New Zealand Huntaway vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

New Zealand Huntaway vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States but New Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. American Cocker Spaniel may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than New Zealand Huntaway. American Cocker Spaniel may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than New Zealand Huntaway. Both American Cocker Spaniel and New Zealand Huntaway has almost same life span. Both American Cocker Spaniel and New Zealand Huntaway has same litter size. Both American Cocker Spaniel and New Zealand Huntaway requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
undefined
United States
New Zealand
Height Male:
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
brindle, Black and tan
Coat:
Long, fine, shiney
Smooth or rough textured
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american cocker spanielDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

new zealand huntawayThe 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.

Description

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

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.

Characteristics

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

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.

Health Problems

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Cocker Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Cocker Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Cocker Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Cocker Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Cocker Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Cocker Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Cocker Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Cocker Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Cocker Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Cocker Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Cocker Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Cocker Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Cocker Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Cocker Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Cocker Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Cocker Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Cocker Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Cocker Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Cocker Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. New Zealand Huntaway vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. New Zealand Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. New Zealand Huntaway vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. New Zealand Huntaway vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. New Zealand Huntaway vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. New Zealand Huntaway vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. New Zealand Huntaway vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. New Zealand Huntaway vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. New Zealand Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. New Zealand Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. New Zealand Huntaway vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. New Zealand Huntaway vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. New Zealand Huntaway vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. New Zealand Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. New Zealand Huntaway vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. New Zealand Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. New Zealand Huntaway vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. New Zealand Huntaway vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. New Zealand Huntaway vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. New Zealand Huntaway vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. New Zealand Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. New Zealand Huntaway vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. New Zealand Huntaway vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. New Zealand Huntaway vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. New Zealand Huntaway vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison