Huntaway
Also known as: New Zealand Huntaway New Zealand Sheepdog
The Huntaway is a medium-sized herding dog from New Zealand, weighing 55-88 lb and standing 22-26 in tall. The Huntaway comes from New Zealand, typically weighs 25–40 kilograms, and has a smooth or rough (grizzled) coat. Individual Huntaways vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- New Zealand
- Weight
- 25–40 kilograms (55–88 lb)
- Height
- 56–66 centimetres (22–26 in)
- Coat
- smooth or rough (grizzled)
- Colour
- variable, commonly black and tan, tricolour
- Other names
- New Zealand Huntaway New Zealand Sheepdog
About the Huntaway
The Huntaway is a medium-sized herding dog from New Zealand, weighing 55-88 lb and standing 22-26 in tall. It originated for herding and is known for its intelligence and energetic nature.
Overview
The Huntaway (also known as the New Zealand Huntaway ) is a large, strongly-built breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks in New Zealand , where they originate. They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep. The breed dates from the late-19th century, and is distinguished only on working ability. There is no prescribed appearance or lineage, but they are usually black-and-tan coloured. Only dogs that win at trials may be registered by the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association in their studbook.
Health
A possible predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy has been identified in the breed. Some hereditary diseases have been identified in Huntaways, these include: mucopolysaccharidosis , sub-aortic stenosis , black hair follicular dysplasia , and fetal anasarca .
History
The Huntaway was developed as a breed in response to farming conditions found in the New Zealand high country . The vast pastoral runs or "stations", such as those in the high country of the South Island, required teams of dogs who could work mustering for days on end, covering great distances on rough steep country. High country stations typically cover many thousands of hectares, and were often unfenced. British sheepdogs used by early New Zealand farmers mostly worked sheep silently, but occasionally a dog would use its bark to herd sheep. This characteristic was liked by some farmers, especially for driving sheep on rough, steep hill country where a dog may disappear from view, making a dog that drives stock by sight less useful. Collies and other working sheepdogs with the barking trait would have been crossed with any other breed that had other desirable traits, including size, stamina and a steady barking ability, as these are the traits that differentiate the Huntaway from the heading dog today, but the exact lineage is not known. The earliest references to Huntaways are in the late 19th century. A sheepdog trial with a specific class for Huntaways was advertised in the Upper Waitaki in 1870. "Wanted" advertisements for "huntaway sheepdogs" were in the Otago Daily Times newspaper in 1884, heading and huntaway collies were advertised for sale in 1885. The Huntaway was further developed as a separate breed from the heading dog during the 20th century.
Description
Huntaways are large, deep-chested dogs that generally weigh in the region of 25–45 kilograms (55–99 lb) . Their coats can vary in colour; colours include black and tan (usually) with some white or brindle. Their coats can also come in different textures; they can be smooth, rough, or grizzly and they are generally floppy eared. A Huntaway''s height is usually in the range of 56–66 centimetres (22–26 in) . They are required to have great intelligence, agility and stamina for days of working on steep, rough country over large distances, driving very large mobs of sheep. Their bark is deep and repeating, usually with a short pause between barks, which allows the barking to be sustained for very long periods.
Breed recognition
As of August 2013 the Huntaway breed was recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC). This is the first recognition of a dog breed of New Zealand origin. There is an NZKC standard for the Huntaway breed, but the standard notes:
General information
They have been bred to muster in the hills and mountains of New Zealand where it is difficult to walk or ride, so worded commands and whistles are used to communicate commands to these dogs when they are at a distance. They are well known for being a noisy dog, especially when working. As of 2016, they were the second most common breed of dog registered in New Zealand, after Labrador Retrievers . Hunterville in the North Island of New Zealand is known for its statue of a Huntaway.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Huntaway?
The Huntaway is a large, strongly-built breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks. They are known for their loud, deep bark and are usually black-and-tan coloured. The breed is distinguished by its working ability, with no prescribed appearance or lineage.
Is the Huntaway a good family dog?
Huntaways are working dogs bred for specific tasks, and their needs may not align with those of a typical family pet. They require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Families with experience in dog handling and herding may find a Huntaway suitable, but it's essential to consider their unique needs and requirements.
What health problems do Huntaways have?
Huntaways are prone to certain health issues, including dilated cardiomyopathy, mucopolysaccharidosis, sub-aortic stenosis, black hair follicular dysplasia, and fetal anasarca. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and management.
How much does a Huntaway puppy cost?
The cost of a Huntaway puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. As a rare breed, Huntaway puppies may be more expensive than other breeds. Potential buyers should expect to pay between $500 to $2,000 or more for a puppy, but this cost does not include ongoing expenses such as training, veterinary care, and supplies.
Where do Huntaways come from?
The Huntaway comes from New Zealand. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Huntaway, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.