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Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but New Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Australian Shepherd and New Zealand Huntaway are having almost same height. Australian Shepherd may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than New Zealand Huntaway. Both Australian Shepherd and New Zealand Huntaway has almost same life span. Both Australian Shepherd and New Zealand Huntaway has almost same litter size. Both Australian Shepherd and New Zealand Huntaway requires Moderate Maintenance.
The Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.
For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.
More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.
The 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.
Similar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.
There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.
As 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.
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.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.
Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.
The 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.
Aussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.
This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.
Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.
These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.
The 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 -
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.
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.
With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.
A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.
The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.
Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.
This 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.
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.
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.