New Zealand Huntaway vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

New Zealand Huntaway vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonLong Haired Chihuahua is originated from Mexico but New Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Long Haired Chihuahua may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than New Zealand Huntaway. Long Haired Chihuahua may weigh 37 kg / 81 pounds lesser than New Zealand Huntaway. Long Haired Chihuahua may live 6 years more than New Zealand Huntaway. Long Haired Chihuahua may have less litter size than New Zealand Huntaway. Both Long Haired Chihuahua and New Zealand Huntaway requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Mexico
New Zealand
Height Male:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
5 - 7
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
None
New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
brownish, white, black - bi-color, Many colors - cream, apricot
brindle, Black and tan
Coat:
Long, straight to wavy
Smooth or rough textured
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

long haired chihuahuaThe short haired Chihuahua is such a recognizable dog breed, probably because of his tiny size, but did you know that you also get a long haired variety?

Looking quite a bit like a Pomeranian, the only difference between the two types of Chihuahua is the length of the coat.

This small dog dates back to Mayan times and while it may well have originated in Mexico, its popularity saw it becoming a sought after pet in other countries too.

To get the long haired Chihuahua, breeding programs were established and the short-haired variety was mated with other long haired toy sized dogs such as the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier.

new zealand huntawayThe New Zealand Huntaway was developed in New Zealand. The dog was brought about by mixing the Border Collie with a number of other breeds, of which the Doberman Pinscher is one.

The idea was to have a skilled herding dog for livestock, and the Huntaway is known for its loud bark which it uses to herd.

The dog is looked upon as as a fairly new breed, dating from the late 19th century. These days it is a popular companion dog, and in 2013 was recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

Description

long haired chihuahua puppy - descriptionYour long haired Chihuahua will have a coat that is soft and slightly wavy. He weighs between 1 and 3kg and stands at about 15 – 23cm. He generally sheds throughout the year with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year.

Don’t be fooled by the long, thick hair on the long haired Chihuahua as it doesn’t protect him from the cold – in fact he doesn’t tolerate the cold well at all, and is essentially an indoor dog. The ears are erect and feathery and the tail is full and plumed, lying over the back. He has a ruff on the neck, which is often described as a mane.

Temperament:

Chihuahuas are such bright-as-a-button little dogs and they’re intelligent too.

It’s difficult to say how a dog’s temperament will turn out, because breed, lifestyle and the type of owners can all make a dog a certain way.

Socialization and training can sometimes help with a dog that has bad genes. There are some people who say the Long haired Chihuahua is a nasty, aggressive little dog who’ll easily give you a nip but they’ve got a good reputation with many other dog lovers.

They love their own human family but may take quite a while to chill towards other people and other dogs too. They’re more ‘birds of a feather flock together’ type of dogs, preferring to get on with other Chihuahua dogs.

new zealand huntaway puppy - descriptionAs a deep chested, medium to large sized dog, the New Zealand Huntaway stands at between 50 and 60cm and weighs roughly 25 to 40kg.

The eyes are soft and kind. The coat is usually black and tan colored, although it can be brindle too. The coat is in different textures and can be mostly smooth, but also fairly rough textured. The ears are usually medium length and floppy, the legs straight and long and the tail is long.

Temperament:

These dogs are good natured and are guaranteed to make a splendid family pet. Because they have always been used to life in the country, they are more suited to this lifestyle than for living in the city.

They are friendly, energetic dogs and will require a good deal of exercise.They don’t take easily to lying around bored and this lifestyle will just lead to frustration and destructive behavior, through no fault of their own.

Just like with any other dog, the New Zealand Huntaway will need to be trained and socialized so that he becomes obedient and well rounded. This is necessary for him as he is an independent canine with a determined streak.

His intelligence will mean he is able to learn easily. He also is gentle and kind-hearted, and gets on well with kids and pets in the home.

Characteristics

long haired chihuahua dog - characteristicsThe Chihuahua is such a feisty, courageous, confident little dog who also believes that he is part- lion. He is loving, sweet and gentle and just loves being picked up and petted non-stop. He looks up at you, moving his front paws up and down to tell you that he wants to be picked up.

He is in 7th heaven when he can be cuddled up in your lap. You just have to teach your children to be very careful with him and not enter into games with him that are too rough and tumble. Tiny he may be but he makes a great watchdog too, barking and alerting you to strangers.

His small size makes him perfect for life in the city or in the countryside. Just be careful when in the countryside lest an Eagle or Owl scoop him up and carry him off to some faraway nest.

He doesn’t need a great deal of exercise either and you can actually keep him happily busy with some games indoors. He’ll always welcome walks with you though.

This small dog is full of life and confidence and he is ready to be your constant, loving companion.

new zealand huntaway dog - characteristicsThe Huntaway has got so much going for him to make him a splendid family pet. Not only is he intelligent, but he is evenly balanced, friendly, social and active.

He can easily be trained and socialized. He is friendly and gentle with other pets in the home as well as with children. With a firm, fair, kind, patient and consistent owner in his life, this dog with the gentle brown eyes will be a fantastic pet for you.

Health Problems

long haired chihuahua puppies - health problemsWith good care, you’ll have your long haired Chihuahua with you for a long time – 15 years and longer.

Parasites:

Make sure to de-worm your Chihuahua. Worms and other parasites can be deadly for your pet and the vet will do preventative deworming on a regular basis.

You Chihuahua will need to be vaccinated when he is a puppy and even when he is an adult, although less often. These vaccines will protect your Chihuahua from the likes of parvo, distemper and rabies. Have your chihuahua spayed or neutered.

There are so many puppies in the world who can’t find homes. Desexing your Chihuahua is a responsible way to ensure your pet doesn’t have puppies. Spaying and neutering can actually be beneficial for your dog’s health.

new zealand huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is the kind of dog that won’t require you having to rush off to the vet with him. Good care with nutritious food and exercise can see him reaching 14 years of age or so.

Some common dog illnesses to look out for include -

Dilated Caridomyopathy:

This disease is about degeneration of the heart muscle with the muscle becoming thinner. The pressure of the blood inside the heart causes these thin walls to stretch, resulting in the heart becoming enlarged.

Although heart disease develops slowly, severe congestive heart failure can develop quickly and you may notice rapid breathing and a blue tongue. It is imperative to get your pet to the vet immediately.

Small studies have revealed that the rate of Dilated Caridomyopathy could be higher in Huntaways.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an issue where the hips haven’t formed properly. Affected dogs lose their mobility and battle with pain and lameness. Certainly you will need to get your pet to the vet to make sure that he is pain-free and comfortable.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

long haired chihuahua dogs - caringThe pint-sized long-haired Chihuahua isn’t going to take up too much of your time in terms of grooming. Make sure you brush him at least twice a week to ensure his long hair doesn’t tangle. Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so try and brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special doggy toothbrush- and toothpaste.

General Care:

Take your puppy Chihuahua to the vet for his regular vaccinations to prevent him getting dangerous illnesses.

Feed him a high quality dog food. He is a high energy dog so buy high quality food that caters for small, lively dogs. Try and feed him such home made food from time to time. Remember that with small dogs, high-salt diets can contribute to kidney problems.

Never overfeed your Chihuahua as obesity opens up major health problems in Chihuahuas.

Grooming:

new zealand huntaway dogs - caringThis dog is an average shedder and fairly low maintenance, requiring you to brush him twice a week to keep the coat shiny and free from loose hairs.

Dogs that have floppy- or folded ears need to have their ears checked for infection as well as their eyes. They also need to have the nails trimmed as left long, they can hook onto things which can rip into the dog’s flesh.

Diet:

The Huntaway is a herding dog, and even though your dog today is more of a companion dog, he will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been particularly formulated for active working dog breeds.

It is a good idea to sometimes break away from a bowl of kibble and to mix in some homemade food. The simpler the better for your dog, and boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach mixed into his kibble occasionally will do him the world of good.

Now and then you can also add in some raw meat if possible. Avoid exotic, spicy foods with your pet to avoid digestive problems.

Exercise:

This dog has always been a hunting, herding dog so it is going to require a lot of exercise to keep him content and happy.

He won’t only need physical exercise but will also need mental stimulation as he is an intelligent dog too. Apart from taking him for walks and giving him ball- and rope games, for mental stimulation, why not consider some food puzzle toys?

These are sturdy containers that hold dog food and treats inside. Dogs have to paw at it, lick, shake and think up ways to get at the tasty treat. These food puzzle toys will keep your pet occupied for a while and keep him happily thinking.

Comparison with other breeds

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