Wolfdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Wolfdog vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Wolfdog is originated from Germany. Huntaway may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Wolfdog. Both Huntaway and Wolfdog are having almost same weight. Both Huntaway and Wolfdog has almost same life span. Huntaway may have less litter size than Wolfdog. Huntaway requires Low Maintenance. But Wolfdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
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New Zealand
Germany
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
70 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
70 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
2 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
None
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
white, dark brown and black. , Grey, cream, red
Coat:
smooth or rough
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

huntawayThe 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.

wolfdogThe Wolfdog was brought about when domestic dogs were mated with a variety of wolves so as to produce a hybrid.

People who want to own these hybrids have to be careful because they find that the unpredictable behavior of their pets makes it difficult for them to care for them.

Then they want to get rid of it. Every year, heaps of these hybrids are abandoned due to humans interfering with nature.

The wolfdog has been bred with a number of dogs but we think about it more in terms of wolf and German shepherd.

Description

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe 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”.

wolfdog puppy - descriptionPeople mesmerized by the wolf long to bring some of that wildness home, and the wolfdog is supposed to do this.

Their looks differ a lot, even those that come from the same litter. You can’t have a predictable looking wolf dog because it could be any domestic dog bred with a wolf so they display a large variety of appearances.

Most Wolfdogs seem to have smaller heads than pure wolves. The ears seem to be bigger and more pointy.

A popular wolfdog mix is a German Shepherd mixed with the wolf. These dogs can be between 70 to 76cm in height and weigh between 40 and 45kg.

Their coat is thick and can be in colors of grey, cream, red, white, dark brown and black.

Temperament:

While the wolfdog can be trained to become quite a friendly kind of dog, it is not suitable for the first time dog owner. It can show bouts of aggressiveness around strangers and be highly protective of its family.

However, this can be helped with early socialization and training. It is illegal to own the wolfdog in some states. You don’t want to leave a wolfdog alone with your children even though the dog is capable of love and loyalty towards his human family.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey 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.

wolfdog dog - characteristicsWhen you add the genes of a wild animal to the pool, you get a crossbreed and when its an animal from the wild, its nature is unpredictable.

Many people don’t think about the consequences of what they do when they interfere with nature and the wolfdog gets put down when it behaves like a wild animal and attacks or bites out of defense.

Yes, they can be loyal, loving pets but always you will have the shadow of the dog or wolf’s unpredictable behavior.

There is a reason why these dogs are banned in a number of states. This dog-type-wolf breed is not recommended as a pet at all – take a look at animal shelters and the number of wolf dogs there and ask yourself why.

Health Problems

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe 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

These dogs are generally healthy and aren’t prone to genetic related issues.

wolfdog puppies - health problemsThey will also be susceptible to common dog ailments such as parasites and hip dysplasia.

Like any other dog, these Wolf dogs will also possibly develop tumors. He will also need to be vaccinated against harmful diseases and you will need to have a reliable local vet who is interested in your wolf dog.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf 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.

wolfdog dogs - caringIf you own a wolfdog the same care procedures would need to be followed as you would with a regular dog.

A wolfdog, however, can’t be vaccinated against rabies. It seems that the reason for this is that it is due to current legislation, and vaccine manufacturers don’t want to support wolf dogs as pets because they are considered to be dangerous.

Provide your wolfdog with highly nutritional, protein-based food. You don’t want to feed your wolfdog any of the low quality, traditional store-bought food high in carbs and artificial additives. Instead, look for a diet rich in proteins and be sure to give this dog some raw meat occasionally.

Groom the thick coat to ensure it stays shiny and healthy.

The dog is active and you will need to provide heaps of exercise for him, both mental and physical activities.

The wolfdog will require training but it will require dedication, though it can be done as the dog is very intelligent.

Even with training, the wolfdog isn’t suited to life in the city but should be kept in the countryside.

Comparison with other breeds

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