Piglets are vigorous at birth and thrive in outdoor systems.
Weaning and Growth:
Piglets are generally weaned at 6–8 weeks and grow steadily, reaching maturity more slowly than commercial pigs.
KuneKunes are valued not for prolific litters or rapid growth, but for their high survival rates, calm temperaments, and strong maternal instincts.
Lifespan
In Domestic Care:
KuneKune pigs are long-lived compared to many breeds, often reaching 12–15 years, with some individuals living up to 20 years when well cared for.
In Farming Systems:
Because they are typically raised as companion animals or for small-scale, specialty pork production, they often live longer than commercial pigs, which are harvested much earlier.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
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Genetics: Hardy and disease-resistant, with few hereditary weaknesses.
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Diet: As natural grazers, they thrive on grass and forage, but overfeeding can lead to obesity, which shortens lifespan.
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Environment: They are best suited to outdoor, free-range systems where they can graze and express natural behaviors.
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Care: Regular veterinary attention, hoof trimming, and parasite management help extend their lives.
The KuneKune’s gentle nature, hardiness, and ability to thrive on pasture make it one of the longest-living domestic pig breeds.
Eating Habits
Diet:
KuneKune pigs are unique among domestic pigs for being true grazers, thriving primarily on grass and pasture rather than relying heavily on grain-based diets.
Foraging Behavior:
They use their short, upturned snouts to graze like sheep, eating clover, grasses, and herbs. Unlike many pigs, they are less destructive rooters, making them easy to manage on pasture.
Supplemental Feed:
While they can maintain condition on grass alone, small amounts of grain, fruits, and vegetables are often added to balance nutrition, especially for breeding sows and growing piglets.
Water Needs:
They require fresh water daily, usually drinking 3–5 gallons (11–19 liters) depending on size and weather conditions.
Special Considerations:
KuneKunes are prone to obesity if overfed grain, as their slow metabolism is adapted for grazing. Careful diet management is essential to maintain health.
The KuneKune’s natural grazing ability, minimal rooting, and efficiency on pasture make it one of the most sustainable pig breeds for small farms and homesteads.
Uniqueness
True Grazers:
Unlike most pigs, KuneKunes thrive primarily on grass and require little supplemental grain, making them highly sustainable for small-scale farming.
Tassels (Piri Piri):
Many individuals have distinctive wattles or tassels that hang from their lower jaw, a rare feature among pig breeds.
Gentle Nature:
Known for their docile and friendly temperament, KuneKunes are often kept as companion animals as well as for specialty meat production.
Compact Size:
Smaller than most pig breeds, their manageable size makes them ideal for homesteads and small farms without the need for large facilities.
Cultural Heritage:
Originally from New Zealand, they were treasured by the Māori people for their manageable nature and reliable food source.
The KuneKune Pig’s combination of grazing ability, distinctive tassels, gentle disposition, and cultural heritage makes it one of the most unique and easily recognizable pig breeds in the world.
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FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the KuneKune Pig?
2. How does the KuneKune Pig compare to other pigs?
KuneKunes are smaller, gentler, and less destructive rooters than most pigs. They graze like sheep, making them easier to manage and more sustainable for small farms.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities for seeing a KuneKune Pig?
As domesticated animals, they aren’t wild, but KuneKunes can be seen in New Zealand at heritage farms and reserves near Tongariro National Park and in educational farm parks worldwide.
