New Zealand Huntaway vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba but New Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Dogo Cubano and New Zealand Huntaway are having almost same height. Dogo Cubano may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than New Zealand Huntaway. Dogo Cubano may live 4 years less than New Zealand Huntaway. Both Dogo Cubano and New Zealand Huntaway has almost same litter size. Dogo Cubano requires Low Maintenance. But New Zealand Huntaway requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Cuba
New Zealand
Height Male:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
brindle, Black and tan
Coat:
Short and smooth
Smooth or rough textured
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

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

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

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

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

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

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

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

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

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. Dogo Cubano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Dogo Cubano vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Dogo Cubano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Dogo Cubano vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Dogo Cubano vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Dogo Cubano vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Cubano vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Cubano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Cubano vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Cubano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Cubano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Cubano vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Cubano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Cubano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Cubano vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Cubano vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Cubano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Cubano vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Cubano vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Cubano vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Cubano vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Cubano vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Cubano 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