Why Are Kunekunes So Special?

What makes Kunekunes unique: their origins, grazing nature, friendly behavior, and distinctive look (including tassels/wattles).

Like a creature tamed, they seek connection, Sociable beings, thriving on human affection. Diurnal they are, these pigs so fair, Yet like their kin, they seek the mud's lair. To stay cool in the heat's fiery blaze, They wallow and frolic in mud-filled days. Truly special, A phrase so dear, Whispered softly, In moments sincere.

Interesting Facts

Kunekune (pronounced "kooney kooney") is Māori meaning "fat and round," which fits their normally short and round-bodied look.

They are the only true grazing pigs, capable of surviving alone on grasses.

Male pigs are referred to as "boars," and females as "sows."

Physical Characteristics

Kunekunes are the smallest domestic pigs, and their appearance varies widely. They come in a wide range of hues, including black, brown, white, ginger, cream, black and white, and ginger and black. They may also have a variety of coat types, ranging from silky sleek hair to coarse and frizzy. The coat also fluctuates depending on the season, resulting in a noticeable variation between summer and winter jackets. It is usual to have significant hair loss during the summer. They feature small, dished faces, large jowls, and short, stocky legs. Males range between 200 and 240 pounds, while females weigh 120 to 200 pounds. These pigs may have fleshy "tassels" called pire pire, which dangle from their lower jaw and are around 4 cm long. They serve no obvious function and vary in size from pig to pig. A pig might be born with just one tassel or lose one when fighting or treading on it. The lifespan is around 16 years.

Habitat/Diet

The Kunekune's ancestors may have originated in Asia, but they have been present in New Zealand since their introduction in the 1800s. They are now entirely tamed and exist solely in captivity. They are herbivorous grazers, eating a variety of grasses but not foraging like other pigs. At the Zoo, they consume cereals and other chows.

Social Behavior

As a domesticated creature, they are quite sociable and thrive on human interaction. They are diurnal, but, like other pigs, will wallow in mud to stay cool during the warmest portion of the day. Males achieve sexual maturity after around a year, while females need about ten months. Breeding may take place year-round. Six to eight piglets are born during a gestation of around 116 days. Piglets are weaned at four months.

Status In The Wild

This breed is not listed by the IUCN; however, it is considered uncommon. Kunekunes were at risk of extinction in the 1980s as a result of crossbreeding with other domesticated pigs. More than 3,000 Kunekune pigs may be found all over the globe, thanks to a successful breeding program that started with a purebred foundation stock of six sows and three boars. Their population is now steady thanks to well-established breeding operations.

About the Author

At BF Farm, our Kunekune articles are written from hands-on experience raising, breeding, and caring for Kunekune pigs in a real farm setting. We share practical guidance based on daily care, pasture management, piglet development, and the lessons that come from working with this breed year-round.