Dog breeds :
New Zealand Collie / New Zealand Huntaway / New Zealand Sheepdog
Rufus Stone, owner: Ray Robbins
General
The New Zealand Huntaway come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and hair-coats. Some of these dogs
are very big and some are very small. For the New Zealand Huntaway fanciers, the looks of the dog is not as
important as their working ability.
Characteristics
Huntaways are not recognised by kennel clubs as a "true" breed, but as only working dogs (the Border Collie has only recently been
recognised as a "breed") There are two recognised types of Huntaway: long haired and short haired.
Temperament
Huntaways are highly intelligent and very much a "one man dog". When running, the Huntaway "lollops" and can run all day.
Huntaways are easily trained. They are very vocal and can be taught to bark on command. They are not usually kept as pets.
History
Sheep were introduced to New Zealand, due to the country's mild, moist climate. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, which means
that rich pasture is always available to feed the sheep. The small flocks could be managed by introduced collies. As time went on, the
flocks grew to massive proportions and the collies were not able to cope. The long hair, the warm climate and the dog's silent working
went against the traditional collie. The dogs soon tired, lacked stamina and the shepherd never knew where his dogs were. The
shepherd or stockman could be half a mile or so away from the other side of the flock. What was needed was a short haired dog with
stamina that could be heard. This was the birth of the Huntaway.
Some breeds were introduced to the working collies and those with stamina and bark were "bred on". Eventually the desired dogs
were found and those with the right qualities were bred extensively. Breeds such as Beauceron, German Shepherd, Labrador and
Rottweiller are believed to have been introduced. But this is only conjecture. The Huntaway breed is about 100 years old.
Origin
New Zealand
Utilization
The Huntaway is used throughout New Zealand to drive and manage the massive flocks of sheep.
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