Huntaway vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison

Huntaway vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed ComparisonLonghaired Weimaraner is originated from Germany but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Longhaired Weimaraner and Huntaway are having almost same height. Longhaired Weimaraner may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Longhaired Weimaraner and Huntaway has same life span. Both Longhaired Weimaraner and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Longhaired Weimaraner requires Moderate Maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
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Germany
New Zealand
Height Male:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Grey Ghost, Weim
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Silver
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Long, soft and silky
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

longhaired weimaranerYou may be used to the sleek, silver shorthaired Weimaraner, but did you know you get a beautiful long haired version too? Known also as the Long Coated Weimaraner or the ‘Gray Ghost’, with its mesmerising amber eyes, the less common long haired variety shares a similar history as the more familiar short haired version.

The dog originates in Germany and was developed to be a hunting dog. It is believed that the silver dog dates back to the early 1800’s, and in 1897 the first breed club in Germany was formed to protect the future of this dog.

The longhair coat is recognized in all countries except the American Kennel Club.

huntawayThe 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.

Description

longhaired weimaraner puppy - descriptionThe Longhair Weimaraner with its eye-catching grey coat is a large dog that stands between 58 and 70cm and weighs between 25 to 40kg.

These dogs, unlike the short haired version, have the tail traditionally long and the tail is feathered. The eyes are a blue-green, amber or grey color. The grey coat is soft and silky and even though it is quite long, a brush twice a week will keep it in tip-top condition.

Temperament:

The Longhaired Weimaraner’s temperament is the same as the short haired variety. He is also a superb field dog with excellent hunting skills.

They’re very active dogs, looking for plenty of mental and physical stimulation. For first-time dog owners, this might prove to be too demanding, so the long haired Weimaraner might not be the best first-choice dog to get.

They can be aggressive when meeting new people and he will certainly require training and socialization if you want him to be calm and obedient.

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe 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”.

Characteristics

longhaired weimaraner dog - characteristicsYour Long Haired Weimaraner is a friendly, alert dog that makes for an excellent companion and watchdog. The fact that he is also restless, confident, independent and strong-willed means that training and socialization will be necessary to make him pleasant and obedient.

You can’t always count on him to be amicable as he also has a bit of an aggressive side.

The way your Long Haired Weimaraner turns out will depend on heredity, the personality of the owner as well as training and socialization.

These dogs want to be with their human family and will follow the owner around and contentedly lie at their feet. Once he's trained, the Weimaraner is guaranteed to make you a fine family companion.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems

longhaired weimaraner puppies - health problemsHip Dysplasia is a medical threat to all dog breeds and fortunately the Weimaraner is a dog breed that has a low rate of dysplasia. When buying a Long Haired Weimaraner, try and get one from breeders who have had their breeding dogs hip-tested.

You’ll notice that the Weimaraner is a deep-chested dog and he is prone to bloating, which can turn out to be life threatening for your dog if not treated immediately.

The stomach twists and is swollen with no bowel movements. The dog is restless and in distress and needs immediate attention. To help, instead of giving one large meal which is gobbled up quickly, give him 2 smaller meals.

Skin allergies are also quite common in these dogs and you don’t want your silver dogs coat going off as it is his crowning glory.

If he is scratching, his skin is dry, red and itchy, get him to the vet as it can even be parasites at work, causing an allergic reaction.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

longhaired weimaraner dogs - caringWhen you bring a Long Haired Weimaraner home, you will need to invest in brush and comb for his long hair. They’re active dogs and love nothing more than running in a field, rolling in mud and being very active.

His coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it looking silvery and shimmering. Check the ears, eyes and teeth whenever you brush him and get used to cleaning his teeth regularly too.

If in doubt about how to keep your pet well groomed in terms of looks and health, speak to a dog expert, your vet or professional groomer.

Diet:

Your ‘Gray Ghost’ dog has been a very successful hunting dog, and they are high-energy gun dogs. As a large dog he will have particular nutritional needs to fuel his energetic lifestyle.The dog’s high activity levels need to be taken into account when looking at his diet.

Buy the best commercially manufactured food. Add to his kibble some cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and cooked or raw vegetables from time to time as well as bits of raw meat. Your dog will thank you for keeping his meals simple but nutritious.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf 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.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  10. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Huntaway vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
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  29. Huntaway vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Huntaway vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Huntaway vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Huntaway vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Huntaway vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Huntaway vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Huntaway vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Huntaway vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Huntaway vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Huntaway vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Huntaway vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Huntaway vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Huntaway vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Huntaway vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Huntaway vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Huntaway vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison