Today we will look at 10 interesting facts
about Hunterways you need to know!
Also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog
or Heading Dog, the Hunterway is an agile And powerfully built canine with exceptional
herding abilities and incredible endurance, Allowing them to run through the hills and
mountains of New Zealand moving vast flocks Of sheep and herds of cattle. Yet they are also
an enthusiastic and lovable breed that is just As keen to chill out on the sofa with you and
watch TV as they are to run for hours outside. These attractive creatures are still quite rare
outside their home country, but their popularity Is growing rapidly around the world, so if you
keep a sharp eye out, you may spot one soon.
Now on to the facts about these dogs that
will surely leave you amazed!
Fact number 1: They are a vital
part of the farming system!
These dogs were first bred for the unique
farming conditions of New Zealand, which Requires very hard-working dog breeds that have
excellent stamina and plenty of self-discipline. This is because New Zealand has the densest
population of sheep in the whole world, So sheepdogs have always been sought-after. Hunterways were bred because it is often difficult
to walk or ride in the hills and mountains of New Zealand. This means that whistles and worded
commands are used to communicate commands With these dogs when they are at a distance.
What's more, traditional herding dogs such as Border collies were often unsuited to the terrain
due to their habit of belly crawling, which is Challenging to do in rough pastures or scrubland.
That's why when you see a Hunterway work, they use A different approach and stand upright, eyeballing
the animals, making it easier for the farmer and The sheep or cattle to see them. Fact number 2: They're usually very healthy!
Due to their mixed heritage New Zealand Huntaways
are generally very healthy dogs. They have what is Often referred to as 'crossbred vigor' and
will live to around 12 to 14 years of age And are fully capable of working that entire
time. However, they're not completely immune To hereditary diseases. Some of the most common
ailments afflicting the breed include bone cancer And hip and elbow dysplasia. They are also known
to occasionally suffer from eye and ear issues. Even so, they are far more robust than most
breeds, even when compared to other working dogs, So if you like the idea of avoiding vet bills, the
Hunterway might be a breed to consider. Fact number 3: They are natural athletes!
As we've mentioned, Hunterways are sturdy Dogs bred to work the vast pastoral runs or
"stations" in the high country of the South Island. These rural areas required teams
of dogs who could work at mustering sheep Or cattle for many days on end and cover great
distances on the very rough, steep country. Moreover, these high country stations typically
cover many thousands of acres and are often Unfenced. This means farmers need a tough dog
with the endurance to get up every day and run for
Hours without tiring. This is one of the reasons
they are so much larger than other herding breeds; Their long legs and thick compact muscles
allow them to just keep going. Their Incredible stamina also means they make great
companions for those with active lifestyles, And they'll happily bound alongside you while
up on the most demanding hiking trails.
Fact number 4: They have an
ambiguous breed history!
They are essentially a crossbreed between Border
Collies, German Shepherds, British sheepdogs, Rough Scottish Collies, Labradors, and
Rottweilers. However, there are likely a lot of Other breeds in the mix, including some genes from
the ancestral Polynesian dogs brought over by the Māori people, the first settlers of New Zealand. While its exact origin is technically unknown, The first known written record of the Huntaway
appeared in 1870 in the region of Upper Waitaki, Where a sheepdog trial was known
to have its own Huntaway class. What's more, in 1884, in the Otago
Daily Times newspaper, there were Also advertisements featuring the breed.
From this, we can conclude that the breed Dates from about the late 19th century. Yet it
is worth noting that Hunterways are distinguished Only on their working ability. Much like
Border Collies and Jack Russells, there is Actually no prescribed appearance or lineage. In fact, only dogs that win at trials can even Be registered by the New Zealand Sheep
Dog Trial Association in their studbook. And, it was not until 2013 that the New
Zealand Kennel Club recognized the Huntaway.
Furthermore, as they have no uniform
appearance and breed standard, Hunterways come in various colors, sizes,
conformations, and coat types. Generally, Though, the Hunterway is simply seen as a talented
and robust breed known for its athletic body, Hard-working personality, and beautiful
black-brown fur, which sometimes has a white Coat color and brindle. This means that while
they are a distinct breed in their own right, There is no standard look, but once you see them
work, you will be sure you have a Hunterway on Your hands!
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Fact number 5: They make pretty good pets too!
The Huntaway is an incredibly intelligent,
loyal, and easy-to-train breed, yet they do Have a streak of independence that comes
from their natural herding instinct. They are very highly motivated and active
dogs but are also friendly and quite gentle By nature. Hunterways tend to be good with
children and are both kind and protective. While they can make ideal family pets,
they tend to 'herd' their family members,
Including other pets, to get them to do
what they want. This tendency, though, Can be overcome with proper socializing and
training. They also make great companions for Children and will tolerate rough play to a certain
point. Eager to learn, the Huntaway is keen, Responsive, loyal, and affectionate and can be
a good fit for active households.
Fact number 6: They are a low-maintenance breed!
Huntaways pretty much look after themselves, Which is a handy trait, especially if they
are farm dogs. They rarely need a bath or Much in the way of grooming, although
a good rub down with a soft, damp cloth May be required to remove any dirt or dust.
If they do start to smell a bit, then it is time For a wash or at least a good dip in the river. As with all dogs, it's important to ensure you Protect the natural oil on the Huntaway's skin, so
aggressive soaps are not advised. This oil is what Gives this dog the ability to withstand harsh
climate changes when they are out and about.
Moreover, these dogs are healthy and tough.
Usually, any health problem is caused by Work. But like most dogs, it is advisable to
check out those folded ears for any infection, Brush their teeth twice a week, and trim
their nails if they haven't worn them down. All in all, they're a very easy breed
to care for, making them perfect For a variety of households.
Fact number 7: They're big softies at heart!
The New Zealand Huntaway may have been bred
as an independent, capable working dog, but That doesn't mean they're all work and no play.
Underneath the hard-working exterior is a soft, Gentle-natured dog who loves nothing more than
cuddling up to their owner on the sofa. They'll Typically bond with one family member in
particular but will still have plenty of Love left to give everyone else. Their gentle
natures make them easy-going companions to Both children and pets, although their herding
instincts might make the family cat think twice About making friends. Their friendliness with
strangers makes them less than ideal guard dogs, Although their deep bark will give most
intruders pause for thought. Smart, hard-working, And irrepressibly happy-go-lucky, they make
excellent family dogs.
Fact number 8: They are
intelligent but willful! Due to being bred for independence, Hunterways
are very intelligent but can also be stubborn And like to do their own thing. Whilst all
puppies need to be trained, the Huntaway needs It more than most. This breed is born to work and
will need clear and firm guidance from day one.
They are adorable puppies, but if you allow them
to get away with certain things as youngsters, They will be very hard to
train as they get older.
It is generally advised that their training
begins immediately and if you are inexperienced, They should go to classes as soon as
they have had all their vaccinations; This way, you will be able to set clear
boundaries that will help them to thrive.
As we mentioned, they are very
intelligent dogs and do respond well To praise and treats. If you praise
them when they get something right, They will be keen to learn a
new trick to get more praise.
However, they do not respond well to negative
affirmations and will often deliberately ignore Or disobey you if you are too heavy-handed with
them. But if you respect them, they will respect You. The best training for Hunterways comes
in short, sharp bursts and finishes on a high, Leaving them wanting more. Whether you want
to herd 2 thousand sheep, play at home, Or enter an agility trial, the trainability of
Hunterways makes them a great choice. ===
What's your favorite fact about Hunterways? Let us know in the comments, and share
your thoughts with other enthusiasts!
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Fact number 9: They can bark with the best of them!
These dogs were mainly bred to use their loud, Deep bark for sheep-herding tasks and
to patrol the country's vast terrains. We can say that the breeding goal was successful
because even if the Huntaway is miles away, The steady barking can still be heard. One of
the primary aims of this powerful bark is to Direct the herds. Remember that New Zealand is
a land of mountains, rolling hills, and glacial River valleys. There are very few small fenced
fields, meaning sheep will often only be moved Once or twice per year in their thousands. So the Hunterway needs to be able to control As much of the flock at once as possible.
The ability to bark on command makes them Invaluable, as they can completely stop hundreds
of animals in their tracks with a single bark.
Unlike many barking breeds, they will
usually only bark when working; in fact, It's perfectly possible that they may never
bark at all if trained, and owners often have Separate commands for home and herding use. The command "Speak Up" is most often used when The farmer needs their Hunterway to bark and get
sheep and cattle moving, change their direction, Or prevent an animal from breaking away from
the herd or flock. It's an incredibly useful Ability and one that has long been prized
by the farmers of New Zealand. Fact number 10: There's a
monument to their usefulness!
In a small town on the south island of New
Zealand, the people of Hunterville have long Recognized that the handling of sheep and cattle
on the farms in the district would be almost Impossible in the early years without Huntaways. Picture high steep hills covered in burnt stumps And logs and paddocks covering hundreds of
acres or larger. In addition to mobs of sheep Numbering in their thousands, which all had to
be mustered for shearing. It was the shepherd On a good horse and his team of dogs, most
of them Huntaways, that got the job done.
Success in droving these huge flocks was entirely
dependent on the Huntaway and in many areas still
Is. Most of today's Huntaways are an all-purpose
dog on which farmers can depend. One shepherd with A good team of dogs can do the work of several
people without dogs. This means Hunterways, as a Breed, have indirectly contributed to the wealth
of their district over the past century or so.
That is why the town decided to create
what we think is a brilliant and very Fitting tribute to the Farmers' best
friend: the amazing New Zealand Huntaway!
