Caring for Your New Zealand Huntaway: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

by Vincent Fairworth. Reviewed by Fitpetgo

Updated: Sep 15, 2024

Introduction

The New Zealand Huntaway is a breed of dog that has been used for centuries as a working animal, particularly in the rural areas of New Zealand. Originally bred to herd cattle and other livestock, they have also been employed in roles such as search and rescue, guiding the blind, and as a therapy dog.

As with any breed of dog, owning a New Zealand Huntaway requires careful consideration and planning. In addition to their working capabilities, these dogs are loyal companions, and if you're thinking of bringing one into your family, it's essential to understand their needs and characteristics.

In this article, we'll delve into the general care requirements for a New Zealand Huntaway, potential issues that may arise, feeding guidelines, behavior and training tips, grooming instructions, and considerations for pet parents. We've also included a section for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this unique breed.

General Care

Providing optimal care for your New Zealand Huntaway requires attention to their physical and emotional needs. Here are some general guidelines:

Exercise Needs

New Zealand Huntaways are built for stamina, with an endurance level that's unmatched by many other breeds. Their daily energy expenditure should be at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise. Activities such as long walks, runs, or play sessions in the park can effectively meet these needs.

Additionally, considering their ancestry, they have a strong prey drive and enjoy activities like hiking, which allow them to interact with nature. It's crucial to remember that young puppies and older dogs may not be able to tolerate the same level of exertion as mature adults; accordingly, plan your exercise schedule accordingly based on these considerations.

Living Conditions

New Zealand Huntaways are adaptable to small yards but can thrive more happily in spacious homes with access to open spaces for free exercise. They make excellent companions for families living in the countryside or for people who enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.

In apartment settings, you should consider the sound they produce due to their barking nature. Apartment living might become a problem unless owners plan adequate sound-proofing measures such as providing suitable toys or engaging them mentally during longer hours of stay within confined space.

Temperament

The friendly demeanor of your New Zealand Huntaway makes it easy for those outside the house too like children, adults and other family pets but in extreme situations when they growl might just be an alert system indicating a real danger such as intruders approaching your family.

They're also intelligent: teaching obedience commands such as 'sit', 'stay' etc should present little to no challenge; training sessions last long since these guys remember stuff for quite some while if we recall their ancestors pastures they probably picked up many useful tricks for hunting cattle.