Kunekune pigs are one of the breeds of pigs that have been part of the medical research for aging, toxicology and pharmacology in Europe. This breed is a domestic pig from New Zealand. The name Kunekune is referred by Maori people as ‘fat and round’. It is the name given by the Maori to distinguish this breed of pig from Captain Cooker, which is also a breed of pig from New Zealand. The two breeds differ from each other, because the Cookers have feral, larger and longer snouts compared with Kunekune. However, the pigs’ existence is believed to be from Asia and traveled all the way to New Zealand brought by merchants. They have been reported as endangered and nearly 50 pigs were left, but when breeding programs started by M. Willis and John Simister, more pigs of this breed came into existence.
Kunekunes has large head and no neck, with short, round body and legs. Miniature Kunekunes can have different colors like brown, tan, white and black, gold, white and black. They can be in spotty colors too. Their body is covered with straight, curly or wavy hair. Their coat patterns and textures vary too. It can either be striped, marbled, solid or rough and smooth. One of the different features they have is their Piri Piri, it is the pair of tassels hanging from under their chin. Other Kunekunes does not have tassels, while others have one only. Their ears are semi pricked or semi-looped and a medium to short snout. The normal size of Kunekune weighs 60 to 200 kg., but a mini Kunekune is about 70 lbs. up.
The pigs are kept by the Maori people for meat but they are free to be hunted. This explains the reason why these pigs have excellent temperament and friendly. The pigs are easy to handle and gentle which makes them a great pet pig. Unlike other pigs, they do not dig with their snouts. When they are in grasses, they can be sustained. They are happy living with low protein diet from grass alone.Just like any other breeds of pigs, mini Kunekunes requires your time for them to be cared. They can be a pet pig for first-time owners because of their love for attention and company from humans.