Huntaway
The Huntaway is a large and distinctive herding breed developed in New Zealand during the late nineteenth century to drive sheep across vast hill country.
Unlike herding breeds that work silently through eye contact, Huntaways were selectively bred to use their voice, barking loudly to move flocks forward, a trait that shaped the breed's distinctive character.
25-40kg
Weight
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Huntaway
Created primarily from Border Collie crosses with larger breeds including Retrievers, the Huntaway emerged from practical working demands rather than formal breed standards. Standing 56 to 66 centimetres tall and weighing 25 to 40 kilograms, these dogs are robust and athletic with variable coats ranging from short to medium length, usually black and tan in colour. The breed is highly energetic, confident, and notably vocal, characteristics that make it an exceptional working dog but a demanding household companion. Huntaways thrive when given genuine work and require substantial daily exercise to stay content. Whilst they can adapt to companion life with sufficient activity and mental engagement, they remain uncommon in the United Kingdom and are fundamentally working dogs. Prospective owners should understand that this breed is best suited to those who can provide the considerable physical and mental stimulation these spirited dogs require.
Huntaway at a Glance
- Weight
- 25–40 kg
- Height
- 56–66 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
Huntaway Characteristics
The Huntaway needs at least one good run or long walk every day and trains well and tends to enjoy learning new skills. They love children and tend to get on brilliantly with them, but cope reasonably well on their own as long as they're well exercised first. The coat is manageable with a regular brushing routine and is neither a heavy nor light shedder. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Huntaway Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredibly loyal with a gentle, patient nature that makes them wonderful around children
- Quick learners with sharp instincts, picking up new tasks with enthusiasm
- Short, low-fuss coat that needs very little grooming attention
- Comfortable in both working farm settings and active family homes
Cons
- Strong herding and prey drive means careful management around smaller animals is essential
- Needs a serious amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy
- Can become a noisy barker without proper training and a firm routine
- Relatively scarce in the UK, meaning higher prices and longer waits for puppies
