Toy Australian Shepherd vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed ComparisonNew Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand but Toy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. New Zealand Huntaway may grow 24 cm / 10 inches higher than Toy Australian Shepherd. New Zealand Huntaway may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Toy Australian Shepherd. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Toy Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Toy Australian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Toy Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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New Zealand
United States
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
2 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
New Zealand Sheepdog
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Colors Available:
brindle, Black and tan
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
Coat:
Smooth or rough textured
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

new zealand huntawayThe New Zealand Huntaway was developed in New Zealand. The dog was brought about by mixing the Border Collie with a number of other breeds, of which the Doberman Pinscher is one.

The idea was to have a skilled herding dog for livestock, and the Huntaway is known for its loud bark which it uses to herd.

The dog is looked upon as as a fairly new breed, dating from the late 19th century. These days it is a popular companion dog, and in 2013 was recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

toy australian shepherdThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

Description

new zealand huntaway puppy - descriptionAs a deep chested, medium to large sized dog, the New Zealand Huntaway stands at between 50 and 60cm and weighs roughly 25 to 40kg.

The eyes are soft and kind. The coat is usually black and tan colored, although it can be brindle too. The coat is in different textures and can be mostly smooth, but also fairly rough textured. The ears are usually medium length and floppy, the legs straight and long and the tail is long.

Temperament:

These dogs are good natured and are guaranteed to make a splendid family pet. Because they have always been used to life in the country, they are more suited to this lifestyle than for living in the city.

They are friendly, energetic dogs and will require a good deal of exercise.They don’t take easily to lying around bored and this lifestyle will just lead to frustration and destructive behavior, through no fault of their own.

Just like with any other dog, the New Zealand Huntaway will need to be trained and socialized so that he becomes obedient and well rounded. This is necessary for him as he is an independent canine with a determined streak.

His intelligence will mean he is able to learn easily. He also is gentle and kind-hearted, and gets on well with kids and pets in the home.

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

Characteristics

new zealand huntaway dog - characteristicsThe Huntaway has got so much going for him to make him a splendid family pet. Not only is he intelligent, but he is evenly balanced, friendly, social and active.

He can easily be trained and socialized. He is friendly and gentle with other pets in the home as well as with children. With a firm, fair, kind, patient and consistent owner in his life, this dog with the gentle brown eyes will be a fantastic pet for you.

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

Health Problems

new zealand huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is the kind of dog that won’t require you having to rush off to the vet with him. Good care with nutritious food and exercise can see him reaching 14 years of age or so.

Some common dog illnesses to look out for include -

Dilated Caridomyopathy:

This disease is about degeneration of the heart muscle with the muscle becoming thinner. The pressure of the blood inside the heart causes these thin walls to stretch, resulting in the heart becoming enlarged.

Although heart disease develops slowly, severe congestive heart failure can develop quickly and you may notice rapid breathing and a blue tongue. It is imperative to get your pet to the vet immediately.

Small studies have revealed that the rate of Dilated Caridomyopathy could be higher in Huntaways.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an issue where the hips haven’t formed properly. Affected dogs lose their mobility and battle with pain and lameness. Certainly you will need to get your pet to the vet to make sure that he is pain-free and comfortable.

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

new zealand huntaway dogs - caringThis dog is an average shedder and fairly low maintenance, requiring you to brush him twice a week to keep the coat shiny and free from loose hairs.

Dogs that have floppy- or folded ears need to have their ears checked for infection as well as their eyes. They also need to have the nails trimmed as left long, they can hook onto things which can rip into the dog’s flesh.

Diet:

The Huntaway is a herding dog, and even though your dog today is more of a companion dog, he will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been particularly formulated for active working dog breeds.

It is a good idea to sometimes break away from a bowl of kibble and to mix in some homemade food. The simpler the better for your dog, and boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach mixed into his kibble occasionally will do him the world of good.

Now and then you can also add in some raw meat if possible. Avoid exotic, spicy foods with your pet to avoid digestive problems.

Exercise:

This dog has always been a hunting, herding dog so it is going to require a lot of exercise to keep him content and happy.

He won’t only need physical exercise but will also need mental stimulation as he is an intelligent dog too. Apart from taking him for walks and giving him ball- and rope games, for mental stimulation, why not consider some food puzzle toys?

These are sturdy containers that hold dog food and treats inside. Dogs have to paw at it, lick, shake and think up ways to get at the tasty treat. These food puzzle toys will keep your pet occupied for a while and keep him happily thinking.

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. New Zealand Huntaway vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. New Zealand Huntaway vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. New Zealand Huntaway vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. New Zealand Huntaway vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. New Zealand Huntaway vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. New Zealand Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. New Zealand Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. New Zealand Huntaway vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. New Zealand Huntaway vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. New Zealand Huntaway vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. New Zealand Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. New Zealand Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. New Zealand Huntaway vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Toy Australian Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Toy Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Toy Australian Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Toy Australian Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison