All canids and felids worldwide
Planethoster

New Zealand Huntaway

New Zealand Huntaway

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.
Origin
 New Zealand
Translation
 Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
New Zealand Sheepdog
New Zealand Collie
Huntaway

A brief presentation of the New Zealand Huntaway
The Huntaway was developed in New Zealand by mixing the Border Collie with a variety of other breeds, such as the Doberman, to create a herding dog that uses its voice in the field. Their appearance varies and, although most are medium to large-sized black and tan dogs, their other physical characteristics differ considerably within the population. Their lively spirit and athletic ability make them well suited to their work. Thanks to their good nature, they tend to integrate well into the farming family. They can be independent and need solid training to make the most of it. Hyper and destructive when underused, this dog absolutely needs an active lifestyle.

History of the New Zealand Huntaway
In a country with the densest sheep population in the world, the demand for New Zealand Sheepdogs has always been high. A determined dog with stamina to spare was needed to patrol the vast terrain of the country's large sheep farms. What sets the Huntaway apart from other breeds, such as the Border Collie, is the powerful bark it uses to graze. The use of their voice is a useful feature on very hilly land, when both farmer and dog sometimes disappear from view. Their short coat is also an advantage in summer, when long-haired breeds like the Border Collie can struggle to keep cool. Developed by mixing a variety of sheepdogs, including the Border Collie, as well as other breeds, such as the Rottweiler and Labrador, the Huntaway occupies a place in the sheepdog market, with its ability to guard flocks by bark rather than sight.

Although its exact origin is unknown, the first known written record of the Huntaway appeared in 1870 in the Upper Waitaki region, where it was known that a sheepdog trial had a Huntaway class. Also, in 1884, in the Otago Daily Times newspaper, there were advertisements featuring the breed. It wasn't until 2013 that the Huntaway dog was recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club. However, as these are working dogs whose appearance has never been specifically selected, it's simply not possible to create a breed standard and show your dog at this stage. There is great variety in the appearance of this breed. The organization also made it clear that the Huntaway should never be kept solely as a pet, but must continue to exist as a working dog.

When breeding a Huntaway, the breeder must focus exclusively on its abilities and health, and never on its appearance, which is insignificant to the breed. Although best known in New Zealand, Huntaways are also used in Australia and Great Britain, and a Huntaway club has recently been formed in Japan.

Appearance of the New Zealand Huntaway
Unlike most modern dog breeds, the Huntaway is not a dog with a uniform appearance and breed standard. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, conformations and coat types. Their appearance is far less important than their working ability, for which they are bred. Any description can only be a generalized account, as there is enormous variability within the breed. Saying that, Huntaways tend to be a medium to large breed, and typically a Huntaway will measure between 50 and 66 cm and weigh between 18 and 45 kg. They are known for their black and beige coats, which can be of any texture. Although black and tan are by far the most common color combination, it's quite common to see a Huntaway in a different color, such as brindle, black or white. For working purposes, most dogs will have a well-muscled, athletic body. The majority of the breed will have soft ears and a deep chest with long legs.

Temperament of the New Zealand Huntaway
Diligent workers, Huntaways are motivated, obedient and extremely intelligent. They are renowned for their problem-solving skills and will excel at sheepdog trials. Thanks to their intelligence, they can quickly become bored and dislike repetitive tasks. Built for endurance and the ability to be active for long periods, they will quickly become destructive and hypertrophic if they don't have an adequate outlet for their high energy levels. They are generally not suited to an indoor lifestyle. They therefore prefer to move around outdoors, and like to work in groups rather than alone. Despite their dedication to their work, they enjoy the company of humans, and respect their managers in particular, often forming a close bond with them. They do well with children and other animals, but may attempt to herd smaller creatures if given the chance. As they are shepherds by nature and not guard or defense dogs, they are very tolerant of strangers and often welcome them with bonhomie. Although you might assume that Huntaways will bark incessantly, and that this would be problematic, anecdotally, they will rarely bark if they're not working.

Needs and activities of the New Zealand Huntaway
In the right hands, this breed is a dream to train. Sensitive to absorption and eager to learn, they will pick up new commands and tricks with remarkable speed. It's true, however, that they can often be quite independent and thus benefit from a consistent and dedicated business owner. Keeping their training interesting and varied is the key to their interest and participation. Given the purpose of this breed, it's not surprising that they need a great deal of exercise to stay sane. In addition to physical activity, they also need appropriate mental stimulation. Participation in a variety of activities, such as breeding, agility and obedience, will lead to a satisfied dog. Inevitably, an under-used Huntaway will become a nuisance in the home and can be destructive, hyper and misbehave.

Maintenance of the New Zealand Huntaway
Because of the variety of coat types in this breed, each individual will have particular needs. In general, however, this is a low-maintenance breed, rarely requiring brushing and bathing. As with all dogs, daily brushing and nail trimming are recommended every few months. These are tasks that should be introduced at an early age. Because of their soft ears, Huntaway hunters need to be regularly checked and cleaned. The ear canals must be thoroughly dried after bathing to prevent infection. Huntaways are known to be incredibly hardy dogs with relatively few health problems. They tend to live into their early teens. Due to the rarity of the breed, very few relevant health tests have been carried out.
Details
Also available: Français (France) Deutsch (Deutschland) Español (España) Nederlands (nl-NL)
Hits: 221

No comments

The latest updated breeds

Recognized cat breeds
  • Ojos azules

    Ojos azules

    Ojos azules Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Ojos azules is a breed of cat native to the United States. This cat is characterized by its blue or odd-colored eyes, regardless of coat color. A brief historical overview The history of the Ojos Azules began in the early 1980s with the discovery in New Mexico of Cornflower, a tortoiseshell...
  • Ocicat

    Ocicat

    Ocicat Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Ocicat is a breed of cat native to the United States. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its mottled fawn coat, reminiscent of the Ocelot. A brief historical overview The Ocicat was created in 1964 in the United States by a breeder, Mrs. Virginia Daly. She wanted to breed Siamese tabby...
  • Norvégien

    Norvégien

    Norvégien Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Norvégien, also known as the Norwegian Forest Cat or Norsk skogkatt, is a semi-long-haired cat breed from Norway. This large cat is characterized by its very thick semi-long-haired coat and its wild look. A brief historical overview Cats are thought to have arrived from southern Europe and were...
  • Nebelung

    Nebelung

    Nebelung Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Nebelung is a cat breed originally from Russia. This cat is the semi-long-haired variety of the Russian Blue, whose genetic characteristics it shares. A brief historical overview The instability of the early 20th century was very difficult for many breeds, some of which almost disappeared. Such is...
  • Munchkin

    Munchkin

    Munchkin Translation Francis Vandzersteen Origin This cat is characterized by its very short legs, hence its nickname of “basset cat”. This cat is characterized by its very short legs, hence its nickname of “basset cat”. Standard For a cat to be recognized as a Munchkin, it must conform to the breed standard. If certain criteria are not met, the...
  • Mau égyptien

    Mau égyptien

    Mau égyptien Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Egyptian Mau is a cat breed originally from Egypt. Developed from 1953 in Italy and then in the United States by a Russian princess. A brief historical overview Nathalie Troubetzkoï was a Russian princess exiled in the palace of the Egyptian ambassador to Italy during the Second World War. A...
  • Mau arabe

    Mau arabe

    Mau arabe Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Mau arabe is a cat breed from the Arabian Peninsula. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its ancestral origins. A brief historical overview The Mau arabe is a natural breed, but was only recognized in 2009. These cats have occupied the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years, living in...
  • Manx

    Manx

    Manx Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Manx is a breed of cat originating from the Isle of Man (British Isles). This cat is characterized by its lack of tail. A brief historical overview The Manx cat (kayt Manninagh or stubbin in Manx), also known as the Isle of Man cat, originated, as its name suggests, on the British Isle of Man.The...
  • Mandarin

    Mandarin

    Mandarin Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Mandarin, also known as the Oriental longhair and Javanese, is a breed of cat native to the United States. This cat is the semi-longhair variety of the Oriental. A brief historical overview The history of the Mandarin begins with that of the Oriental. In fact, the Mandarin is a semi-long-haired...
  • Maine coon

    Maine coon

    Maine coon Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Maine coon is a longhaired cat breed from the state of Maine in the United States. This rustic-looking cat is characterized by its large size, plumed tail, square muzzle, plumed ears and long coat. A brief historical overview The Maine Coon is probably one of North America's oldest natural...
  • LaPerm

    LaPerm

    LaPerm Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The LaPerm is a cat breed originally from the United States. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its curly coat. A brief historical overview The breed was created in 1982 in the U.S. state of Oregon by a woman named Linda Koehl. The curly hair is due to a natural mutation in the genes of one of...
  • Korat

    Korat

    Korat Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Korat is a breed of cat native to Thailand. This small cat is characterized by its blue coat and green eyes. A brief historical overview The Tamra Meow, or Book of Cat Poems, is a richly illustrated Thai collection of verses written between 1350 and 1767, describing seventeen different cats, some...
  • Khao Manee

    Khao Manee

    Khao Manee Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Khao Manee is a breed of cat native to Thailand. This cat is characterized by its white shorthair coat. Its eyes can be yellow, blue or mint. Standard Official recognition of the Khao Manee is underway, notably through TICA and GCCF. It has been possible to register adult and juvenile Khao...
  • Himalayen

    Himalayen

    Himalayen Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Himalayen, also known as the colorpoint or colorpoint (US), is a cat breed originating in the United States. In some European countries, this breed does not exist and is considered a coat of the Persian. A brief historical overview The Himalayen is a colorpoint Persian. These Persians are...
  • Highland Fold

    Highland Fold

    Highland Fold Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Highland Fold is a breed of cat originally from Scotland. The name Highland Fold is given to the shorthair variety. A brief historical overview The first known specimen of a cat with folded ears is Susie, a cat living on a farm north of Dundee in Scotland. She was discovered in 1961 by...
  • Scottish Fold

    Scottish Fold

    Scottish Fold Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Scottish Fold is a breed of cat originally from Scotland. The name Scottish Fold is given to the shorthair variety. A brief historical overview The first known specimen of a cat with folded ears is Susie, a cat living on a farm north of Dundee in Scotland. She was discovered in 1961 by...