Huntaway New Zealand Breed Overview and History

The Huntaway New Zealand breed has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century in New Zealand.

Developed from the Old English Sheepdog and the Collie, the Huntaway was bred to herd sheep and other livestock across the rugged New Zealand terrain.

This breed was specifically designed for its intelligence, energy, and strong herding instincts, making it an ideal companion for farmers and ranchers.

Originally known as the "Huntaway", the breed was later renamed to "Huntaway New Zealand" in the early 20th century to reflect its unique heritage.

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The Huntaway is known for being an incredibly hardy dog with relatively few health issues. They tend to live into their early teens.

A possible predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy has been identified in the breed, which can result in an enlarged heart that doesn't function correctly. This can lead to heart failure and ultimately be fatal.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) is a rare metabolic disorder that affects Huntaways, causing neurological abnormalities and making it essential to not breed affected dogs. Hip dysplasia, a condition where the hips don't form correctly, is also a concern in the breed.

Here are some key health issues to be aware of in Huntaways:

Regular ear checking and cleaning is crucial due to the breed's floppy ears, and ear canals should be thoroughly dried after swimming and bathing to prevent infection.

The Huntaway is known for being an incredibly hardy dog with relatively few health issues. They tend to live into their early teens.

However, like all breeds, the Huntaway is not immune to certain health problems. One genetic condition that has been well studied within the breed is Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA), a rare metabolic disorder that results in neurological abnormalities and should never be bred from.

A small study of twelve dogs in 2011 found that Dilated Cardiomyopathy (or DCM) may be higher in the Huntaway breed than other breeds. This disease results in an enlarged heart that does not function correctly.

Hip dysplasia is also a potential issue in the breed, as a preliminary study in 2011 suggested that it is likely a problem in Huntaways. This condition affects the formation of the hip joint, leading to immobility, lameness, and pain.

In terms of specific statistics, a study in 2011 found that the rate of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Huntaways may be higher than in other breeds.

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The Huntaway's grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, but they do require some regular attention.

Their coat type can vary, but they generally need infrequent brushing and rare bathing.

Daily teeth brushing is a must, just like with all dogs.

Their floppy ears need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infections.

Ear canals should be thoroughly dried after swimming and bathing to prevent infection.

Claws should be clipped every few months, a task that's best introduced from a young age.

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Huntaway New Zealand dogs are a dream to train with the right approach. They're sharp on the uptake and willing to learn, picking up new commands and tricks remarkably quickly.

Consistency and dedication from their owner are key to keeping them engaged and motivated. A firm but gentle hand will help them stay on track and prevent them from becoming too independent.

Keeping their training interesting and varied is essential to keeping their participation and interest high.

Huntaways are driven, obedient, and extremely intelligent dogs that thrive on problem-solving and physical activity. They excel at sheepdog trials and can quickly become bored if not given adequate mental and physical stimulation.

Built for stamina and high energy levels, they require regular exercise and outdoor activities to prevent destructive behavior. If not given an outlet for their energy, they can become hyper and destructive.

They are generally not suited for an indoor lifestyle and prefer to roam outside, working in a pack rather than alone. This makes them well-suited for active families or individuals with large outdoor spaces.

Huntaways form close bonds with their handlers and are good with children and other animals. However, they may attempt to herd smaller creatures if given the opportunity, so close supervision is necessary.

Despite their strong work ethic, Huntaways are tolerant of strangers and will often welcome them good-naturedly. They are not watchdogs or guard dogs, but rather shepherds by nature.

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Young farmers have been traveling to New Zealand to gain work experience in agriculture, with many going shearing and staying for a season.

Cardiff University's Professor Gareth Enticott has studied this trend and found that a common factor among these young farmers is their interest in Huntaway dogs.

Welsh young farmers, in particular, have brought back Huntaway dogs to the UK, developing a strong admiration for the breed after working alongside them in New Zealand.

These younger farmers have become interested in Huntaway dogs as part of their farming skills development, and many have stayed in New Zealand to work with them.

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As a breeder of Huntaway New Zealand dogs, I can attest that regular exercise is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

Huntaway New Zealand dogs were originally bred for herding and require at least an hour of exercise per day.

Their high energy levels mean they need to be kept active, whether through running, playing fetch, or going on long walks.

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In fact, a lack of exercise can lead to destructive behavior such as digging and chewing.

To keep your Huntaway New Zealand dog happy and healthy, it's essential to establish a regular exercise routine that includes a mix of physical and mental stimulation.

This could include activities like agility training, obedience training, and scent work.

A balanced diet is also crucial for maintaining your Huntaway New Zealand dog's energy levels, with a daily calorie intake of around 1,500 calories recommended.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, ideally 2-3 times a week.

Huntaways are a beloved breed in New Zealand, and for good reason. They're highly intelligent and energetic dogs that thrive on physical and mental stimulation.

One notable Huntaway is the famous dog, Rata, who was known for his incredible herding skills and won numerous awards in the breed. He's a true legend among Huntaway enthusiasts.

Their intelligence and energy make them a great fit for active families or farmers who need help managing their livestock.

The Huntaway breed has a special place in the hearts of many in New Zealand, where they originated. They are well respected within the country.

There is a notable monument dedicated to the Huntaway in Hunterville.

The breed's reputation is evident in the fact that there is no shortage of admiration for them in their native land.

In Britain, there's a growing interest in the Huntaway breed, particularly among farmers who appreciate their exceptional herding skills. Ellis Rees and Andy Piper are on a mission to establish an official breed register, the British Working Huntaway Association, to improve the breed's breeding history.

The lack of a breed association in the UK has made it difficult to track breeding and pedigree, which is why Ellis and Andy are working to create a database of working Huntaways. This will help breeders make informed decisions and improve the breed.

Ellis Rees was won over by the breed after visiting New Zealand three times and now uses his dogs for contract shepherding on farms across mid-Wales. He's impressed by their ability to move a huge amount of sheep with ease and control.

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The most recent addition to Ellis's pack, an imported dog named Tone, has gained attention for his bloodlines and training. Tone has been trained by Jeremy Berry and has the best of New Zealand's Huntaway bloodlines.

Teaching a Huntaway requires shaping their natural instincts, and the main command to teach is to be quiet. This is because they have a tendency to bark, so it's essential to teach them to be quiet when they're not around sheep.

New Zealand is a country located in the southern hemisphere, southeast of Australia. It's an island nation with a diverse landscape, from rugged mountains to beautiful beaches.

The country has a rich history, with the indigenous Maori people arriving around the 13th century. They brought with them their unique culture and traditions.

New Zealand is home to a variety of wildlife, including the kiwi bird, which is a national symbol. The kiwi is a small, flightless bird that's native to the country.

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The country's geography plays a significant role in shaping its climate, with the north being generally warmer and sunnier than the south. The south is cooler and wetter, with more rainfall throughout the year.

New Zealand has a population of around 4.9 million people, with the majority living in urban areas. The country's capital, Wellington, is located on the north island.