Kunekune Pig

Kunekune (pronounced KOO-nee KOO-nee) pigs are a small, hairy breed of domestic pig. Kunekunes are closely associated with the Māori, a diverse group of indigenous peoples from mainland New Zealand. In the Māori language, kunekune means “fat and round”.

These pigs can come in various colors, such as cream, ginger, black, brown, and white, and their hair textures range from smooth to coarse and curly. Their coats can be spotted or solid in color. Additionally, their hair gets thinner or thicker depending on the season, and they often shed hair in warmer months. Many kunekune pigs have small, fleshy wattles on either side of their faces called “piri piri”.

Kunekune pigs have many ways to communicate with other pigs, including vocalization, body language, and scent markings. A low-pitched, contented grunting noise often means the pigs are relaxed; they also make this noise when they meet each other. High-pitched vocalizations mean the pigs are expressing stress or anxiety. These pigs also wag their tails and wiggle their ears to signal their emotions.