Jonangi is originated from India but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Jonangi may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Huntaway. Jonangi may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Jonangi and Huntaway has same life span. Both Jonangi and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Both Jonangi and Huntaway requires Low Maintenance.
The Jonangi, known also as the Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam is an Indian breed of dog which has always been used for hunting and herding.
The dog isn’t seen abundantly in India and it isn’t recognized by any major kennel clubs in India. It isn’t recognized as a pure” breed and there is also concern that the dog is reaching extinction.
Because of interbreeding with other dogs, there is quite a bit of variation in the Jonangi breed.
The 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.
The Jonangi is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 – 53cm in height and weighs between 12 and 21kg. He is lean and muscular. Because of interbreeding with the Jonangi dog, the colors of their coats can vary and be anything from fawn, white, tan, black, bi-colored or even brindle. The coat is very short and fine which helps it cope with the extreme heat of the environment.
The ears are erect, the forehead is often wrinkled and the long tail is held out straight or it hangs down low. The ears are fairly short and are somewhat floppy.
The Jonangi is capable of being a true family pet, becoming loyal and devoted to his human family. This isn't a particularly intelligent dog but they're even tempered, fun loving, social and easy to please.
You'll find them getting on well with other pets in the home and children too. An interesting aspect with this dog is that he seems to like digging a hole and lying in it, even preferring this to the regular dog beds you get.
The 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”.
Life with a Jonangi is easy going as these aren’t finicky dogs – they’re low maintenance, easy going, fairly healthy dogs that want to please you and just be your pet.
They make excellent companions, being loving and loyal to their human families and getting on well with other dogs and children in the home.
There are those who are trying to revive the breed, and that is a good thing as these are good natured family pets that will be a positive addition to any home.
This dog is a robust breed, used to living under difficult circumstances. You won't find many inherited diseases with him, but still it pays to know about some of the more common dog illnesses that he might face.
With any dog, the joints can take quite a pounding which can lead to injuries. You may notice your dog doing less and having difficulty with common activities. Your dog may even have lameness. Your vet will try to avoid surgery and look at things such as diet and weight management. There are also medications, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
Ear infections are common with dogs and can be caused by allergies, ear mites and bacteria in the ear canal. Your Jonangi may be tilting his head or shaking it, he may be constantly scratching his ear, he may even have lack of balance and an unpleasant odor coming from his ear because of a discharge. Take him to the vet as soon as you think he has an ear infection.
This problem which affects a dog’s lower urinary system can be totally debilitating for your dog. There are many problems which can cause this problem in your pet and which can lead to health conditions such as incontinence.
Older dogs and those with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract problems. Your dog will strain or yelp with discomfort when trying to pass urine. The urine may be very cloudy or even have blood in it and there may be dribbling of urine too. Other signs can be vomiting, lethargy, back pain, weight loss and change in appetite. See your veterinarian for immediate medical attention. It is considered a medical emergency.
The Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:
With commercially manufactured dog food, there are companies that make quality foods that are formulated for certain conditions such as joint health. They have additives in them such as fish oils which decrease inflammation. Always look for a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age and energy levels.
Add in your own home-made food to his dry kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as vegetables and also try to include some raw meat into his kibble from time to time. Fresh, cool water should be available to him night and day.
With his short coat, the dog is looked upon as low maintenance. Brush him a couple of times a week to make sure the coat remains shiny. Check his eyes, ears and teeth for infections.
This dog is lean, energetic and agile. With his long strides, he likes to run over terrain sniffing and following scents. He is more suited to life in the countryside than to the city. Make sure you have a reasonable sized garden for him and meet his exercise needs by taking him on walks and playing ball and fetch games with him.
If 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.
3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.
Exceptional stamina
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.