Huntaway Dog Breed: An Amazing New Breed You Would Love Around
Herding dogs of the Huntaway breed are known for their steadfastness and toughness. If you consider welcoming this dog into your home, it is important to learn about its background and why it was bred the way it was.
Let’s find out where this uncommon but popular New Zealand breed came from, how it should be cared for, and how it should be trained.
The Huntaway dog is at the top of the list of dog breeds compiled by All About Cats because it has had the biggest rise in the number of web searches conducted in the United States over the previous two years.
This is a significant indication that people in the United States are developing a growing fondness for this dog breed. Based on his name, the Huntaway sounds like an exciting journey, just ready to take place.
The ability of this breed to be trained, in addition to its toughness, makes the Huntaway an ideal choice for certain families.
Still, these working dogs have kept their original herding characteristics and are best suited for a household that understands and appreciates their one-of-a-kind personality.
Are you curious about the person whose name is Huntaway? Does the thought of a handsome man with a tan and black coat who is tough and eager to be your companion sound ideal to you?
Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating New Zealand dog breed to see whether or not it is the right choice for you. Learn about this lively and loving breed’s characteristics and background to determine whether he would be a good fit for your way of life.
History Of The Breed
The Huntaway is the sole indigenous dog breed in New Zealand, according to the National Kennel Club of New Zealand, which recognizes the breed.
An advertisement placed by a farmer in an issue of the Otago Daily Times in 1884 for a sheepdog that had been “broken on difficult land” is credited with being the first known written mention of the breed.
Due to the difficult terrain in New Zealand, stockmen needed a dog that could herd livestock (mostly sheep) toward their intended destination over a distance of many miles and hundreds of acres.
The Huntaway, like most dog breeds, was created to satisfy a requirement that humans imposed. Between 1856 and 1987, the most significant agricultural activity in New Zealand was sheep farming.
The rugged topography demanded a breed of herding dog distinct from the early herding dogs that eventually developed into the famous Border Collie breed.
The Border Collie is still the most popular breed of herding dog used on sheep farms in the United Kingdom. The farmers of New Zealand required a dog that was not only quick but also possessed a remarkable level of power.
With its powerful bark, the new breed would “push” livestock over the vast countryside.
Farmers mixed the normal herding dog, the Border Collie type, with larger breeds such as the Foxhound and the Doberman to develop a breed with the strength and stamina to cover this harsh territory.
This resulted in the creation of a breed known as the Doberman Foxhound. This cross provided the dogs with increased strength and size and the assertive voice that was necessary to drive their herd.
Around the world, Huntaway terriers are quickly gaining a reputation as some of the best herding dogs.
Although this outdoorsy breed is still very uncommon in the United States and is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, we can expect to see more of them in the future.
Temperament Of The Breed
Huntaways were designed for herding stock by barking after the flock and urging them in a particular direction.
How they behave in the context of their human and animal family members is determined by the characteristics that led to their selection in the first place.
Huntaways are exceptionally devoted to the member of the family they regard as their master, yet, they are friendly and affectionate with all of the family members, especially the youngsters, and they are not aggressive toward anyone.
“They have to be entirely trustworthy,” adds Mr. Brian Davies, a breeder of Huntaway dogs in Mid-Wales.
The farmers who developed the Huntaway breed needed dogs that could execute their work independently and far away from the herdsman, which is why they created the Huntaway breed.
Because Huntaways are working dogs, they require sufficient activity to maintain their health.
The Huntaway can cover more than ten miles in a single day, and the breed was designed specifically for big farms that consist of hundreds or even thousands of acres.
To keep his body and mind in good shape, a dog of this type needs daily social connection with his family and a sizable fenced-in yard.
Remember that the original designers of the Huntaway breed wanted a dog that barked frequently and loudly, so anyone thinking about getting a Huntaway as a pet needs to keep this in mind.
Huntaways are responsible for following their flock and noisily barking to encourage their sheep to move forward.
Although working Huntaways are educated to “speak up” and “quiet” by their herdsman, who utilizes their bark upon order, it will be difficult to control a companion animal behavior that is so firmly set in a dog’s DNA.
Before you add a Huntaway to your family, you should consider the positive contribution their great voice will make. The talkative Huntaway is probably not the best choice for you if you need a quiet companion.
Appearance And Size
Huntaways are enormous dogs, although their look can vary quite a bit from one another. Despite this, they share some characteristics due to the breeds from which they originated.
They have a powerful frame and, in most cases, have striking black and tan markings that indicate the Doberman influence; nevertheless, there is variability within the breed, even down to the color of their coats.
The Coat And Color
Although most Huntaways have a black and tan coat, the breed standard recognizes brindle, black, and white coats and combinations of these colors.
Some Huntaways even have the appearance of black Labrador Retrievers, while others have coats similar to those of Border Collies or Rough Collies
There is a very wide range of variation in the coat type of individual dogs because Border Collies were formed by breeding dogs with very different coats (the short, silky hair of the Doberman and the Foxhound and the longer, feathery coat of the Border Collie).
According to the individual, Huntaway’s coat can be smooth or broken.
Exercise Requirements
Hunters can cover many kilometers in a single day as they tend to their herds. They have an innate requirement to engage in strenuous activity for extended periods.
If the owner of a high-energy dog does not provide an outlet for his energy, the dog’s excess energy may be expressed negatively.
This is especially true between eighteen months and two years before he reaches full maturity. These canines can cover a great deal of ground, and their instinct is to herd other animals.
Make sure that this natural tendency does not brand them as outcasts in the community.
They do not have a high drive for prey and do not have a strong impulse to guard; therefore, they are generally friendly with new people.
Consider the possibility that most of your Huntaway’s exercise will occur in a public area, such as a dog park, and be aware that his barking could make some other dog owners feel uneasy.
Even if they have a particularly close relationship with one family member, Huntaways enjoys spending time with all of them. Jogging on a leash with their favorite people will be something these high-energy canines look forward to doing.
If you love your dog to be a good canine citizen in a park or neighborhood, you should train it to bark when it is told to and to dependably stop when it is told to.
The Living Conditions Of The Breed
When you add a Huntaway to your family, it is important to remember your pet’s unique history. Your companion will require access to a spacious yard that is securely fenced in.
If you want to keep your Huntaway safe at home, you need to have a strong fence to contain him because he can cover more land than many other dogs his size.
The link between a huntaway and its master is quite strong, and the huntaway will seek you and your family for attention and engagement.
Spend time with your partner daily and give him the sense of purpose he craves. Working dogs do best with this. You should spend time with your dog daily, training him to bark appropriately.
You can enhance your connection with him by directing his behaviors in the field. These canines were created specifically to assist their human companions in their profession.
Although they do not have a strong drive to hunt prey, Huntaways can try to herd other household pets or even family members. They will be better able to harness their instincts with your direction, and it won’t stress out your other animals.
Huntaways are not bred to be guard dogs; they are friendly with well-behaved youngsters and visitors to the home and do not threaten other animals.
Training Of The Breed
Herders developed the breed to collaborate with its human masters and fellow herding dogs to successfully guide big groups of animals that were generally unwilling in the desired direction.
Their bark is their tool, and the foundation for a strong working link between you and your companion is laying the groundwork for them to utilize their bark responsibly through training using the orders “speak up” and “quiet.”
Huntaways have the independent streak necessary to work for a flock out of sight of the herdsman, so the hours you spend working with your dog on basic commands will create a canine who will make the same choices without you by his side, as he would with you right there.
This is because Huntaways are bred to be able to work for a flock even when the herdsman is not present. You may bank on the patience and regular training you have provided to build a reliable companion.
The American Kennel Club reminds owners that crate training their new puppy provides them with a safe space and that it may be necessary even if your working dog spends most of his time outdoors with a snug dog house to protect him from the elements.
Crate training can help prevent destructive behavior in puppies. Your dog will seek solace in his warm den if you bring him inside due to inclement weather or an injury that requires him to do so.
Working dogs, like other puppies, will require patience and positive reinforcement to get comfortable confined in their crate.
Invest in a spacious kennel to hold an adult Huntaway, and give yourself and your new puppy a few months of adjustment time while you gradually extend the amount of time he is required to be inside his crate daily.
Health Of The Breed
The Huntaway is a breed of dog considered to be generally healthy and has no significant health problems.
They are the product of more than one breed and may demonstrate hybrid vigor; nevertheless, we must consider the breeds from which they originated to evaluate any potential health problems properly.
Tests are recommended for each of these conditions inherited from the Huntaway’s foundation breeds by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, also known as the OFA.
Joint Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions that can affect a vast number of dog breeds, including Huntaways. It is recommended that owners give their giant breed puppies a puppy food mix that does not encourage rapid growth to prevent this problem.
The OFA and the PennHIP Evaluation are both suitable for the Huntaway as a breed of dog because they are descended from Border Collies, Foxhounds, and Dobermans.
Eye Conditions
The Border Collie, which serves as the foundation for the Huntaway, is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, pannus, and Collie’s eye.
As these diseases may worsen with age, veterinarians advise getting an annual eye exam for pets up until the age of seven, performed by a board-certified ACVO ophthalmologist, to screen for them.
Cardiac Conditions
It is possible that Huntaway inherited a cardiac ailment called dilated cardiomyopathy from his Doberman ancestors. If this condition is not diagnosed and treated early, it can cause heart failure and even death.
The OFA advises advanced cardiac screening, which should include both ECHO and HOLTER examinations, for breeds that tend to this condition. Be careful to inquire with your canine companion’s physician about whether or not they should undergo this test.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
The Doberman is genetically inclined to develop a condition known as autoimmune thyroiditis, which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis may present as hypothyroidism; however, it may also be a sign of other more dangerous conditions.
Because an accurate diagnosis is essential, you should talk to your vet if you observe indications of hypothyroidism, the most obvious of which is an unexplained weight increase in the affected individual.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This blood clotting issue could be passed down to the Huntaway from his Doberman ancestors, in which case the Huntaway would have an insufficient amount of ‘Von Willebrand’ protein or factor in his blood.
Your acquaintance may be at risk of excessive bleeding due to a clotting problem, and Huntaways may be at increased risk of sustaining small injuries due to his busy lifestyle.
To screen for this condition, you should ask your veterinarian whether they suggest ordering the DNA-based vWD test from a laboratory that has been authorized. The results will be submitted to the OFA for registration.
Breed’s Nutrition
The typical adult Huntaway will consume approximately two cups of food twice a day.
The quantity of food required for your dog to maintain good health will vary according to factors such as age, weight, and how active it is. Your dog’s physical condition will be the most reliable indicator for you to follow.
Puppies with the potential to mature into large dogs, like the Huntaway, have an increased risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia.
Feed your large breed puppy a formula designed specifically for large breed puppies during the first eighteen months of their life.
You can help maintain steady growth rates and avoid the rapid growth that could put your pet at risk for developing dysplasia in the future.
According to the website for Diamond Brand, large-breed puppy formulas are “generally lower in fat and calories, contain slightly lower calcium and phosphorus levels, and have a carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.”
These benefits can be found in larger quantities in adult dog food. All of these things might help your puppy steer clear of developmental issues in the long run.
Breed’s Grooming
Because Huntaways were bred to be working dogs, their coats were bred to require little to no grooming.
However, their coats are not all the same. Depending on where you take your dog for walks, you may need to brush out any mats or burrs that your dog may have picked up on his travels during his time spent exploring.
The coat will determine the type of brush best suited for your Huntaway that your specific dog has.
When it comes to increasing shine, a bristle brush will be of greater use to a Huntaway with a coat that is more similar to that of a Foxhound or Doberman than it will be to a Huntaway with a coat that is more similar to that of a Border Collie.
Because of its long fur and double coat, your pet may require a brush with comb-toothed bristles, such as an undercoat rake or slicker brush.
When the weather permits, bathe your Huntaway once every four to six weeks using a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for canines.
You may need to bathe your Huntaway if he comes into contact with a skunk or has some other specific requirement. The Huntaway has a moderate amount of shedding, although the amount can vary depending on the coat type.
Brushing your dog once a week would help keep the amount of visible shedding minimal. Even though Huntaways require little in the way of grooming, they still require regular care for their nails and teeth, just like every other breed of dog.
Breeders And Costs Of Puppies
The majority of Huntaways all over the world are being bred to work as sheepdogs, and a breeder in the UK named Brian Davis recommends that people avoid buying crossbred puppies.
The honesty of the breeders and the care with which they select the Huntaway’s parents are directly related to the quality of the Huntaway’s offspring. Find a breeder committed to the breed’s working standard and get in touch with them.
On the website Puppyfinder.com, no Huntaway pups or adult dogs are advertised for sale at the time of this posting. There are plenty to choose from in the UK, and the prices are often close to $500 in local currency.
Before buying a puppy, you need to consider how much it will cost you to provide for its care, just like any other dog. Because of the breed’s requirement for a safe yard fence, the costs involved with owning a Huntaway can be significantly greater than average.
Even though it appears to have fewer health issues than other herding breeds, Huntaways will still require routine veterinary care, much like other herding breeds.
Rescues And Shelters
Although the breed is currently uncommon in the United States, it is important to maintain communication with your neighborhood animal shelter in case a Huntaway that needs a permanent home is brought in.
As the number of dogs of this breed in the United States continues to rise, potential buyers may be tempted to buy one on a whim due to the breed’s working temperament and gorgeous appearance.
Conclusion
The Huntaway is a one-of-a-kind alternative for families who lead active lifestyles and have enough space and time to accommodate their active child’s personality.
When kept as a pet, the Huntaway can be difficult to train because of the very attributes that make him such an exceptional sheepdog in the field.
Huntaways naturally bark. It is encoded in their genes. By teaching your Huntaway when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not, you can ensure that he is a friendly neighbor rather than a bothersome one.
Similarly, your Huntaway might occasionally decide to round up your family members or your other pets. He will show unwavering affection for your family and eagerly anticipate conversing with your visitors.
The Huntaway could be the perfect pet for you and your family if you have a sizable fenced yard, lead an active lifestyle, and enjoy spending outside.
Your new best friend, with his rugged good looks and welcoming demeanor, is sure to be quite the conversation starter when you first meet him.
You and your companion will serve as local ambassadors for this exciting new breed once more individuals in the United States can purchase them.
Questions People Also Ask: (FAQs)
Is Huntaway A Suitable Pet For A Family?
They have a strong level of drive and activity, yet at the same time, they are naturally kind and calm. They are patient, considerate, and watchful around little ones.
Even though they are wonderful additions to families, they have a propensity to “herd” other household members, including animals that aren’t canines, to get them to do what they want.
Which Breeds Go Into The Making Of Huntaway?
The Huntaway, also known as the New Zealand Huntaway, is a breed of dog that originates in New Zealand and is recognized for its huge size and sturdy build.
They are mostly used for herding sheep in that country. They were developed to have a loud, low-pitched bark that could be used to drive sheep.
What Is The Price Of A Huntaway Dog?
According to the well-known dog trainer and triallist Lloyd Smith, farmers should be prepared to spend top dollar for a good heading dog or huntaway.
According to him, the going pricing for a quality sheepdog was between $5000 and $6000 five years ago, but now it is anywhere between $8000 and $10,000.
What Is The Key Distinction Between A Huntaway And A Heading Dog?
A specific breed of dogs, such as the New Zealand Header or the New Zealand Huntaway, is required to keep such a large flock of sheep under control when so many of them exist.
While the Huntaways are more likely to bark and drive the sheep away, the Headers are responsible for herding them back. They are referred to as headers because they lead the sheep in the correct direction.
How Do You Stop Huntaway From Barking?
Please give them a dog treat to give to Gnash, but tell them they must first ask him to sit down or tell him to be quiet before they give it to him.
At the very least, he will learn that it is not worth his time to bark at visitors and that he is rewarded more if he is calm and does not jump up and down all the time.
What Kind Of Biting Power Does A Huntaway Have?
The Huntaway’s biting power is average. The bite force of most dogs ranges between 200 and 400 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Because the Huntaway, along with many other breeds, possesses a formidable presence due to its tremendous jaw power, it is essential to avoid angering the dog and to avoid exposing it to unfamiliar people until it is completely trained.
Are Cats And Huntaway Dogs Able To Get Along?
Even though they get along well with non-canine pets, Huntaway dogs sometimes try to round up cats and other animals that live in the house. The breed is known for its intelligence, work ethic, and ability to herd livestock effectively.
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