Stephens Stock vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison

Stephens Stock vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed ComparisonNew Zealand Huntaway is originated from New Zealand but Stephens Stock is originated from United States. New Zealand Huntaway may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Stephens Stock. New Zealand Huntaway may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Stephens Stock. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Stephens Stock has same life span. Both New Zealand Huntaway and Stephens Stock has almost same litter size. New Zealand Huntaway requires Moderate Maintenance. But Stephens Stock requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
undefined
New Zealand
United States
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
35 - 50 cm
13 - 20 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
32 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
41 - 58 kg
90 - 128 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
39 - 55 kg
85 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
New Zealand Sheepdog
Stephens' Stock Mountain Cur Little black dog Little Darkies
Colors Available:
brindle, Black and tan
Black or dark gray; white markings may appear on the neck, and feet , chest
Coat:
Smooth or rough textured
Short, smooth/rough outer coat; short, dense, soft undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

stephens stockThe Stephens Stock is a member if the Cur dog breeds. They are a scent hound bred in southeastern Kentucky by the Stephen’s family. For generations the dogs were simply known as the “little black dog”. The Cur breeds are dogs with a mixture of ancestry and the Stephens Cur is no different. However, the name Cur now means a working dog from the South in the United States. They were known as hunting and guard dogs, chasing wild boar, squirrel and raccoon. They were also called the Mountain Curs throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.

These mountain working dogs came close to extinction by the 1940’s but four separate breeders set out to save the Mountain Curs. They were the founders of the Mountain Cur Club and involved Woody Huntsman of Kentucky, Carl McConnel of Virginia, Dewey Ledbetter of Virginia and of course Hugh Stephens of Kentucky. Later the name of the club was changed to the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association or OMCBA. The Mountain View Cur, the Treeing Cur and the Stephens Stock Cur were the results of their efforts.

In the 1970’s Stephen’s decided that his Cur was different from the original Mountain Curs and should be a separate breed. He formed the Stephen’s Breeders Association and the breed was recognized as distinct from other Curs. However, it was not recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club) until 1998.

Description

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.

stephens stock puppy - descriptionThe Stephens Stock Cur is a breed of medium size, dark dogs – either very dark grey or black. Their heads are domed, and the muzzle is short with dark eyes. The breed’s chest is broad and deep with a neck of medium length and either a rough or smooth coat. They are smaller than the other Curs like the Black Mouth Cur or the Mountain View Cur.

They are strong and capable of treeing their prey. Their body is longer than it is high, and they have powerful and long legs. Their appearance is sleek and elegant. The nose is dark and square, and their stance is alert and that of a watchdog. This is an athletic hunting dog that is aggressive in the field and chilled at home.

Characteristics

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.

Characteristics

stephens stock dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness - They are tenacious on the hunt but once at home they love children.

2.Special talents tenacious – treeing prey

3.Adaptability They are adaptable if you can get them the exercise, they need every day. They won’t do well in an apartment without going to play and run somewhere else every day.

4.Learning ability - highly intelligent, eager to learn.

Health Problems

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.

stephens stock puppies - health problemsThe Stephens Stock Cur is a fairly healthy breed, fairly isolated in the hills and mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. They are prone to a few health conditions but there are no genetic and breed specific issues.

  • PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy can lead to blindness.

• Ear and Eye Infections. Keep them clean and keep debris out of both ears and eyes after hunting.

  • Deafness is seen in some.
  • Dental issues have been seen in some.

Caring The Pet

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.

stephens stock dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy -Feed puppies a quality food desired for medium breed, high energy dogs. Puppies should eat 3 times a day about a total of 2 cups.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality dog food with plenty of protein and designed for medium size dogs. Feed a total of 3 cups over 2 meals a day.

3.Points for Good Health – They are energetic and tenacious.

4. Games and Exercises – This is a very high energy treeing hunting dog with remarkable speed and agility. They need exercise – both physical and mental. One walk a day will not do it for these dogs. Have a fenced in yard or take them to organized activities like field trials, agility, flyball, hunting, search and rescue or barn hunt. They love to hunt with their people.

Comparison with other breeds

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