Huntaway vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Huntaway vs Border Collie - Breed ComparisonBorder Collie is originated from United Kingdom but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Border Collie may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Huntaway. Border Collie may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Border Collie may live 3 years more than Huntaway. Both Border Collie and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Border Collie requires Moderate Maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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United Kingdom
New Zealand
Height Male:
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 17 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
White and Black, Chocolate and White, Liver and White or Blue Merle
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Moderately long and smooth
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

border collieThe Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

Description

border collie puppy - descriptionUtterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

Characteristics

border collie dog - characteristicsThe Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems

border collie puppies - health problemsIf your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet

Exercise

border collie dogs - caringThis is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Huntaway vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Huntaway vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Huntaway vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Huntaway vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Huntaway vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Huntaway vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Huntaway vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Huntaway vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Huntaway vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Huntaway vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Huntaway vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Huntaway vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Huntaway vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Huntaway vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Huntaway vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Huntaway vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Huntaway vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Huntaway vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Border Collie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Border Collie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Collie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Collie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Border Collie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Border Collie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Border Collie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Border Collie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Border Collie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Border Collie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Border Collie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Border Collie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Border Collie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Border Collie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Border Collie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Border Collie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Border Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Border Collie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Border Collie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Border Collie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Border Collie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Border Collie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Border Collie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison