Shih Tzu vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shih Tzu vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonShih Tzu is originated from China but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Shih Tzu may grow 38 cm / 14 inches shorter than Huntaway. Shih Tzu may weigh 39 kg / 85 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Shih Tzu may live 4 years more than Huntaway. Both Shih Tzu and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Shih Tzu requires High maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low maintenance

History

shih tzu - historyThe Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

huntaway - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
China
New Zealand
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 18 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
all often multiple colored
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
fine, straight, and silky
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shih tzu puppy - descriptionThis is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

  • The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

  • The eyes face the front and are very large.
  • The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
  • The shoulders are frontal.

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”.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

shih tzu dog - characteristics2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

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.

Health Problems

shih tzu puppies - health problemsFor many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

  • Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

  • Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
  • Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Ear infections.
  • Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

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

Caring The Pet

shih tzu dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Shih Tzu vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Shih Tzu vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Shih Tzu vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Shih Tzu vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Shih Tzu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Shih Tzu vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Shih Tzu vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Shih Tzu vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Shih Tzu vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Shih Tzu vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Shih Tzu vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Shih Tzu vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  28. Saarlooswolfhond vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  29. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  33. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  34. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  42. Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  43. Perro de Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  45. Saluki vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  46. Mountain Cur vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  47. Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnauzerdor vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds