use keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed
(New Zealand Sheepdog)The New Zealand Huntaway is a varied breed. Some of them look like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or even Wirehaired Vizslas. This breed comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes. This breed does not have a standard because they were bred for a strong herding ability not for appearances.
User added info
This breed is mostly used as a sheepdog. The term Huntaway comes from the expression that the dogs hunt sheep or cattle away from them with their bark. They were trained to move livestock along, not herd them and bring them back to their master as the Border Collies or the New Zealand Heading dog does.
The New Zealand Huntaway is an exceptionally intelligent dog. Wonderful with people and all animals, this breed does not make a good guard dog but is an excellent family dog. Unlike many intelligent breeds, the New Zealand Huntaway is not usually stubborn and is extremely easy for all types of training. One problem with this breed is that they were bred to herd by barking so naturally they bark quite frequently but with their eager to please attitude training them not to bark can be very simple.
Since the New Zealand Huntaway is bred with the only best and healthiest dogs from many different breeds, they have very few health concerns. They can be happy and healthy family dogs for approximately 12-14 years.
The New Zealand Huntaway was created through selective breeding during the early 20th century. Herders noticed some dog specimens were barking in order to herd the animals. To develop this trait, breeding programs were implemented. The breed today is a combination of dozens of dog types and has successfully been created to use barking for herding. New Zealand Huntaways are most common in New Zealand are gaining popularity in England and Japan.
Brushing the New Zealand Huntaway should be done on a regular basis to keep their fur clean and smooth. Baths should only be done when they are truly filthy. Other than that simple grooming, they are maintenance free. However, plenty of exercise is needed for this active working dog. Since this breed was used as a herder, no exercise is too much and no training is too difficult. This breed should have time to run off leash or have actual herding time.
The New Zealand Huntaway is an extremely friendly dog that does great in many living environments. The breed is an excellent family dog that is great with children and all animals. Plus, they love attention and are fine with strangers. An apartment will work for this breed as long as plenty of exercise is given. This is a great breed for people with little time for grooming and people with a large yard. One problem with this breed is their frequent barking. This friendly dog does wonderful with families but should not be used as a guard or watch dog because of their very friendly nature.
The Huntaway was bred to be a working dog and enjoys an active lifestyle. They are known to work for endless hours. They are best suited for a home with a large yard.
If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site.
Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.
Hi, I have an awesome huntaway too but live in New Zealand. When she whimpers do you try to reassure her. If you do, you may be confirming to her that she is doing the right thing by whimpering. Instead you can teach her a 'leave it' command. Don't use a 'NO', but more of an, uh uh. Then reward her when she stops. There is more to it than just that but being a huntaway they are very forgiving if we train them incorrectly and will pick up the new training quickly. I recommend a wonderful book. It is ' six week family friendly dog training' by Patricia McConnell. It's not very big and will have most of your answers. If you can't find it locally, try her web site or a dog book website call Dogwise.
She is only 4 months old but already weighs over 15 Kg. Loves retrieving,
Age :
31/2 yrs
Name:
Oli
Color:
Black/tan
Description:
Awesome
Age :
10 months
Name:
keisha
Color:
black,tan,white chest
Description:
huntaway cross
Age :
Born 1/5/2010
Name:
Kobi
Color:
Black and Tan
Description:
New Zealand Huntaway pup second generation, grandparents came over to England. Fun, intelligent and excellent family pet
Age :
Born 1/5/2010
Name:
Kobi
Color:
Black and Tan
Description:
Fun, intelligent and loyal. Has been trained not to bark, fabulous family pet.
Age :
12 weeks
Name:
Beau
Color:
Tan
Description:
We were given Beau when the original owner decided she didn't have enough time for a puppy. He was suffering from worms & fleas & was underweight, not socialised or toilet trained. We love him, he gets on well with my son, our Jack Russell & 3 cats. He's very affectionate, fun & willing to learn. Really enjoying this breed so far.
Age :
13 months
Name:
Ziggy
Color:
Tan
Description:
Ziggy is a Huntaway X Boxer. He is tan alll over and is a good looking dog. He weighs 35 kgs and is approx 1 metre tall
Age :
3 yrs
Name:
Phelan
Color:
Tri colour
Description:
Huntaway X
Age :
1 and a half
Name:
Achmid
Color:
Tan Black and white
Description:
His mum was a Rottwiler X Staffordshire Bull Terrier and his dad was a Huntaway (so hes not quite a pure breed but seem hunaways are made up of diffrent breeds it works fine). He has the huntaway build, speed, energy, love for herding my horses when I dont want him to and barks a LOT! But he is a good gard dog thanks to the rottwiler from his mum. Hes super friendly and you can do anything with him even dress him up :)
Age :
7 yrs
Name:
Rum
Color:
black and tan
Description:
Here is Rum out the back of Walter Peak Station,Queenstown,my most beloved dog,that 23 yrs later i still think of him and wish i could see him again
Age :
6
Name:
Taffy
Color:
Tan & Black
Description:
Rope or ball, either way I am happy! So is rounding up my brother Jedha (stumpy tailed red cattle dog) is also fun!
Age :
6
Name:
Taffy
Color:
Tan & Black
Description:
Safe on Dad's lap.
Age :
7 months
Name:
Sam
Color:
black and tan
Description:
Only seven months old and already 35 kilos! Sam is a big lovable dufus. Loads of energy and a deep booming bark...can make relations with neighbours problematic at times.