New Zealand Huntaway vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

New Zealand Huntaway vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonNew Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand but Croatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia. New Zealand Huntaway may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Croatian Sheepdog. New Zealand Huntaway may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Croatian Sheepdog. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Croatian Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Croatian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

new zealand huntaway - historyThe 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.

croatian sheepdog - historyKnown also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
New Zealand
Croatia
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
New Zealand Sheepdog
Hrvatski Ovkars
Colors Available:
brindle, Black and tan
Black
Coat:
Smooth or rough textured
Medium length, wavy or curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

new zealand huntaway puppy - descriptionAs 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.

Temperament:

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.

croatian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

Characteristics

new zealand huntaway dog - characteristicsThe 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.

croatian sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

Health Problems

new zealand huntaway puppies - health problemsThe 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 -

Dilated Caridomyopathy:

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.

Hip Dysplasia:

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.

croatian sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

new zealand huntaway dogs - caringThis 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.

Diet:

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.

Exercise:

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.

croatian sheepdog dogs - caringThe Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  3. Queensland Heeler vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  4. Red Heeler vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  5. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  7. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. New Zealand Huntaway vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  9. New Zealand Huntaway vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. New Zealand Huntaway vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. New Zealand Huntaway vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  13. New Zealand Huntaway vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  15. New Zealand Huntaway vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  16. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. New Zealand Huntaway vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  18. New Zealand Huntaway vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  19. New Zealand Huntaway vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. New Zealand Huntaway vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. New Zealand Huntaway vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  22. New Zealand Huntaway vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. New Zealand Huntaway vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  24. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  35. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Croatian Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  40. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  42. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  43. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  44. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds