Huntaway Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

Basic Information - Huntaway for Sale

Group:

Herding dogs

Origin:

New Zealand

Height Male:

56 - 66 cm22 - 26 inches

Height Female:

52 - 62 cm20 - 25 inches

Weight Male:

25 - 46 kg55 - 102 pounds

Weight Female:

20 - 35 kg44 - 78 pounds

Life Span:

12 - 14 Years

Litter Size:

5 - 7

Size:

Large

Other Names:

New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog

Colors Available:

commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable

Coat:

smooth or rough

Shedding:

Minimal

Temperament:

Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet

Grooming:

Low Maintenance

Trainability:

Easy

Hypoallergenic:

Kids Friendly:

Yes

New Owners Friendly:

Yes

History - Huntaway for Sale

The Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

Description - Huntaway for Sale

huntaway puppy - description The Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

Characteristics - Huntaway for Sale

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristics They are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems - Huntaway for Sale

huntaway puppies - health problems The Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
Cancer of bone – life threatening
Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet - Huntaway for Sale

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caring If you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.