New Zealand Huntaway vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

New Zealand Huntaway vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonNew Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand but Irish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Irish Water Spaniel are having almost same height. New Zealand Huntaway may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Irish Water Spaniel. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Irish Water Spaniel has almost same life span. New Zealand Huntaway may have less litter size than Irish Water Spaniel. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Irish Water Spaniel 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.

irish water spaniel - historyThe Irish Water Spaniel is one of the larger spaniel types and also one of the oldest.

He is sometimes referred to as the Southern Irish Water Spaniel. Hailing from Ireland, the precise origins of the dog aren't altogether sure. It is believed that the dog came from other dogs from Persia and there are references to these water dogs from as early as 1600.

The modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. The breed's purpose is that of a hunter of waterfowl and he swims strongly.

The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. In 1890 the Irish Water Spaniel Club was formed.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
New Zealand
Ireland
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
New Zealand Sheepdog
Rat Tail, Southern Irish Water Spaniel
Colors Available:
brindle, Black and tan
Dark Brown, Liver
Coat:
Smooth or rough textured
Longish hair - thick and very curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
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, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
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.

irish water spaniel puppy - descriptionA peculiar feature of this dog is its hairless tail which is partly covered in curls which the rest is all but hairless, giving him the nickname of Rat Tail or Whip Tail.

Looking much like a Poodle with his tight oily curls, the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium to large sized purebred dog, a robust, compact built dog with a skull which is shaped like a dome.

The muzzle is longish, the eyes dark brown and intelligent looking and the ears are long and floppy.

His hair is thick and curly and it sheds very little so that the dog is regarded as being hypoallergenic. The medium length coat is a dark brown, liver color with fairly tight curls that may even tend to cover the eyes.

It is interesting to note that he has webbed feet, which is useful for when the dog swims.He stands at roughly 51cm to 61cm and weighs between 25 to 30kg.

Temperament:

Temperament in any dog is affected by socialization and the way the human owner raises the dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is a water loving dog, being active and energetic.

He is an intelligent dog and easy to train and socialize. When trained he becomes such an obedient dog. He has also got a light-hearted side to him and is actually known to be quite amusing and clownish, providing plenty of laughs for you.

They make good family dogs, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. They're also able to make good guard dogs, taking the protective roles seriously. He isn't an aggressive dog but he has a warning bark that can be a good warning to intruders.

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.

irish water spaniel dog - characteristicsYour active Irish Water Spaniel just loves water so you can count him in whenever you go swimming. That is one characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel – he just loves to be involved in all the action you're busy with.

He makes an ideal family pet for an active family, and he will be a loyal and devoted pet who will provide a lot of fun to your family with his mischievous side.

He is confident, independent and strong willed so first time dog owners should bear this in mind. He is essentially just a fun loving, busy dog and if you make sure to exercise him well and make sure he is a participating member of your family, he'll be your most loving and devoted friend.

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.

irish water spaniel puppies - health problemsA generally healthy breed, the Irish Water Spaniel, just like with most other dogs, can fall prey to some of the more common dog ailments of which hip dysplasia is one.

Bone and joint problems like this can lead to lameness even in young dogs.

Eye diseases are also a problem, and cataracts can form in the eye, particularly when the dog is older and create a cloudy look to the eye. It's not painful for the dog.

Hypothyroidism, a treatable hormonal disorder is another disease worth being aware of.

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.

Grooming:

irish water spaniel dogs - caringYour Irish Water Spaniel requires quite a bit of grooming that will involve his coat, his nails, his teeth and his ears. The double coat doesn't shed much so it can be easily maintained by brushing the coat twice a week.

It can help your water spaniel to look good by sending him in to a doggy grooming parlor to have his curls neatened. This is a dog that loves water and swimming, and you will need to check the inside of his ears for dampness, wax build-up and debris. This can all combine to cause nasty ear infections.

Exercise:

The dog is energetic and will need to be exercised. Take him for walks, play ball games with him and allow him to go on hikes with you or to go swimming. He loves being involved in all your activities as he is a social, active dog.

Diet:

Highly energetic, it will be important to feed your Irish Water Spaniel with food that enhances his energy levels. There are some good quality commercially manufactured dog foods on the market. Choose one that caters for active, athletic dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel.

Dry kibble is more recommended to prevent canine tooth decay. Mix in some home cooked foods from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables and try to include some raw meat every now and then as well. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

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. Pudelpointer vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Picardy Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  33. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Water Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Water Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Water Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Water Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Water Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Water Spaniel vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Water Spaniel vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  46. Stabyhoun vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Vizsla vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Large Munsterlander vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Tyrolean Hound vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds