Discovering Breeds of Dogs NZ

New Zealand is home to a diverse range of dog breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and traits.

The country is home to over 30 recognized breeds, including the popular Border Collie, which is known for its high energy levels and intelligence.

With so many breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you and your family.

The New Zealand Kennel Club is the governing body for dog breeding in the country and provides a wealth of information on the different breeds, including their origins, temperaments, and grooming needs.

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The New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) recognises a wide range of dog breeds, including the Afghan Hound and the Akita. The NZKC has a standard for each breed, outlining its characteristics and traits.

The NZKC's breed recognition process is rigorous, and breeds must meet strict criteria before being recognised. For example, the Huntaway breed was recognised by the NZKC in August 2013, making it the first breed of New Zealand origin to be recognised.

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The NZKC's breed directory lists over 150 breeds, including the popular Labrador Retriever and the elegant Saluki. You can find a list of recognised breeds on the NZKC's website.

Some breeds, like the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Retriever, are popular family pets, while others, like the Bullmastiff and the Rottweiler, are often used as guard dogs. Regardless of their purpose, all breeds have unique characteristics and traits that make them special.

Here's a list of some of the breeds recognised by the NZKC:

It's worth noting that the NZKC's breed recognition process is ongoing, and new breeds are being added all the time. This means that there may be new breeds to discover and learn about in the future.

The Labrador retriever is a popular dog breed known for its outgoing personality and friendly demeanor. They're one of the best-behaved dog breeds, making them a great choice for families.

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Labrador retrievers are playful and easy-going, coming in chocolate, black, and yellow varieties. These characteristics make them very sociable, allowing for easy bonding with the family and other animals.

These dogs are also one of the easiest breeds to train, as they love to make their owners happy. Occasional baths and brushing are all they need to keep them looking their best.

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The Basenji is a great choice for first-time owners who tend to be gone often, as they're not always clingy and love to be independent like a cat. They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, needing only a once-over every week or two.

Their short coat is easy to care for, and they don't require frequent bathing unless they get into something messy.

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, including black and tan with some white or brindle, and come in different textures such as smooth, rough, or grizzly.

Huntaways are generally floppy eared.

A Huntaway's height is usually in the range of 56–66 centimetres (22–26 in).

They require great intelligence, agility, and stamina for days of working on steep, rough country over large distances.

Their bark is deep and repeating, usually with a short pause between barks.

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