The Kunekune is originally from New Zealand and the name "Kunekune" comes from the Māori language, meaning "fat and round”.  Kunekune pigs are best known for their unique diets and their gentle natures. They are capable of surviving on grass alone during the summer, thrive on grass and vegetables, and they do not require high levels of protein. Kunekune pigs are often used as lawnmowers because due to their shortened snouts,--- they do not root!  They have remarkably gentle natures and are often kept as pets. Kunekune pigs have outstanding social learning abilities and an “astonishingly good memory”. In terms of behavior, they are docile, friendly, and enjoy human companionship. They are intelligent and can easily be trained.

Kunekune pigs are characterized by their short legs, round body, and sometimes by the presence of wattles hanging from their lower jaws. They stand about 24” tall and can weigh between 130 to 440 pounds. KuneKune pigs have a wide range of colors, including black, white, ginger, cream, gold, and tri-colored, with hair that can be long or short, straight or curly. 

One of the best aspects of the Kunekune is their delicious meat! It is described as being lean and incredibly flavorful, with a dark red color and a high ratio of creamy fat. Chefs around the world have long known about the outstanding taste of Kunekune pork.

Historically, the breed faced near extinction, with only an estimated 50 purebred Kunekune pigs remaining by the 1980s. However, conservation efforts, including breeding recovery programs, have helped increase their numbers. As of 2010, the breed no longer faces extinction, with breed societies in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.  In 1993, two Kunekune pigs were imported into the United States from the UK. They are considered a rare breed, with less than 2,000 purebred Kunekune pigs in the world, but as of 2010, they no longer face extinction.