A Brief History
KuneKune (pronounced “koo-nee koo-nee”) pigs originated in New Zealand, where they were kept by the Maori people for generations. The name means “fat and round” in Maori — a fitting description. By the 1970s, the breed had declined to dangerously low numbers, and a recovery effort by wildlife park owners Michael Willis and John Simster helped bring them back from the brink.
KuneKunes were first imported to the United States in the mid-1990s and early 2000s through a series of importations from both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Today, the breed is growing steadily in North America, valued for its gentle temperament, grazing ability, and manageable size.
The American KuneKune Pig Society (AKKPS) is the primary breed registry in the United States and maintains the official herdbook, breed standard, and breeder resources.
The AKKPS Breed Standard
The AKKPS breed standard defines the ideal KuneKune pig. Breeders use this standard as a guide for selecting breeding stock and evaluating conformation. Here are the key points:
Head
The face should be broad and dished (slightly concave in profile), with a short to medium-length snout. The snout shape reflects the breed’s grazing nature — KuneKunes are designed to eat grass, not root up pastures. Vision should be unobstructed.
Wattles (Piri Piri)
Wattles are the small, fleshy tassels that hang from the lower jaw — one of the KuneKune’s most recognizable features. The standard calls for two well-formed, well-attached wattles, though a pig may have one, two, or none. Lack of wattles is a minor point in evaluation, not a disqualification.
Body
Shoulders should be level and in proportion to the body. The chest should be moderately wide between the legs. Hams (hindquarters) should be well-rounded, and the back should be strong, level, or slightly arched. Overall, the pig should appear balanced and well-proportioned.
Legs & Feet
Legs should be straight, well-set, and sturdy enough to support the pig’s frame. Pasterns (the area above the hoof) should be strong and resilient. Feet should be strong, closed, and even — good feet are essential for a pig that spends its life on pasture.
Coat & Color
KuneKunes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The AKKPS Color Chart recognizes colors including Solid Black, Solid Ginger, Solid Brown, Solid Cream, Ginger/Black, Ginger/White, Black/White, Brown/White, Tri-colored, and the rare Gold Tip, among others.
As of 2025, the AKKPS also offers separate designators for High Percentage White (H%W) and Belted/Banded (B) KuneKunes. For full details on color classification, visit the AKKPS Color Genetics page.
Teats
The standard specifies that breeding females should have at least 10 evenly spaced teats. This is an important consideration when selecting sows for a breeding program.
Temperament
The breed standard describes the ideal KuneKune temperament as “friendly, calm, placid natured.” This is one of the breed’s greatest strengths and a major reason they’re well-suited to small farms, homesteads, and families.
For the complete breed standard, visit the AKKPS Breed Standard page.
KuneKune Bloodlines
The KuneKune pigs in North America descend from a limited number of foundation imports. Understanding bloodlines helps breeders maintain genetic diversity and make informed pairing decisions. The AKKPS tracks lineage through their registered herdbook, and bloodline information is documented in each pig’s pedigree.
For more information on KuneKune bloodlines and their origins, the AKKPS Education page provides in-depth resources.
Registration & Why It Matters
Registration through the AKKPS serves several important purposes:
- Documented lineage — every registered pig has a traceable pedigree, which helps breeders avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic health
- Breed preservation — the registry ensures that KuneKune genetics remain pure and the breed standard is upheld
- Buyer confidence — registration papers verify that a pig is a purebred KuneKune with known parentage
- DNA verification — the AKKPS uses DNA-verified parentage as part of the registration process
At Prairie Rise Farm, every pig in our breeding program is AKKPS registered, and every piglet we sell comes with full registration papers and pedigree documentation.
Why Choose KuneKunes?
KuneKunes stand out from other pig breeds in several ways that make them especially well-suited to small-scale farming:
- Grazing ability — they thrive on pasture and are far less destructive to land than rooting breeds
- Manageable size — adults typically range from 100–250 pounds, much smaller than commercial breeds
- Temperament — genuinely friendly and calm, they’re safe around children and easy to handle
- Low-maintenance — hardy, adaptable, and efficient on pasture-based diets
- Versatility — raised for breeding, companionship, showing, and small-scale pork production
Learn More
The best resource for in-depth KuneKune education is the American KuneKune Pig Society. Their site includes detailed information on breed standards, color genetics, bloodlines, health care, and finding reputable breeders.
If you have questions about KuneKunes or want to know if they’re the right fit for your situation, we’re always happy to talk. Reach out anytime.