New Zealand Hunt Away
Discover the New Zealand Huntaway, a hardworking sheepdog celebrated for its intelligence, high energy and loud vocalising skills.
Breed Overview
Personality Traits
History & Background
The New Zealand Huntaway is a breed of dog that distinctly originated in New Zealand, emerging towards the late 19th century. Unlike many breeds whose histories are shrouded in the mists of time, the Huntaway was purposefully bred to meet specific pastoral needs in the region's rugged and extensive farming landscapes. New Zealand's sprawling and often steep sheep farms required a canine companion that could muster vast flocks over large areas, a task that demanded a unique combination of stamina, intelligence, and a strong, audible voice. To achieve this, farmers began cross-breeding various British and European dogs, including Border Collies, Bearded Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and perhaps even German Shepherds, creating a highly effective herding dog that used its resonant bark to drive sheep.
Unlike the traditional sheepdogs that worked primarily using sight and silent movement, the Huntaway was uniquely selected for its ability to use its voice to control sheep, a method known locally as “huntaway”. This distinctive working style became so effective and valued that it led to the breed's name. Trials and breeding programmes were developed to enhance these traits, ensuring the Huntaway’s skills were honed specifically for New Zealand’s terrain and farming practices. This methodological selection and breeding solidified the Huntaway’s position not just as a working dog but as an integral part of New Zealand's sheep farming culture.
Despite their critical role in agriculture, it wasn't until more recent times that the Huntaway was officially recognised as a breed. This lack of early formal recognition didn't hinder the Huntaway's proliferation and reputation as an indispensable farm worker across New Zealand, however. Today, while the Huntaway is celebrated within its native land, both for its herding proficiency and as a companion breed, it remains less well-known internationally. Nevertheless, the New Zealand Huntaway stands as a testament to the innovation and practicality of New Zealand’s sheep farmers, and its development marks a unique chapter in the world of dog breeds, representing a direct response to the environmental and economic needs of its place of origin.
Temperament & Personality
The New Zealand Huntaway, a distinguished and robust shepherd dog, is celebrated for its exceptional herding abilities, particularly known for its unique technique of driving livestock using its resonant bark. Originating from the pastoral landscapes of New Zealand, this breed demonstrates a powerful combination of stamina, intelligence, and diligence, adapting effortlessly to challenging terrains and tasks.
With a personality that's both amiable and dedicated, the New Zealand Huntaway thrives on physical activity and mental stimulation, making it an ideal companion for those with an active lifestyle or in rural environments. Their remarkable work ethic does not overshadow their gentle and friendly disposition; these dogs exhibit an unconditional affection towards their family, showing both loyalty and a protective character.
As a testament to their intelligence, Huntaways are remarkably trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistently demonstrating eagerness to learn. This, coupled with their social nature, means they mesh well into family life, including those with children and other pets, provided they have been properly socialized from a young age.
Despite their size and vigour, Huntaways possess a sensible temperament, showing patience and a mild-mannered attitude when not engaging in work or play. They do, however, require ample space to explore and exert energy, as well as regular engagement to satisfy their work-oriented instincts.
In summary, the New Zealand Huntaway presents a harmonious blend of companionship, resilience, and unparalleled herding prowess, making them a cherished addition to families or as working dogs on farms. Their affectionate nature and zest for life, balanced with their work efficiency, epitomize the spirit of the versatile and dependable canine companion.
Common Health Conditions
Common Health Conditions
### 1. Hip Dysplasia
2. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Description and Diagnosis: CEA is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in severe cases. It affects the choroid, sclera, and retina of the eye. Diagnosis is made by a veterinary ophthalmologist using specialized equipment to look at the back of the eye.
Prevention & Management: There's no cure for CEA, but breeding animals should be tested. Affected dogs can live normal lives but should be monitored for associated vision problems. Secure environments help prevent accidents due to impaired vision.
3. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Description and Diagnosis: OCD is caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and lameness—most commonly seen in shoulders. Diagnosis is confirmed via x-rays or MRI. Symptoms include limping and discomfort when moving.
Prevention & Management: Early detection and restricting exercise can help manage symptoms. A balanced diet that avoids rapid growth in puppies is preventive. Surgical removal of the loose cartilage can relieve symptoms in severe cases.
4. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Description and Diagnosis: Bloat is a medical emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. Symptoms include a swollen belly, distress, and salivation. Immediate veterinary intervention is required; diagnosis is often made based on symptoms and can be confirmed with radiographs.
Prevention & Management: Feeding small meals throughout the day, preventing vigorous exercise around meal times, and using a slow feeder can help prevent bloat. Emergency surgery is required to correct the condition.
5. Epilepsy
Description and Diagnosis: Epilepsy in Huntaways is characterized by recurrent seizures of unknown origin. Diagnosis is primarily through the exclusion of other causes during a comprehensive veterinary examination including blood tests, and neurological exams.
Prevention & Management: While epilepsy cannot be prevented, seizures can be managed with anti-epileptic drugs. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to adjust medications as needed and maintain the quality of life for epileptic dogs.
Understanding these common conditions in New Zealand Huntaways allows owners to provide targeted care, enhancing their pets’ health and wellbeing. Early recognition and proactive management play crucial roles in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for these active working dogs.
Family Life
### Social Traits
#### Friendliness with Children
The New Zealand Huntaway is a breed that exhibits a natural patience and gentle demeanour, making them excellent companions for children. Their tolerant nature and energetic spirit mean they can become loyal playmates to younger family members. However, as with any breed, interactions should always be supervised, especially with younger children, to ensure the safety of both the dog and the child. #### Stranger Friendliness Huntaways are generally friendly towards strangers, often greeting them with a wagging tail and an enthusiastic demeanour. Despite their size and loud bark, which can make them good watchdogs, they are more likely to welcome a visitor than to guard against them aggressively. Early socialisation is key to ensuring this trait is well-developed. #### Friendliness Towards Other Pets With a proper introduction and socialisation from a young age, New Zealand Huntaways can get along well with other dogs and pets in the household. Their herding instincts might sometimes kick in, leading them to try and herd other pets or even children. Monitoring and positive reinforcement training can help manage this behaviour.
Ease of Training
Huntaways are intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please, which typically makes them very trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. However, their intelligence means they can become bored with repetitive training, so keep sessions short and engaging. Due to their working background, they excel in activities that challenge both their mind and body.
Grooming Needs
The New Zealand Huntaway has a short to medium-length coat which requires minimal grooming. A weekly brush is generally sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. They tend to shed moderately throughout the year, with increased shedding during spring and autumn. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also recommended to maintain overall health.
Housing Needs
Given their working background and energetic nature, Huntaways are best suited to homes with access to a large, securely fenced yard where they can run and play. They are not well-suited to apartment living due to their size and exercise needs. This breed loves being part of family activities and should be housed indoors with the family rather than left outside alone.
Exercise Needs
New Zealand Huntaways have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They thrive on having a job to do and enjoy activities such as herding, agility, and advanced obedience training. A minimum of one to two hours of physical activity a day is recommended, along with mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Bringing a New Zealand Huntaway into your family promises a loyal, energetic, and affectionate companion who blends well with children and other pets, provided they have been properly socialized. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, although their exercise and mental stimulation needs are high, and they thrive in environments where they can be active participants in family life. Minimal grooming requirements offset the demands of their exercise needs, making them a compelling choice for active households looking for an engaging and loving pet.
Exercise & Training
Daily Care Needs
Exercise Needs
The New Zealand Huntaway is a highly energetic and active breed that requires ample daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Ideally, they should have at least one to two hours of vigorous activity each day, which can include long walks, jogging, or engaging in herding exercises if possible. They thrive in environments where they have space to run and explore, making rural or suburban settings ideal for them. Incorporating activities that challenge their minds, such as agility training or interactive games, will also keep them satisfied and prevent boredom.
Training
New Zealand Huntaways are intelligent and eager to learn, making them relatively easy to train when using appropriate methods. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play. Consistency and clear commands are crucial to harnessing their natural working instincts. Early socialisation and obedience classes are recommended to ensure they develop into well-mannered companions. Given their strong drive, they excel in advanced training classes and dog sports such as obedience, herding, and agility.
Grooming
This breed has a dense, weather-resistant coat that requires moderate grooming to keep it in good condition. A thorough brush once a week will help remove loose hairs and prevent matting, especially during shedding seasons. They do not require frequent baths, and regular checks of their ears, teeth, and nails are important to maintain their overall health. Nail trimming should be done as needed to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
Housing Needs
New Zealand Huntaways are best suited to homes with access to spacious outdoor areas where they can safely roam and expend their energy. While they can adapt to smaller living environments, such as apartments, they would require significantly more outdoor time to meet their exercise needs. A secure garden with sturdy fencing is ideal to keep them safe and to provide them a place to play and explore without restrictions. Inside, they enjoy having interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated when they cannot be outside.
Social Traits
This breed is known for its friendly and social nature. They generally get along well with children, making them great family pets. Their welcoming disposition extends to strangers, although early socialisation is important to ensure they remain approachable as they mature. When it comes to other pets, Huntaways usually integrate well, particularly if raised alongside them. However, due to their herding instincts, supervision is advised around smaller animals to prevent any unintended herding behaviour.
Diet & Nutrition
Owners of a New Zealand Huntaway should ensure their dog is fed a diet that caters specifically to the breed's high energy and stamina demands, as these are dogs bred for their herding capabilities on rugged terrains. This breed thrives on a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support muscle growth and sustenance, alongside maintaining their vibrant energy levels. Given their active nature, meals should be appropriately portioned to prevent overfeeding and obesity, which could impair their agility and overall health. Essential vitamins and minerals must be included to support joint health, crucial for a breed engaged in constant movement. Furthermore, considering their hardworking disposition, Huntaways may benefit from diets that include supplements to aid in recovery and sustain their endurance. Ensuring access to fresh water at all times is paramount to keep them hydrated, especially after periods of intense activity. It's always advisable to consult with a veterinarian to tailor the diet to your Huntaway's specific health requirements, activity level, and life stage.