Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is originated from Spain. Huntaway may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz. Huntaway may weigh 37 kg / 82 pounds more than Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz. Huntaway may live 4 years less than Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz. Both Huntaway and Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz has same litter size. Both Huntaway and Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
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New Zealand
Spain
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Andalusian Ratter
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Mainly white with freckling - black and tan
Coat:
smooth or rough
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

ratonero bodeguero andaluzLong ago the English visited Spain to sample their wines, bringing with them smooth coated English Fox Terriers which were later crossed with other dog breeds of the area.

It is believed that the Andalusia Ratter’s ancestors were smooth coated fox terriers. The Club Nacional del Perro Andaluz Ratonero Bodeguero was established and in 1993 a standard for the breed was set.

It is only fairly recently that the breed was recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but it isn’t recognized by any of the major kennel clubs.

Description

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”.

ratonero bodeguero andaluz puppy - descriptionAlso known as the Spanish Jack Russell, the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz looks very similar to this popular Jack Russell Terrier.

He is a small to medium sized dog with a lean, muscular body. The Ratonero developed in the south of Spain and is thought to be a mix of local ratting dogs and Fox Terriers. This ensured a quick, agile hunter.

The dog stands at between 35 – 43cm in height and weighs 6 - 9kg. The dog’s head is fairly small with dark brown eyes and half erect-half floppy ears. The coat is mainly white with some freckling. It is short and smooth with shades of black and tan covering the facial area. Some of these dogs are born with a natural bob-tail.

Temperament:

These dogs are known to have robust, hearty, happy personalities, full of the joys of living. They get on well with children as well as other pets if they have grown up with them.

Introductions should be slow if one of these dogs are brought into a home where there are already other pets. He is a very active breed and will be requiring plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise.

They can provide quite a bit of entertainment for their human families as they can become quite clownish. They’re the kind of dogs that can adapt to life in the countryside or the city.

Characteristics

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.

ratonero bodeguero andaluz dog - characteristicsYour Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz to this day is a ratter, always alert and ready to spring on prey. He is always lively and friendly, and with his loving nature, makes a splendid companion for his human family.

He is also a stubborn dog, liking to go his own way, and therefore will require training and socialization. He is an adaptable little dog too and when you bring him into your home he is willing to adapt to your way of life and become a loyal and loving member of your family.

Health Problems

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

ratonero bodeguero andaluz puppies - health problemsWith good care, your Andalusian Ratter isn’t likely to get sick, but still, you would be better off knowing about some of the common dog diseases your pet could get.

Legge Perthe’s Disease:

This is usually seen in young dogs where there is lameness in the hind legs and hip pain. It is believed that Legge Perthe’s occurs because of a genetic predisposition, and when it develops, there is sadly no cure.

Skin Infections:

Skin infections may seem fairly mild but nothing can be further from the truth. They can be painful and frustrating. Skin redness, dryness, itchiness and pain can cause your pet to lick and bite and make the situation worse. If your pet is being driven crazy by a skin irritation, get him to the vet who will do a complete physical examination.

Other diseases to be aware of include hip dysplasia, obesity, epilepsy and bloat.

Caring The Pet

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.

ratonero bodeguero andaluz dogs - caringThis is a fairly low maintenance dog as the short smooth coat will be easy to brush twice a week.

Check him over for unusual lumps, trim his nails and check inside his ears, look into his eyes to ensure they are bright and alert and look inside his mouth to make sure he doesn’t have any rotten teeth.

Have your pet neutered or spayed if you want to avoid puppies. This can be beneficial for your pet’s health too.

Feed your Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz only the best food there is. If you opt for commercially manufactured food, make sure its full of vitamins and minerals. Your little pet will want consistency and simplicity with his food to avoid digestive problems.

Try and provide him with some home-made food which can be added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up ad mixed into the dry kibble will ensure your pet’s health.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health.

Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Provide him with a safe, dry, warm, comfortable place to sleep.

Get him to the vet when you see he is sick.

Ensure he has sun and shade in the garden.

Never ever leave him in a hot car.

Comparison with other breeds

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