Kunekune Pigs originated in New Zealand in the 19th century when whalers or possibly traders brought pigs from Asia that mated with the local breed.
Kunekune is Maori for fat and round which they certainly are!
They have a characteristic turned up snout, short legs and may have wattles [or piri piris] hanging from their lower jaw.
They are intelligent, very docile and biddable, loving human company and they make an excellent choice for the novice pig keeper.
Kunekunes have hairy coats which may be straight or curly and they come in a variety of colours: cream, brown, ginger, gold, black or in any combination of the afore- mentioned colours!
This hardy breed thrive in woodland and grassy meadows and for the most part they are able to exist by just grazing on grass.
They are less prone to rooting than other breeds of pig!
By the 1970s they had declined in numbers and had become an endangered species - down to just 50 or so pure bred animals, but down mainly to the efforts of John Simister and Michael Willis they are now thriving and there are associations in New Zealand, the U.S.A and the U.K.
Kunekune is Maori for fat and round which they certainly are!
They have a characteristic turned up snout, short legs and may have wattles [or piri piris] hanging from their lower jaw.
They are intelligent, very docile and biddable, loving human company and they make an excellent choice for the novice pig keeper.
Kunekunes have hairy coats which may be straight or curly and they come in a variety of colours: cream, brown, ginger, gold, black or in any combination of the afore- mentioned colours!
This hardy breed thrive in woodland and grassy meadows and for the most part they are able to exist by just grazing on grass.
They are less prone to rooting than other breeds of pig!
By the 1970s they had declined in numbers and had become an endangered species - down to just 50 or so pure bred animals, but down mainly to the efforts of John Simister and Michael Willis they are now thriving and there are associations in New Zealand, the U.S.A and the U.K.