Weimaraner vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Weimaraner vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonWeimaraner is originated from Germany but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Weimaraner and Huntaway are having almost same height. Weimaraner may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Weimaraner and Huntaway has same life span. Both Weimaraner and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Both Weimaraner and Huntaway requires Low maintenance.

History

weimaraner - historyThe Weimaraner is a German breed also know as the Grey Ghost. He was bred to hunt by royalty in the early part of the 19th century. They went after large game including the bear, boar and deer. Once these large game hunts disappeared, the breed became known for hunting small prey like rabbits, fowl and fox.

They are an all-purpose gun dog, hunting, chasing, tracking, pointing and retrieving. They got their name from the city of Weimar in Germany as a favorite of Karl August, the Grand Duke of Saxw-Weimar-Eisenach who hunted with the dogs. They are believed to have descended from either the St. Hubert Hound and Bloodhound, or the Chien-gris dogs.

The breed did not arrive in the United States until the 1920’s. Before that they were barely known outside the city of Weimar. By the 1950’s they were very popular in the States with President Eisenhower having one at the White House.

huntaway - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Germany
New Zealand
Height Male:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
57 - 65 cm
22 - 26 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 40 kg
66 - 89 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Weimaraner Vorstehhund Raner Grey Ghost Weim Weimer Pointer
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
from charcoal-blue to mouse-grey to silver-grey or even blue-grey
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
short, smooth and hard
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Courageous, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

weimaraner puppy - descriptionA very athletic and elegant breed, muscular and lean, the Weimaraner is built for stamina and speed. They are a very unique looking breed, nick named the Grey Ghost due to the appearance and coloration. The breed has a very short coat that fits like skin over his bone structure. It is smooth and hard and runs from a blue-gray to silver-gray to charcoal-blue. The skin is pink not black, the coat is thin with no undercoat.

They should not be black but they can be a longhaired Weimaraner, according to US AKC Breed Standards. In the AKC standards the tail is docked. This has now been changed in standards around the world as many countries are banning tail docking. They have webbed paws and striking amber, blue-gray or gray eyes. The long haired version can only be produced when both parents carry the recessive gene

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

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness they love children, might not know how big they are

2.Special talents speed

3.Adaptability Not apartments. Large dog needs room to run

4.Learning ability – Very intelligent, very stubborn

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

Health Problems

weimaraner puppies - health problemsThere are a few conditions and diseases that the Weimaraner is subject to but surprisingly for their size hip dysplasia is rarely one of them. There are prone to

Bloat – Gastric torsion when the stomach twists itself and cuts off blood circulation and digestive processes. Bloat is deadly unless caught quickly.

Skin allergies - they have allergic reactions to parasites.

Ear infections – make sure you keep the ears clean and dry.

Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

Cryptorchidisn – the dog is missing one or both testes.

Hypothyroidism – can be treated with medication as with humans.

Von Willebrands Deisease – bleeding disorder

Hunting Accidents like sprains, strains, and cuts.

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

Caring for Pet

weimaraner dogs - caring1 Feeding the puppy - Feed high quality dog food with high protein but not rich foods. Rich foods cause digestive issues and eating to fast, too soon before or after strenuous exercise do to threat of bloat. Also do not use the raised foot bowls as they hold an even great risk for bloat. Feed puppy 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed high quality dog food with high protein but not rich foods. Rich foods cause digestive issues and eating to fast, too soon before or after strenuous exercise do to threat of bloat. Also do not use the raised foot bowls as they hold an even great risk for bloat. Feed the adult twice a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and speed

4. Games and Exercises – This is a very athletic and energetic dog. They need activity and will become destructive without it. They develop separation anxiety very easily. They need both physical and mental stimulation. They are great at agility, course running, field trials and CAT.

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. Weimaraner vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Weimaraner vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  5. Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Weimaraner vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  7. Weimaraner vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Weimaraner vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  9. Weimaraner vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  10. Weimaraner vs Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  11. Weimaraner vs Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac - Breed Comparison
  12. Weimaraner vs Smooth Haired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  13. Weimaraner vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  14. Weimaraner vs Spinone Italiano - Breed Comparison
  15. Weimaraner vs Talbot - Breed Comparison
  16. Weimaraner vs Vikhan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  17. Weimaraner vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  18. Weimaraner vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  19. Weimaraner vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  20. Weimaraner vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Weimaraner vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Weimaraner vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  23. Weimaraner vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Weimaraner vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  26. Rough Collie vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  27. Saarlooswolfhond vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  28. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  31. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  32. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  33. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  37. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  38. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  39. Samoyed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  40. Mixed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  41. Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  42. Perro de Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  43. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  44. Saluki vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  45. Mountain Cur vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  46. Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  47. Schnauzerdor vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds