Huntaway is originated from New Zealand but Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer is originated from Slovakia. Both Huntaway and Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer are having almost same height. Huntaway may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer. Both Huntaway and Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer has almost same litter size. Both Huntaway and Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer requires Low Maintenance.
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 Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer is a gundog from Slovakia. The dog came about by crossing the Cesky Fousek, German Wirehaired Pointers and Weimaraners. Other names for this dog include Slovensky Hrubosrsky Stavac.
Developers were looking for a dog with good stamina – a dog capable of tracking hares and birds. The dog was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1997.
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”.
The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer has got some looks from each of the dogs he was derived from. He is a fairly large dog and the coat is short to medium length and harsh and wiry and he has some additional hair around the face area.
Most times the coat is a grey-brown shade. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is mostly docked at 50% of natural length, although these days it is often left long. It is carried downwards when at rest but raised when in action.
This is an energetic dog that is going to need a lot of exercise, so he won’t suit living with people who aren't active. He just loves to be outside and will thrive on a farm.
He is good with children and other dogs, but training and socialization should be provided for this dog. He is intelligent and will learn easily.
They’re affectionate dogs and their social nature makes them ideal for lively families. Because he is so active he is best suited for living in the suburbs or the countryside as opposed to living on a small property in the city.
People who have owned these dogs rave about their loyalty and affection. They’re also intelligent and become very well behaved as they are dogs that also want to please their owners.
They’re gentle dogs too, just wanting to be loved by their human family and craving attention.
They’re also regarded as low maintenance pets and all these positive aspects of this dog make him a splendid choice if you're looking for a wonderful pet and companion
The Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:
Your Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer can reach 14 or 15 years of age if he is looked after well but hip dysplasia is a threat for any dog.
Any aged dog can be affected and this mobility disease is caused when the hip joint develops abnormally. Although hip dysplasia is genetic, environmental factors can also play a part. The idea is to get treatment from the vet so that your canine friend isn’t in pain.
This can cause so many problems in the body and not just the teeth. Have your dog’s teeth checked regularly and have them cleaned.
Your dog can have neck or back pain from this ailment, occurring when the discs and vertebrae of the spine become infected. Provide your dog with healthy food to ensure a strong immune system to fight off diseases like this.
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.