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About Pig Trail KuneKunes

We are a small farm located in Northeast Arkansas dedicated to raising American KuneKune pigs!

We have been raising American KuneKune Pigs since 2015 and we raise them as our own personal homesteading pigs! We have registered stock only and we DNA test with UC Davis and register with American KuneKune Pig society (AKKPS) We have some information about what lineages we raise below and also a bit about the history of the Kunekune! We honestly can't say enough things about this breed!!

We currently have these sow lineages :

Sally, Tarutaru, Kereopa, Trish, Rona, BH Rebecca Gina, Momona, Jenny, Aria Giana, Haunene and Tapeka.

We currently have these boar lineages :

BH Tutaki, Mahia Love, Ru, Tutaki and Whakanui, Andrew and Boris!

We do not sell intact unregistered pigs unless they are neutered barrows for any reason as we take pride in the kunekune breed that was once nearly extinct and if great care is not taken to preserve this amazing breed it could easily be lost again.

If you are wondering.. and most people ask, Should you go unregistered VS Registered... A unregistered pig is most usually not registered because the owner cannot have a DNA test done on it because it is not a pure pig ultimately. A registered DNA tested pig will also have a full family tree of pure DNA tested parents. The DNA MUST match both the mother and sire or you cannot register the pig and only the breeder may register a pig to prevent people from cheating in any way. There is untrustworthy people out there anywhere and that is one reason to purchase a pig that is registered because it cannot be registered unless it is DNA tested. A mix breed pig usually does not have the temperament of a pure registered pig and tend to be aggressive and destructive.

I personally chose to go registered, DNA tested pure kunekunes and I DO NOT regret it!! My whole herd is very calm, extremely smart and easy to handle!

The History of the KuneKune

The KuneKune Pig breed was once near certain extinction. These delightful pigs were only found near the Maori Islands of New Zealand. They were kept by the Maori people and were allowed to roam around their villages.

The origin of the breed is somewhat uncertain, as there is a lack of documented information on its introduction and early population numbers in New Zealand. The general consensus is that the KuneKune were probably brought to New Zealand in the 1800's by whalers operating in New Zealand waters, and were traded with the Maoris. Pigs with similar characteristics occur in Asia, South America, and the Polynesian Islands, but the resemblance is slight and suggestive only of a possible common ancestry. The history of the breed is one of a close association with the Maori people, and in the early 1900's were usually only found associated with Maori settlements. In early times the KuneKune were prized for their placid nature and their tendency not to roam, as they have always been a domesticated pig.

In the late 1970's the breed was 'rediscovered' and at that time it was estimated that there were only about 50 purebred KuneKunes left in New Zealand. From purebred base stock of only 6 sows and 3 boars in 1978, the KuneKune conservation program was created by wildlife park owners Michael Willis and John Simister. These two gentlemen single handedly saved the breed from extinction. Once more herds were established in New Zealand, it became clear that exporting of the breed was important. They were afraid that if disease or other natural disasters struck in New Zealand this would wipe the breed out completely. In 1992 the first KuneKunes left New Zealand to go to the UK. Additional stock was sent to the UK in 1993 & 1996.

All KuneKunes in the United States go back to either direct New Zealand or UK imported stock. There have been five importations of KuneKune pigs into the USA occurring in 1996, 2005, 2010, and 2012.

The KuneKunes are known for their extremely docile and friendly personality which is unmatched by any other breed of swine. They are extremely outgoing and love human interaction. They are a grazing breed of swine and as such prefer to graze on grass. Their short and upturned snouts make them suitable grazers and less prone to rooting found in other breeds. KuneKunes are known for having 2 wattles (much like goats) found on the neck/jowl of the pig but also come unwattled as well. They have little to no desire to roam and do not test fencing and rarely root down like other types of pigs and rarely meet strangers! KuneKunes are still rare in the USA, but are gaining popularity very quickly, finding their niche in many different markets.

KuneKunes are a smaller breed of swine that make them perfect for just about any size farm. One thing that characterizes the KuneKune pig is it's short, upturned snout. This breed characteristic makes them quite suitable for grazing. They much prefer to graze on a pasture over anything else. They fit perfectly in a variety of agriculture environments - Hobby Farms, Orchards, Pets, Petting Zoos, Breeding Stock, Sustainable Agriculture/Grass fed pork, Zoos, Therapy programs, Showing and so much more!

The average height is 24 inches and they can weigh up to 350 lbs. naturally Intact boars will weigh much more than sows and barrows.

You can learn more at : https://americankunekunepigsociety.org