🐾 LandCare difficulty: BeginnerLegal complexity: Low
KuneKune
Sus scrofa domesticus · also called Kune Kune, Kunekune Pig, Maori Pig
A small, round, exceptionally docile grazing pig from New Zealand, the KuneKune ('fat and round' in Maori) is unique among pigs for thriving on grass alone and rooting very little. Its gentle, people-oriented temperament makes it a popular smallholding and companion pig.
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Quick facts
| Size | Height around 60 cm (24 in); weight roughly 60-200 kg (130-440 lb), most around 100-130 kg; a small, round, short-legged grazing pig often with facial wattles ( |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Social needs | group |
| Native region | New Zealand |
| Family | Suidae |
| Genus | Sus |
Part of the Pig breeds
Recognized pig breeds — selectively bred for type, purpose, and appearance.
Habitat & space requirements
From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Habitat & enclosure
A **pasture pig that genuinely grazes like a ruminant** and roots far less than most breeds, making it ideal for **orchards, paddocks, and smallholdings** without destroying the ground. Needs secure fencing, a dry draft-free shelter or ark, and a **summer wallow and shade** — many KuneKune are spotted or pale and can sunburn. Hardy and content on grass-based management; provide straw bedding for cold weather. Their small size and calm nature suit modest acreage.
Diet
Uniquely able to be **maintained largely on good-quality grass/pasture**, supplemented with a small amount of balanced pig or grazing ration to ensure complete nutrition. They are **highly prone to obesity** — overfeeding grain is the single most common welfare mistake. Provide fresh water and a wallow; restrict concentrates and let grass form the bulk of the diet. Follow local food-scrap/swill regulations.
Behavior & temperament
**Purpose: companion/pet pig and small-scale grazing/conservation; traditionally a smallholder meat pig in New Zealand.** The standout trait is an **extremely docile, friendly, placid, people-loving temperament** — KuneKune actively seek human company and are among the easiest pigs to keep, suitable for families and beginners. They are non-aggressive, low-rooting grazers. Many carry distinctive **wattles (piri piri)** hanging under the jaw. Sows are good, calm mothers with modest litters.
Health
Generally **healthy and hardy**, but the overriding concern is **obesity** — the breed gains weight easily, and excess fat causes joint strain, heat intolerance, reduced fertility, and can press on the eyes (fat can partly close the eyelids in over-conditioned pigs). Maintain lean-to-moderate body condition. Pale/spotted skin sunburns, so provide shade and wallows. The breed nearly went extinct (down to a handful of animals), so the **gene pool is small** — buy registered stock and manage inbreeding. Routine parasite and hoof care apply.
Tips, DIY & hacks
**Do not overfeed** — the most important rule. Base the diet on grass with only a measured handful of pellets; keep pigs lean and feel for ribs and hips under the fat. Their **low rooting** makes them safe for orchards and lawns, a major advantage over other breeds. Excellent **first pig and companion animal** for their friendly nature — still keep at least two, as they are social. Provide **shade and a wallow** for sun protection. Buy from a recognized KuneKune registry with bloodline records given the narrow founding stock, and verify wattles/conformation against the breed standard if showing.
Sources
- Kunekune — Wikipedia (wikipedia)
- American KuneKune Pig Society (breed association)