Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Petit Gascon Saintongeois is originated from France. Both Huntaway and Petit Gascon Saintongeois are having almost same height. Huntaway may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Petit Gascon Saintongeois. Both Huntaway and Petit Gascon Saintongeois has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Petit Gascon Saintongeois has almost same litter size. Both Huntaway and Petit Gascon Saintongeois requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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New Zealand
France
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Virelade Hound
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
White with black patches or speckles
Coat:
smooth or rough
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

petit gascon saintongeoisThe Petit Gascon Saintongeois comes from- and is in fact a smaller version of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois. The dog has been used for hunting. Hunters wanted a smaller dog and these were the Petit Gascon Saintongeois.

There was a time when the numbers of these dogs became less and their numbers were restored by Baron Virelade in the 19th century. It is where this dog gets his nickname from.

The Petit Gascon-Saintongeois was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

Description

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”.

petit gascon saintongeois puppy - descriptionThe Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a smaller version of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois but he is still muscled and lean and looked upon as being a large, robust dog.

His coat is short and dense and is white with black patches and some speckles. You'll find that there are nearly always black patches found on either side of the head, surrounding the eyes and covering the ears. The ears are essentially black, although there is also some tan coloring.

The ears are floppy, the tail long and saber-shaped.The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a well proportioned dog standing at between 56 to 62cm in height and weighing 23 to 27kg.

Temperament:

The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a friendly, good-natured pet, being loyal and loving with his human family and being a good playmate to children. He is also intelligent and amicable and will be easily trained and socialized.

Characteristics

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.

petit gascon saintongeois dog - characteristicsYour gentle, calm, amicable Petit Gascon-Saintongeois is such an excellent hunting dog, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of him being a wonderful family pet as well.

His friendly, good natured, docile temperament makes this particular breed a superb choice as he gets on so well with children too if they themselves have been taught to be kind to animals and to respect them.

He is intelligent too and easy to train, and he is attractive to look at as a bonus. This all makes him the kind of pet and companion that everyone could benefit from.

Health Problems

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

petit gascon saintongeois puppies - health problemsThe Petit Gascon-Saintongeois has no documented breed related health problems. As previously mentioned, with his long ears, check out the inside of his ears regularly for ear infections.

Parasites:

Ticks fleas and worms are a curse. Worms particularly are terrible internal parasites and in fact some worms can even be fatal in puppies. Some of the signs your dogs may have worms include weight loss, a dull, dry, thinning coat, no loger interested in food, diarrhea and vomiting. The best way to respond to your pet’s worm issues is to get him to the vet.

Bloat or Swollen Stomach:

This problem is looked upon as a medical emergency. Gastric dilatation and volvulus, if left, can kill your dog. It’s when gas is trapped in the stomach which has twisted, blocking off the stomach’s blood supply.

Deep chested dogs, feeding your dog just one meal a day so that he gobbles it up too quickly, and older, obese dogs are more prone to bloat. Your dog will require immediate veterinary intervention.

Caring The Pet

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.

petit gascon saintongeois dogs - caringThe Gascon Saintongeois is looked upon as being a fairly low maintenance breed. That is because the coat is short and smooth, although the coat does become thicker in the Winter time. He sheds so you will want to brush his coat at least twice a week.

With his long floppy ears, during your brushing session, check inside his ears as dampness, wax and debris can become the ideal breeding spot for bacteria, and ear infections can be the result. Check for redness and possible discharge.

Check his eyes that they are clear and bright.

While brushing him, check for any new, unusual lumps.

Keep his nails well trimmed.

Provide him with a nice warm, dry spot to sleep.

When he’s oudoors, make sure that he has both sun and shade and that his waterbowl is always available.

Make sure that at the first signs of illness you get your pet to the vet.

Feed him only the best quality kibble there is. Occasionally give him some home-made food. Keep this food simple and nutritious. You can’t go wrong with boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. You can chop this up and add it to his kibble. Sometimes it can benefit your pet to include some raw meat as well.

If only pet owners would realize that their pets don’t want all those spicy, exotic people foods. They just give a dog a stomach ache and eventually shorten his life. Make sure he always has access to a bowl of cool, fresh water.

Comparison with other breeds

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