The Complete Guide to Huntaway Care

Huntaways are a type of dog that originated in New Zealand, bred to herd sheep and cattle.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise, at least 2 hours a day, to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

A well-maintained coat is essential for Huntaways, with regular brushing and nail trimming to prevent matting and overgrowth.

Their intelligence and strong herding instinct can make them stubborn at times, but consistent training and positive reinforcement can overcome this.

To keep your Huntaway happy and healthy, provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

The Huntaway is a large, deep-chested dog with a sturdy build, weighing between 25-45 kilograms and standing between 56-66 centimeters tall. Their coats can vary in color, but black and tan is the most common combination.

Their intelligence is renowned, and they excel at problem-solving and sheepdog trials. They are also known for their ability to work in a pack and their stamina to be active for long periods.

A Huntaway's height range is as follows:

Their energy levels are high, and they require adequate outlets to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. If not given enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can become hyper and destructive.

The Huntaway is a highly adaptable breed, originally bred to work large flocks of sheep in New Zealand. Their intelligence, reliability, and trustworthiness make them a valuable asset on farms and ranches.

Huntaways are known for their medium to large size, typically weighing between 18 and 45kg and standing between 50 and 66cm tall. They have a well-proportioned body, with a deep chest and muscular physique that allows them to run and control large flocks.

Their coats can vary in texture and color, with black and tan being the most common combination. However, they can also come in brindle, black, or white, and some may have a rough or glossy coat.

Here are the typical height and weight ranges for Huntaways:

Their skulls are flat with a moderate width between the ears, and their heads are broad and nicely proportioned to their body. Their eyes are expressive, showing intelligence and alertness, and their ears are moderately wide at the base and set on top of their head.

The Huntaway is a highly intelligent breed that excels at problem-solving and can get bored quickly if not given enough mental stimulation.

They are driven and obedient, making them a great fit for sheepdog trials and other active pursuits. However, they can become destructive and hyper if not provided with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Huntaways are built for endurance and stamina, requiring a lot of daily physical exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They are natural herders and may try to herd smaller creatures, including pets and family members, if given the opportunity.

Despite their strong work ethic, Huntaways are friendly and tolerant of strangers, often welcoming them with a good-natured bark.

They are not suited for an indoor lifestyle and prefer to roam outside, working in a pack rather than alone.

Huntaways are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, forming close bonds with them and doing well with children and other pets.

However, they may not make the best guard dogs due to their friendly nature, but their loud, deep bark can still be an effective deterrent.

Overall, the Huntaway's unique combination of intelligence, energy, and loyalty makes them a wonderful companion for active families and outdoor enthusiasts.

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The Huntaway is a generally healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. They tend to live into their early teens, which is a testament to their hardiness.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in the breed, and it's essential to have your dog hip scored through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) or the Animal Health Trust (AHT) to identify any potential problems early on.

Allergies can also affect Huntaways, and they can be notoriously hard to clear up. Common triggers include dog foods with high levels of grains and other cereal-type fillers, airborne pollens, dust mites, environment, flea and tick bites, and chemicals found in household cleaning products.

Some hereditary diseases to be aware of in the breed include mucopolysaccharidosis, sub-aortic stenosis, black hair follicular dysplasia, and fetal anasarca. Bone cancer, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia are also concerns, as well as ear health and infection, and eye problems.

It's worth noting that a genetic condition called Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) has been identified in the breed, which is a rare metabolic disorder that can result in neurological abnormalities.

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The Huntaway breed is known for being generally healthy, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a relatively long lifespan, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years when properly cared for.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in medium to large sized dogs, and it's likely to affect the Huntaway breed as well. This condition can lead to immobility, lameness, and pain.

Dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart to become enlarged and not function correctly, may be more prevalent in Huntaways than in other breeds. This can ultimately lead to heart failure and be fatal.

Ear health is also a concern for Huntaways, and they can be prone to infections. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help prevent and detect any ear issues early on.

Some other health issues that have been identified in the breed include mucopolysaccharidosis, sub-aortic stenosis, black hair follicular dysplasia, and fetal anasarca. These conditions are relatively rare, but it's essential to be aware of them if you're considering bringing a Huntaway into your family.

Here are some key health concerns to be aware of when it comes to the Huntaway breed:

Allergies can be a challenge to deal with, especially if you're a dog owner. A vet is the best person to consult if you suspect your Huntaway has an allergy.

The first step is to take your dog to see a vet as soon as possible if an allergy flares up. This is because allergies can be notoriously hard to clear up.

A vet can make your dog more comfortable while trying to find out the triggers of the allergy. Some common triggers include certain dog foods that contain high levels of grains and other cereal-type fillers.

Airborne pollens and dust mites are also potential allergens that can affect your dog. The environment can also play a role in triggering allergies.

Flea and tick bites, as well as chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products, are other possible culprits.

Here are some common allergen triggers to keep an eye out for:

Keeping vet appointments is crucial for your Huntaway puppy's health and wellness. A puppy would not have full protection after their first vaccinations, so follow-up shots are necessary.

Puppies typically need their follow-up shots between 10-12 weeks old. This schedule is essential for ensuring your puppy's protection against diseases.

A vaccination schedule is in place to protect your puppy, but it's also important to discuss boosters with a vet. They can help determine if your dog really needs them after a certain time.

If your dog ever needs to go into kennels, their vaccinations must be fully up to date. This is a critical consideration for dog owners who travel or have busy schedules.

Huntaways are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they still need regular care and attention to stay healthy and happy.

Their coats require regular brushing, typically once a week, to remove loose hair and keep them looking their best. They also shed all year round, with more frequent brushing needed during spring and autumn.

To prevent ear infections, it's essential to check your Huntaway's ears regularly and clean them when necessary. If too much wax builds up, it can lead to painful infections that can be hard to clear up.

A weekly wipe with a chamois leather can help keep your Huntaway's coat shiny and healthy. They may also need the occasional bath with a specifically designed dog shampoo, but be careful not to overdo it as their natural oils help them withstand climate changes.

To keep your Huntaway's teeth healthy, brush them daily, and their claws should be clipped every few months. These tasks should be introduced from a young age to make them a regular part of your dog's care routine.

Here's a rough guide to the nutritional needs of Huntaways:

Older Huntaways need to be fed a good quality diet that meets their needs at this stage of their lives, and their weight should be closely monitored to prevent them from becoming overweight or underweight.

Most Huntaways like swimming and will take to the water whenever they can, especially when the weather is hot.

However, if your dog doesn't like water, never force them to go in because it will only end up scaring them.

Care should always be taken when walking a Huntaway off the lead anywhere near more dangerous watercourses, just in case a dog decides to leap in and needs rescuing.

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The Huntaway breed is known for being relatively low maintenance, but they still need some TLC to stay happy and healthy.

They shed, especially during summer months, so a weekly brush is a must to keep their coat looking its best.

As they have a natural oil on their skin, it's best not to bathe them too often, but a soft damp cloth can be used to remove dirt and dust.

You should also check their folded ears for infection and brush their teeth regularly to keep them clean and healthy.

A long walk every day is essential for Huntaways, especially if they're not working dogs, and they love games that challenge them.

They respond well to training and love learning new things, so be prepared to engage their minds as well as their bodies.

A large fenced yard in the countryside is ideal for a Huntaway, as they need plenty of space to run around and play.

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Remember to trim their nails when necessary and clip their claws every few months to keep them from getting overgrown.

A weekly or twice weekly brush will keep their coat looking shiny and healthy, and a chamois leather wipe will help keep it nice and shiny.

They shed all year round, but more so during Spring and Autumn, so be prepared for some extra brushing during these times.

Regular ear checking and cleaning is crucial to prevent painful infections, especially if they get dirty or wet.

Exercise and Activity are crucial for Huntaways to stay happy and healthy. They need a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise a day, with as much off the lead time as possible in a safe environment.

Huntaways are high-energy dogs that like to be kept busy, so they need mental stimulation too. Participating in activities like herding, agility, and obedience will keep them satisfied. A shorter walk in the morning is fine, but a longer, more interesting one in the afternoon is a must.

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To prevent boredom and destructive behavior, Huntaways need daily exercise and mental stimulation. If they don't get enough, they may become a nuisance in the home and exhibit hyper and badly behaved tendencies.

Huntaway puppies should never be over-exercised, as their joints and bones are still growing. This includes not letting them jump up and down from furniture or go up and down the stairs. Too much pressure on their joints and spines at an early age could result in serious problems later in life.

A good rule of thumb for exercise is to provide a combination of physical activity and mental stimulation. For example, a 25 kg adult Huntaway can be fed 253g to 327g of food per day, depending on their activity level.

Here's a rough guide to daily exercise needs for Huntaways:

Remember to provide fresh, clean water and a balanced diet to support your Huntaway's exercise needs.

Puppy-proofing is a must when bringing a new Huntaway puppy home. This means putting away any tools and other implements that a boisterous puppy might injure themselves on, such as electric wires and cables.

Puppies need to sleep a lot to grow and develop as they should, so setting up a quiet area where they can retreat to when they want to nap is essential. It's also a good idea to keep playtime nice and calm inside the house and to have a more active playtime outside in the garden.

A responsible breeder will have well-socialised their puppies, but it's still essential to puppy-proof your home and garden before bringing a new puppy home. This includes removing toxic plants from flowerbeds and the home.

Puppies need to be wormed regularly, with a schedule that includes worming at 6 months old, 8 months old, 10 months old, and 12 months old. The documentation a breeder provides for a puppy should have all the details of their worming date and the product used.

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To ensure your Huntaway puppy is getting the right amount of food, you can follow this feeding guide:

Remember to feed your puppy 3 or 4 times a day, and to make sure their meals are evenly spread out throughout the day.