Huntaway vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Huntaway vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonHimalayan Sheepdog is originated from India but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Huntaway are having almost same height. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Huntaway are having almost same weight. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Huntaway has same life span. Himalayan Sheepdog may have more litter size than Huntaway. Himalayan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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India
New Zealand
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
38 - 43 kg
83 - 95 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Black, fawn, light brown, beige
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
rough dense long
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

himalayan sheepdogThe Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.

The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.

They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.

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

himalayan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.

They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.

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

Children friendliness

himalayan sheepdog dog - characteristicsYes with enough proper socialization

Special talents

Protection and loyalty

Adaptability

They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.

Learning ability

Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.

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

himalayan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Arthritis – can cause extreme pain and lameness
  • Patellar luxation – kneecap issues that are painful and can cause lameness
  • Obesity – they have a tendency to overeat and are not that active
  • Glaucoma – can cause blindness

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

Feeding the puppy

himalayan sheepdog dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.

Points for Good Health

They are very strong and athletic.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.

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

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  5. Huntaway vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Huntaway vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  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
  13. Huntaway vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  17. Huntaway vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Huntaway vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Huntaway vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  22. Huntaway vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Huntaway vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Huntaway vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Huntaway vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Himalayan Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Himalayan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Himalayan Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Himalayan Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Himalayan Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Himalayan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison