Huntaway

The Huntaway dog was first bred in New Zealand in the early 1900s. Farmers needed a sturdy, fast dog with a talent for keeping track of their herds of sheep. The combination of speed, agility, and stamina possessed by this canine has earned it the nickname, New Zealand’s sheepdog. They are categorized in the herding group.

This dog’s temperament is affectionate and protective. They are fond of children, especially when running around, jumping, and playing games. A family searching for a smart, energy-filled dog with a loyal nature should give this breed a closer look.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Huntaway

Origins

Sheep farmers in New Zealand soon found that a new herding companion was required to enable them to keep abreast of their flocks at all times. They were going to need an intelligent, energetic canine with a loud bark and the ability to work alone or as part of a team. It took combining several breeds: collies, English hounds, labradors, and Old English sheepdogs, and the rest, as they say, is history.

By the 1900s, the huntaway came into being. A large, hardy canine, it came with a deep bark that could carry for miles. It was also sufficiently robust to cover large distances and handle inclement weather, making it the perfect herding assistant for sheep farmers in a different new climate.

Size and Weight

This breed is a sturdy, compact dog. A male can grow to a height of 26 inches, and a female can be 24 inches tall at the shoulder. A male can be as heavy as 88 pounds, while a female can weigh 77 pounds. Seven-week-old puppies weigh an average of five to six pounds. They are full-grown by the age of 18 months.

Common Health Issues

This breed has a certain number of health issues for potential owners to consider. Hip dysplasia is a health issue of this lively dog. This is when the hip joint has not formed correctly. A limping or hopping dog may be experiencing this condition. Unfortunately, bone cancer is another health issue faced by this breed. A visible lump, lameness, or pain are all potential signs of bone cancer in this dog. The treatment depends on the severity and specific type of bone cancer involved.

Ear infections are also common in dogs with long ears, and this breed is no exception. Mud or dusty debris can accumulate in this dog’s ears, leading to bacterial growth and infection. Regular cleaning is a good tactic to prevent infection. But if this dog gets an ear issue, these infections can be treated by a vet.

Temperament and Behavior

This dog is always alert to its surroundings. Alertness and agility are two of the most important traits in a dog bred to take charge of a large flock of sheep. Even if it’s not herding sheep, this dog notices the activities going on all around it. So, if a family member picks up a ball or a frisbee for a game, this canine will take note.

Though they were bred for the hard work of herding sheep on a ranch or farm, these dogs are known for their affectionate behavior. They love to be praised and patted. This is a great quality for a family dog. This dog would fit well into a family that likes to travel around and have fun.

How to Take Care of a Huntaway

Caring for a Huntaway puppy or older dog is easier if you know more about the breed’s specific needs. Giving this pet the proper diet, exercise, healthcare, and grooming attention can help it to live a long and happy life in your family.

The Best Dog Food for Huntaways

The right diet gives your Huntaway the energy it needs to get through its active day. Huntaway puppies require a different diet than full-grown dogs.

Huntaway puppy food: These puppies need DHA in their diet to support the healthy development of their eyesight and brain. Protein aids the development of muscles and bones. Paying special attention to healthy bone development is important in a breed vulnerable to bone cancer. Carbohydrates give these puppies the energy to support their running, jumping, and exploring activities. It’s best to serve these puppies four small meals each day to keep their energy up throughout their waking hours.

Huntaway adult dog food: Protein in an adult dog’s diet contributes to the strong muscles and cartilage of this very active pooch. Calcium is an ingredient that adds even more strength to this dog’s bones. Maintaining the bone health of this dog may head off hip dysplasia. Fat in its diet gives it stamina and energy for the long periods of running characteristic of this dog. Vitamin A maintains this dog’s healthy eyesight. Adult dogs should be fed twice per day, once in the morning and once in the early evening, so the food can be digested before sleep time.

Maintenance and Grooming

How much does a Huntaway shed? These dogs are average shedders. Keep in mind, they do increase shedding activity at the start of the summer season. A good grooming routine for this dog involves brushing its short, wavy coat once per week. At the beginning of the summer season, when this dog sheds more than normal, a slicker brush can remove dead hair from its coat.

They are prone to getting infections in their ears. This is common for many dogs that have long, furry ears. So, when grooming, take a moist, soft cloth and wipe the underside of each ear to remove excess wax and dirt. Ask a vet if there is a mild cleaning solution that would be appropriate to use on the dog’s ears. Cleaning a Huntaway’s ears gives you a chance to spot any potential infection right away so you can get treatment for it if necessary.

Training

Like most herding dogs, Huntaways are intelligent with alert senses. Consequently, the obedience training process is relatively simple with this breed.

Exercise

Daily exercise is at the top of the list of requirements for this dog. They are strong dogs with stamina, so taking this pet to a nearby field or woods is a great way to just let it run off some energy. It’s a smart idea to make sure your Huntaway is fully trained before letting it off the leash to run in any environment.

Come up with games that give this dog a task to complete. Like playing a game of tug-of-war with a rope bone or asking the dog to find a toy you’ve hidden somewhere in the yard. Think about it. These dogs were bred for the task of herding sheep. So, they are most happy when they have a goal to work for.

Is this dog appropriate for life in an apartment? No, it needs more space than an apartment can provide. A farm or a home with a large fenced-in back or front yard is the best type of home for this pooch with the sweet personality.

Puppies

Socialization is important for any dog breed, but is especially critical for this one. Why? Because a Huntaway puppy that’s not properly socialized is likely to grow into an adult dog that tries to herd children, adults, and pets in a home. Keep in mind, they are only doing what they were bred to do. But careful socialization from the time it is a puppy can show this breed when herding behavior is appropriate.

Huntaways and Children

Even a socialized Huntaway can revert to its natural herding instincts. So, it’s best to keep an eye on the meetings between a child and the family’s Huntaway until it’s clear the dog understands what is expected of it.

Dogs Similar to Huntaways

Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Belgian Sheepdogs are all similar breeds to the Huntaway.

• Border Collie: These are quick-minded dogs with a friendly temperament like the Huntaway breed, and have the same lifespan. But the Huntaway is bigger in size, including both height and weight.
• Australian Cattle Dog: Both are herding dogs and share an affectionate temperament. Plus, they have a similar lifespan. As for size, the Huntaway breed is heavier and taller.
• Belgian Sheepdog: This dog is intelligent with a serious-minded temperament when it comes to herding sheep. But, unlike the Huntaway, the Belgian Sheepdog’s coat can be silver and black, white and black, gray and black, fawn and black, as well as other color combinations. Alternatively, a Huntaway’s coat is black, brown, or pied.