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The Kunekune (also kune kune, kune-kune pronounced "cOOneh cOOneh") is a small breed of domestic pig that comes from New Zealand, although the actual origination of the breed is not certain. They are a unique and rare breed with their numbers having been dimished to a mere 50 by the 1970's. They were kept mainly by the Maori communities and nearly unknown by the Europeans. A combined effort in 1984, by Staglands Willdlife Reserve and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, led to 18 animals being collected; these animals formed the basis of a captive breeding program. The efforts put forth by this program saved this wonderful creature from what would have been certain extinction. The majority of the Kunekune pigs found today are descended from that original 18 pigs. Kunekunes have been exported to Great Britain, the United States and as far as the European continent. The NewZealand Kunekunes made their way to the US in 1995 and the in 2005 the first British Kunekunes were imported. Now, in the US, they are popular pets for those lucky enough to own such special creatures.
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Kunekune pigs are relatively small and highly distinctive, characterized physically by short-legged, dumpy build, pot tummy, short upturned nose, and a generally fat, roundabout appearance. The Polynesian word "kunekune" means "plump" or "fat & round". |
Kunekune boar "Hercules" of Solis Occasus Villa at just under 7 weeks of age. |
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Kunekune gilt "Megara" of Solis Occasus Villa at a few weeks old. | A unique feature of the Kunekune are the "pire pire" (tassels or wattles) hanging from their lower jaw. But not all purebreds have tassels, Their legs are short and their bodies are short and round. They are a colorful breed whose color range includes: black, black & white, white, gold, ginger, tan and brown. The patterns to these colors are endless and can include: spots, stripes, solids, and even marbled patterns. Their coat textures are just as varied to include: short, long, smooth, rough, straight and curly. |
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The great value of the Kunekune pig is that it grazes and fattens on grass alone. Kunekunes make excellent lawnmowers and are great for orchards and weeding vineyards as they do not harm shrubs, trees or vines. Kunekunes do not root like other pigs. They are very easy to keep as they do not have a tendency to roam. They possess a delightful temperment, being placid and easy to maintain and train. They thrive on human company, and are extremely popular today as family pets. |
He just loves the water! Hercules has his own private pool where he takes time to cool off. (pictured here at 6 months of age) |
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Meet Our Kunekune Pig Herd
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~*~ Boars ~*~
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"HERCULES" Registered with both The American Kunekune Association & The New Zealand Kunekune Association ~ * ~ Boar DOB 11/19/10 ~ * ~ Black & White
Double Piri Piri (Wattles) Nicely Built Great Temperament Wonderful Personality Our Furture Sire ~ * ~ |
~ * ~ BRF Andrew 12 AKA Hercules AKBA Herd Book # 0224 New Zealand # NZ0039 ~ * ~ Andrew Boar Line (Gunner) Jenny Sow Line (Priscilla) |
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~*~ Gilts ~*~
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"MEGARA" Registered with The American Kunekune Association & Pending Registration with The New Zealand Kunekune Association ~ * ~ Gilt DOB 3/20/11 ~ * ~ White & Black Spotted
Double Piri Piri (Wattles) Nicely Built Great Temperament Our Furture Dam ~ * ~ |
~ * ~ KKP Rona 10 AKA Megara AKBA - Herd Book # 0312 New Zealand # - NZ ~ * ~ Tonganui Boar Line (Bear) Rona Sow Line (Kandi) |
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Registered Prefix - SUN
Member of the
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