Kunekune Pigs ~   SND is proud to announce the addition of this amazing swine to our farm! We added 2 Gilts (6 months old), and a Boar (8 months old) in May 2019. We will be breeding them Spring of 2020, so please check out our For Sale ~ KuneKune page to see what is available.

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The KuneKune Pig, pronounced  “KOO-KNEE, KOO-KNEE.” The word kunekune means “fat and round” in the Māori language, which isn't a stretch when you see these little guys. KuneKunes are a delightful breed of swine once near certain extinction.  They were only found in New Zealand and kept by the Maori people and were allowed to roam around their villages.  They are known for their smaller size, extremely laid back, docile, friendly personalities and ease of handling.  These smaller, heritage grazing pigs are great for homesteaders and smaller acre farms as well. 

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The origin of the breed is somewhat uncertain, as there is a lack of documented information on its introduction and early population numbers in New Zealand.  The general consensus is that the KuneKune were probably brought to New Zealand in the 1800's by whalers operating in New Zealand waters, and were traded with the Maoris.  Pigs with similar characteristics occur in Asia, South America, and the Polynesian Islands, but the resemblance is slight and suggestive only of a possible common ancestry.

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The history of the breed is one of a close association with the Maori people, and in the early 1900's were usually only found associated with the Maori settlements. In early times the KuneKune were prized for their placid nature and their tendancy not to roam, as they have always been a domesticated pig.

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In the late 1970's the breed was 'rediscovered' and at that time it was estimated that there were only about 50 purebred base stock of only 6 sows and 3 boars in 1978, the KuneKune conservation program was created by wildlife park owners Michael 

Willis and John Simister.  These two gentleman single handedly saved the breed from extinction.  Once more herds were established in New Zealand, it became clear that exporting of the breed was important.  They were afraid that if disease or other natural disasters struck in New Zealand this would wipe the breed out completely.  In 1992 the first KuneKunes left New Zealand to go to the UK. Additional stock was sent to the UK in 1993 & 1996.

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All KuneKunes in the United States go back to either direct New Zealand or UK imported stock.  There have been 5 importations of KuneKune pigs into the USA occurring in 1996, 2005, 2010, and 2012.

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The KuneKunes are known for their extremely docile and friendly personality which is unmatched by any other breed of swine. They are extremely outgoing and love human interaction.  They are a grazing breed of swine and as such prefer to graze on grass.  Their short and upturned snouts make them suitable grazers and less prone to rooting found in other breeds.  KuneKunes are known for having 2 wattles (much like goats) found under their chin.  They have little to no desire to roam and do not test fencing.  KuneKunes are still fairly rare in the USA, but are gaining popularity very quickly, finding their niche markets from pets, to orchard clean up crew, breeding stock and amazing marbled pork production. 

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KuneKunes come in an array of colors.  The dominant color comes first, followed by the secondary color.

        **Cream, Ginger, Black, Brown, Ginger/Black, Black/Ginger, Tri, Black/White, White/Black, Brown/White, White/Brown, Gold tip is a recognized color but, to date in the USA there has not been one. **