Huntaway vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Huntaway vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonAmerican Mastiff is originated from United States but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. American Mastiff may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Huntaway. American Mastiff may weigh 44 kg / 98 pounds more than Huntaway. Both American Mastiff and Huntaway has almost same life span. Both American Mastiff and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Both American Mastiff and Huntaway requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
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United States
New Zealand
Height Male:
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
5 - 7
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
AM Mastiff
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Smooth, shorthair
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american mastiffThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

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

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

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

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

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

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

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

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

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

  1. American Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  9. American Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Huntaway vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Huntaway vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  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