The Kunekune pig is a small, domesticated breed from New Zealand, renowned for its distinctive hairy coat and rotund build. These pigs often have wattles hanging from their lower jaws and display a wide array of colors, including Black and White, Ginger, Gold-tip, Black, Brown, and Tri-colored. Known for their docile and friendly nature, Kunekunes make excellent pets.

The name "Kunekune" means "fat and round" in Maori, reflecting their endearing, rotund build. The breed is believed to have descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 19th century by whalers or traders. Kunekunes are remarkable for their social learning skills and astonishingly good memory.

By the mid-1970s, the breed faced near extinction, with only about 60 animals remaining. Two dedicated individuals, John Simister and Michael Willis, embarked on a mission to save the Kunekunes. They traveled across the North Island of New Zealand, gathering 18 pigs to start a breeding program at Staglands and Willowbank.

Thanks to their efforts, Kunekunes were eventually imported into Great Britain and then the United States, where they have become common enough to be commercially farmed for meat. Their gentle and loving nature continues to make them beloved pets as well.