Huntaways are a long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. This is due in part to their robust health and minimal genetic disorders.
Their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as diet and exercise, but with proper care, many Huntaways live well into their teens. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on.
Huntaways are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional nail trimming and brushing to prevent matting.
Huntaway Health
Huntaways are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. The average life expectancy of a Huntaway is between 12 and 14 years with proper care and nutrition.
Hip dysplasia is a common condition that affects many breeds, including Huntaways. Dogs should be hip scored through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) or the Animal Health Trust (AHT) to identify potential issues.
Cancer is another health concern for Huntaways, and responsible breeders will ensure their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary and congenital health issues.
To keep your Huntaway healthy, regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat and skin. Daily exercise is also crucial to ensure they remain fit and healthy. A good quality diet that meets their nutritional needs will also help prevent health issues.
Here are some key health considerations for Huntaways:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cancer
Health of the Huntaway
The Huntaway is known to be a healthy dog, but like any breed, they can suffer from certain health issues. The average life expectancy of a New Zealand Huntaway is between 12 and 14 years when properly cared for.
A few hereditary health issues affect the breed, and it's essential to be aware of them if you're considering bringing a Huntaway into your home. Hip dysplasia is one of these issues, and dogs should be hip scored through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) or the Animal Health Trust (AHT).
Cancer is another condition that seems to affect the breed. Responsible breeders will ensure that their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary and congenital health issues.
Here are some key health issues to be aware of:
- Hip dysplasia – dogs should be hip scored through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) or the Animal Health Trust (AHT)
- Cancer
What About Allergies?
If your Huntaway suffers from allergies, it's essential to take action quickly. A vet can help make your dog more comfortable while trying to find the triggers.
Allergies can be hard to clear up, but a vet can assist in finding the root cause. Certain dog foods with high levels of grains and cereal-type fillers can be a trigger.
Airborne pollens, dust mites, and environmental factors can also cause allergies. Flea and tick bites, as well as chemicals in household cleaning products, can also be culprits.
Here are some common allergy triggers to consider:
- Certain dog foods that contain high levels of grains and other cereal-type fillers
- Airborne pollens
- Dust mites
- Environment
- Flea and tick bites
- Chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products
Huntaway Care
Huntaway Care is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Huntaways need regular grooming to keep their coats and skin in top condition.
To ensure they remain fit and healthy, they require daily exercise, with a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity. Off the lead time in a safe environment is also essential for their mental stimulation and happiness.
A good quality diet is also vital for Huntaways, with a rough guide for adult feeding being 253g to 327g per day for a 25kg dog, depending on activity level.
Here's a feeding guide for adult Huntaways based on their weight:
It's also essential to ensure the fencing in your backyard is extremely secure, as Huntaways are high energy dogs that can easily escape if they find a weakness.
Health Schemes Participation
Participating in health schemes is a crucial aspect of Huntaway care. Responsible breeders already do this, but it's essential for new owners to understand the importance of health testing.
Dogs should be hip scored through reputable organizations like the British Veterinary Association (BVA) or the Animal Health Trust (AHT). This helps identify potential hip dysplasia issues early on.
Cancer is another health concern that affects the breed. Regular health checks and monitoring can help identify any potential issues.
If you're planning to bring a Huntaway into your family, make sure to ask about the health testing done on the parents. This will give you a better understanding of the potential health risks your dog may face.
Huntaway Care
To keep your Huntaway happy and healthy, regular grooming is a must. This includes brushing their coat and checking their skin to prevent any issues.
Huntaways are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to keep them fit and active. Aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, with as much off-lead time as possible in a safe environment.
A shorter morning walk can be fine, but a longer, more interesting afternoon walk is essential. This will help keep your Huntaway engaged and prevent boredom.
A secure back garden is also a must, as Huntaways love to roam around and let off steam. However, the fencing needs to be extremely secure to prevent escape attempts.
Don't over-exercise your Huntaway puppy, as their joints and bones are still growing. This means avoiding activities that put too much pressure on their joints, such as jumping up and down from furniture or going up and down the stairs.
As your Huntaway grows, their feeding needs will change. Here's a rough guide to their daily feeding needs:
Remember, these are just rough guidelines, and your Huntaway's actual feeding needs may vary depending on their activity level.
Huntaway Lifespan
The average life expectancy of a New Zealand Huntaway is between 12 and 14 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.
Huntaways are known to be a healthy breed, but they can suffer from a few hereditary health issues. Hip dysplasia and cancer are two conditions that seem to affect the breed the most.
As Huntaways age, they may develop certain health concerns. Their muzzle may start to go grey, and their coats become coarser.
Older Huntaways need regular check-ups to monitor their health. A good quality diet and plenty of exercise can help prevent weight gain and maintain muscle tone.
Here's a rough guide to feeding your older Huntaway:
- Protein content: 14-21%
- Fat content: less than 10%
- Fibre content: less than 4%
- Calcium content: 0.5-0.8%
- Phosphorous content: 0.4-0.7%
- Sodium content: 0.2-0.4%
Older Huntaways still need regular exercise to stay healthy. However, their exercise needs may change as they age.
Sources
- Huntaway (europetnet.org)
- standard (nzkc.org.nz)
- http://www.dogsnz.org.nz/breeds/info/nz-huntaway/535 (dogsnz.org.nz)
- Farm dogs – Heading dogs, huntaways and all-purpose dogs (teara.govt.nz)
- Huntaway Club UK (huntawayclub.co.uk)
- Huntaway Breed Guide - Learn about the ... - Pet Paw (petpaw.com.au)
- Huntaway Dogs Breed - Information, Temperament, Size & ... (pets4homes.co.uk)
- New Zealand Huntaway - Long Living Pets Research Projects (longlivingpets.com)
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