Huntaway vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison

Gran Mastin de Borinquen is originated from United States but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Gran Mastin de Borinquen and Huntaway are having almost same height. Gran Mastin de Borinquen may weigh 22 kg / 49 pounds more than Huntaway. Both Gran Mastin de Borinquen and Huntaway has almost same life span. Gran Mastin de Borinquen may have more litter size than Huntaway. Both Gran Mastin de Borinquen and Huntaway requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
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United States
New Zealand
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
41 - 57 kg
90 - 126 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 12
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Mastín Borincano, Puerto Rican Mastiff
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
cream, black, brindle., Fawn
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Short and harsh
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

The Gran Mastín de Borinquen is also referred to as the Puerto Rican Mastiff or the Mastín Borincano and is actually native to Puerto Rico.

The dog seems to have originated long ago already during the 16th century. Its a dog that descends from a number of dogs, and the dog from these crosses became a huge, ferocious dog.

For centuries the Gran Mastin de Borinquen was used to protect the estates of the Spanish nobility. Today the breed is considered rare and it isn't recognized by any major kennel club as a standardized breed.

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

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen is a large dog. He stands roughly between 56 and 71cm and weighs in at between 41 and 68kg.

He is well muscled with a large head and short floppy ears but until recently the ears have always been cropped. The nose is black, the eyes dark brown and small and he has an alert, intelligent look to him.

These days the tail is kept long and it is held low. The coat is short in length and harsh with the colour being fawn, black, cream or brindle. You'll also find some small inclusions of white on the coat.

Temperament:

Loyal and protective, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen forms a strong bond with his master, becoming aggressive with any stranger who comes too close to his owner.Its a dog that has been taught to be aggressive so he isn't the best pet to choose if you have children in the home. He isn't the best dog either for first time dog owners, particularly if the person isn't a strong, firm person around him, showing who is boss.

However there are people who have had their pet trained and socialized and who claim he makes a wonderful family pet. The way a dog is brought up can play a large role in the way he turns out.

Train and socialize your Gran Mastin de Borinquen because he is inclined to be strong-willed and for a large, aggressive type of dog, you want him to be obeying you.

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

Noble, courageous and loyal, a trained, socialized Gran Mastin de Borinquen who has learned simple commands such as sit, down, come, stay, lie-down and heel will be an absolute pleasure to have around and be a well behaved, obedient companion for you.

Your Gran Masin is a dignified, loving animal, but because of his size and his origin, bred to be aggressive, he isn’t looked upon as the first choice when you’ve got small children in the home. With the right owner – fair, firm and loving - he makes a splendid pet.

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

Your Gran Mastin de Borinquen can get to 12 years of age with good care. Mastiff-type dogs like this can be prone to eye problems as well as having to tackle joint problems such as hip dysplasia.

Other issues that can appear in this breed, but are unlikely be cancer, bloat, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s Disease which is a bleeding disorder.

Remember to do daily inspections of your Gran Mastin de Borinquen for fleas and ticks, particularly during the Summer month. Toxins introduced into the body by a tick bite for instance can make your pet seriously ill so that veterinary intervention is required.

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

Grooming:

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen, with his short coat, is a relatively low maintenance breed. Brush him at least twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs. Other grooming requirements are keeping his ears clean and dry. You can ask about alcohol wipes at your local pet shop to use in his ears. Check the nails too and remember to brush his teeth a couple of times a week to avoid dental decay.

Exercise:

You won't find the Gran Mastin de Borinquen being a particularly high energy dog but he also isn't a couch potato. If you enjoy a walk every day for your own good health, include him in these walks and give him a game of ball every now and again.

Diet:

This Mastiff -type dog is large, and they tend to be fairly lazy, not using up great deals of energy. Young dogs however use up more energy and will require a diet with good quality protein.

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered as well as senior dogs will require less calories. If you buy commercially manufactured food, check the labels carefully and buy high quality food for a large breed.

Don't just feed your Gran Mastin kibble everyday but alternate it sometimes, mixing in some raw meat into his kibble or mixing in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables.

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

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  10. Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  14. Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  26. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison