Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Rajapalayam is originated from India. Huntaway may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Rajapalayam. Huntaway may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Rajapalayam. Both Huntaway and Rajapalayam has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Rajapalayam has almost same litter size. Both Huntaway and Rajapalayam requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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New Zealand
India
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Poligar Hound
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
White
Coat:
smooth or rough
Smooth, short and fine
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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.

rajapalayamThe Rajapalayam dog hails from India, from the small town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu.

Known also as the Poligar Hound, this Indian Sighthound has been the companion of royalty in Southern India.

Though the breed dates back a few hundred years, the developers of the breed brought about an albino dog. This Indian breed dog is almost on the verge of extinction. This is a pity as he is a splendid dog. Breeding centers have been set up to prevent the dog disappearing altogether.

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”.

rajapalayam puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog, graceful and elegant standing at between 65–75cm and weighing 22 to 25kg.

This is a hound dog, lean and muscular and will rely on good exercise to keep him in tip top working condition.

He is somewhat heavier than other sighthounds with a deep chest and long straight legs. He is a low maintenance dog with the white coat being short and fine. The ears are floppy ad the tail is slim and long and sometimes held up and curved.

Temperament:

The Rajapalayam has always been used for hunting wild boar, and today he makes a good guard- and watchdog. He needs a lot of space and exercise and isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city.

He is a loving dog and becomes loyal and devoted towards his owner, being essentially a one-person dog. They tend to be aggressive and aloof with strangers.

Training and socialization will be important for this intelligent dog if you want him to behave around people. He doesn’t particularly get on well with other pets in the home, but training and socialization can change this.

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.

rajapalayam dog - characteristicsA Rajapalayam dog has always been a hunter and this makes him an excellent watchdog, always on the look out for intruders.

The Rajapalyam has always been a dog deeply attached and loyal to his owners.They are good family companions and pets and with so many good characteristics, one hopes that this dog will still be around for a long time.

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

rajapalayam puppies - health problemsThe Rajapalayam isn’t a fragile dog, and he can live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age. There are always a few things to look out for with him. With white dogs, there is always a high incidence of deafness. Puppies born with blue eyes are often deaf.

Deafness:

White coated dogs, because of the piebald gene, are often affected by deafness. The piebald gene is because of an absence of melanocytes. These are cells which create pigment. When a dog is born without the genes to create melanocyte cells, a white hair coat and sometimes blue eyes are the result.

There are also skin problems associated with these all white dog breeds such as mange and dermatitis. Check him over for ticks and fleas.

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.

General Grooming:

rajapalayam dogs - caringThe short coat does shed so he will need to be brushed once or twice a week.

You will also need to follow a regular grooming program with this dog, checking inside his ears for infection, checking his eyes for discharge and checking inside his mouth for bad, rotting teeth. Teeth- and gum disease aren’t just about losing a tooth - bad teeth and gums can cause a host of health issues for other body parts like the heart and kidneys.

His toe nails too wll require clipping to prevent splitting and chipping.

Exercise:

Provide your pet with lots of exercise – a walk every day, a run in the park off his leash as well as ball and frisbee games.

Diet:

You can’t ever become lax with giving your pet good food. Good, wholesome food promotes health and longevity.

There are some good commercially manufactured dog foods which are wonderfully convenient – you just want to be sure its the high quality ones full of vitamins and minerals.

Also, provide him with uncomplicated, home-made dog food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach, all chopped up and mixed in twice a week with the dry kibble will ensue health and contentment.

Try and add some raw meat in as well. This simple diet plan will be gentle on your pet’s digestive system.

Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Comparison with other breeds

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