KuneKune Bloodlines
If you're reading this, you likely already love the KuneKune breed like we do—you appreciate their unique, amazing personalities and the benefits they bring to any homestead—or you're looking to learn more about them. Imagine a world without these charming pigs. This scenario almost became a reality in the 1970s when KuneKune pigs came dangerously close to extinction. The population had dwindled to just around 50 individuals, found mainly on small rural farms and in Maori communities in New Zealand. Without concerted efforts, this unique breed was at risk of disappearing entirely.
The rescue of the KuneKunes owes much to Michael Willis and John Simister, two wildlife park owners who recognized the pigs' historical and genetic importance. They acquired a few of the remaining pigs, bred them carefully, and began a preservation effort. Through their dedication, the KuneKunes started to rebound, with the population gradually growing as awareness of the breed’s charming temperament and grazing abilities spread.
The pigs were introduced to the UK in the 1990s and later to the U.S., where they have become popular with hobby farmers and enthusiasts. Today, thanks to the efforts of various breed associations, like the American KuneKune Pig Society (AKKPS) and Empire KuneKune Pig Association (EKPA), which have worked tirelessly to promote responsible breeding practices, provide educational resources, and maintain breed registries, these pigs are thriving once more.
The introduction of KuneKunes to the U.S. has preserved their genetic diversity, and the specific boar and sow lines have become foundational to the thriving KuneKune community in North America. While they are no longer endangered, maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse population free of crossbreeding is still important. Registries and breeding programs ensure this progress continues by tracking lineage and minimizing inbreeding. While KuneKunes have come a long way, they still rely on careful stewardship to secure their future!
Boar Bloodlines: The Foundation of U.S. KuneKunes
KuneKune boar lines serve as the genetic backbone of the breed in the U.S., with eleven primary lines imported into the country over a span of several years. Each boar line has its own distinct history, traits, and origin, with some arriving from New Zealand and others from England. Here is a closer look at the boar lines that shaped KuneKune pigs in the United States:
Boris (Imported in 1995 from New Zealand).
Tonganui (Imported in 1995 from New Zealand)
Wairua (imported from New Zealand in 1995)*
Andrew (Imported in 2005 from England)
Te Whangi (Imported in 2005 from England)
Mahia Love (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Tutanekai (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Tuahuru (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Whakanui (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Tutaki (Imported in 2010 from England)
Ru (Imported in 2011 from England)
BH Tutaki (Imported in 2011 from England)
Bold and italics indicates a bloodline we have at our farm.
Sow Bloodlines: The Mothers of U.S. KuneKunes
Sow lines are just as important in preserving the health and traits of KuneKune pigs. With 16 original sow lines (14 of which are still present today), these sows form the backbone of KuneKune breeding programs across the country. Each sow line adds its own unique attributes, from excellent mothering skills to friendly personalities.
Wilsons Gina (Imported in 1995 from New Zealand)
Rona (Imported in 1995 from New Zealand)
Jenny (Imported in 2005 from England)
Trish (imported from the UK in 2005)**
Rebecca Gina (Imported in 2010 from England)
Haunene (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Momona (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Tapeka (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Tarutaru (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Aria Giana (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)
Manuhiri (Imported in 2010 from New Zealand)***
Kereopa (Imported in 2010 from England)
BH Rebecca Gina (Imported in 2011 from England)
Awakino (Imported in 2011 from England)
Trish (Imported in 2011 from England)
Sally (Imported in 2011 from England)
Bold and italics indicates a bloodline we have at our farm.
The Importance of Bloodlines
Bloodlines play a critical role in maintaining the health and diversity of the KuneKune breed in the United States. The careful importation of boar and sow lines from New Zealand and England has ensured that KuneKune pigs retain the best of their genetics, including their calm and friendly temperament, excellent grazing abilities, and strong maternal instincts.
This is why it is also crucial to only buy registered stock if your goal is to help preserve this breed. Without registration, there is no way to confirm you are purchasing a purebred KuneKune. Even if a breeder has KuneKune pigs from registered parents, there is no guarantee without a DNA parentage test and the related paperwork that the piglets are from that specific pairing. Wild pigs can breed with domestic pigs, and instances of unintended fence breeding have been well-documented. Crossbreeding not only harms the preservation of this wonderful breed but also risks damaging its reputation if customers receive pigs that do not exhibit typical KuneKune traits.
What’s next?
The rich history of KuneKune bloodlines in the United States is a testament to the dedication of breeders who sought to preserve this unique breed. Through the careful selection of boar and sow lines from New Zealand and England, KuneKunes have flourished in the U.S., becoming a beloved breed known for their gentle nature, hardy build, and ability to thrive in a variety of environments.
In recent years, the population of KuneKunes has rebounded so well that many farms and homesteads raise them for their delicious and nutrient dense meat. Having recently completed the KuneKune Pork Producers Association's (KPPA) mentorship program, this is a benefit I'm hoping to share with our customers in the near future.
Whether you are breeding for meat, companionship, or show, understanding the history and genetics of these bloodlines is key to ensuring the continued success of this remarkable breed. To learn more and take part in the conservation on KuneKunes, please consider joining the AKKPS as your registry and the EKPA for on-going education and opportunities to connect with other KuneKune enthusiasts.
* Produced very few offspring so no longer available
** Never produced offspring
*** Died shortly after quarantine
