| "The extinction of a species is a loss to humanity. Animals routinely become extinct when they no longer suit the purpose of man or because no one cared or realized that the possibility even existed" We are here to change that! |
HISTORY OF THE BREED ~ The Kunekune pig is unique to New
Zealand. The origin of the breed is somewhat uncertain because no documented
information exists regarding its introduction to New Zealand. Early records did not
differentiate the Kunekune from other breeds such as the Captain Cooke pig or any other
breeds kept by the Maori Tribe. Much debate arises amongst New Zealand historians
from this lack of records. Some credit Jean Sebastian de Surville of France; others
attribute the honor to Lieutenant Governor Philip Bidley King. They may even have been
brought by whalers and traded to the Maori. Pigs with similar characteristics occur in
Asia, South America and the Polynesian Islands. The resemblance, though, is slight and
only hints at the possibility of common ancestry. The history of the breed is one of
close association with the Maori people. So close, in fact, that they are sometimes
referred to as the Maori pig. In early times, these pigs were prized for their
placid nature and their tendency to remain close to home. They
have always been a domestic pig. In the late 1970's, the breed was
rediscovered. From a purebred foundation stock of six sows and three boars in 1978.
The Kunekune now numbers just over two thousand. Due to the enthusiasm and
dedication of Michael Willis and John Simister, the breed was saved from extinction.
Today, the Kunekune has found its niche as a pet. Their unique appearance,
placid nature and small round size, all of which make it unacceptable in a commercial
operation, have enabled this special animal to find its place as a pet in modern America.
DESCRIPTION ~ The name Kunekune means literally "fat and round" in Maori. It is rather appropriate description of this unusual looking pig. The Kunekune is smaller than many other breeds, although its tendency to obesity, if overfed, can result in a somewhat larger pig than nature may have intended. "PIGS: A Handbook to Breeds of the World" by Valerie Porter, states that a mature Kunekune can reach 24" in height. Males should weigh up to 170-200 pounds while females should weigh up to about 130 to 160 pounds. (Overfed, unexercised Kunekunes can double that size from deposits of fat.) Their characteristic shape is a short-legged, short snouted pig with very rounded body contours. A Kunekune show pig in excellent condition looks very different in shape than a commercial pig. The shortened nose and head give it an almost comical appearance. Try to picture a Teddy Bear with hooves, snout and tassels on its chin. The tassels, or pirepire, are about 4cm long and hang from the lower jaw in line with the ears. Not all Kunekunes have tassels. Although it is a dominant gene, the population does contain a proportion of pigs without tassels. Occasionally a piglet may be born without tassels, or sometimes they are not well attached and can be lost through injury. Breeders usually prefer to use only tasseled Kunekunes for breeding, since such a breeding increases the percentage of offspring with tassels. Remember: Not all tasseled pigs are Kunekunes. The dominate gene can and will produce tassels when crossbred. The coat color and texture can vary considerable. The most common colors are: black, black and white, brown, and various shade of copper (red, gold, tan, cream) with randomly distributed spots and patches of color. The texture of the coat can range from short, silky hair (yes, their coat bears no resemblance to the bristles of other pigs and resembles more closely dog hair) giving them a sleek appearance to long, coarse curls that appear more unkempt. They have a placid sociable nature and love human contact. They are highly intelligent, resourceful and affectionate with a passion for food, a good scratch and a tickle, in that order!
BUYING A KUNEKUNE ~ Kunekunes vary in size, shape and color, so the matter of personal preference will be a determining factor. The primary characteristics to look for is a short to medium snout; straight legs; strong pasterns; hooves that look like the pig is walking on its tiptoes; and good temperament. Tassels are one of their unique characteristics, but not all purebred Kunekunes have the. The New Zealand Registry is reviewing the Standards Of Perfection which currently attributes 10 points for tassels in their shows. there are excellently conformed Kunekunes that are close to perfection except for the lack of tassels and the Registry has taken these under consideration with an eye towards only using the tassels to bread a tie between pigs. If you just want a wonderful, loving pet, a neutered Kunekune is ideal! Whenever possible, buy the best quality animal available to suit your needs, from a reputable breeder. LOCAL ZONING ~ Zoning issues regarding pigs as pets vary greatly. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL ZONING OFFICIALS BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR PIG.
To learn more about Kune Kune Pigs or to book a party please e-mail us or call us at (360) 864-8644 |
