The Huntaway (also known as the New Zealand Huntaway) is a large, strongly-built breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks in New Zealand, where they originate. Developed by mixing a variety of sheepdogs, including the Border Collie, as well as other breeds, such as the Rottweiler and Labrador, the Huntaway fills a niche in the sheepdog market, with its ability to herd via barking, rather than sight alone. Renowned for their booming bark which is instrumental in gathering and guiding sheep, Huntaways are a blend of intelligence, endurance, and reliability.

Understanding the Context

These traits make them not only excellent working dogs but also devoted family pets. The New Zealand Huntaway (Canis lupus familiaris) was bred in New Zealand in the late 1800s–1900s for sheep farming across large, steep, open country. Unlike silent heading dogs, Huntaways were chosen to use a loud, steady bark to drive sheep. The Huntaway dog breed is growing rapidly in popularity.

Key Insights

Let's discover their history, care, and training details to see if it's right for you But there is another breed you may not know about that is equally worthy of consideration – the Huntaway. Also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog, the Huntaway is a talented herding breed known for its loud bark, its hard-working personality, and its lovely black-and-tan coat. Huntaways are big, strongly-built dogs used for everything – heading, hunting, forcing sheep into pens and backing, as well as working them in yards and woolsheds. All huntaways are bred to bark, and are selected for a loud, deep bark rather than yapping. Their size and shape varies widely.

Final Thoughts

The Huntaway dog may be best known for herding sheep on the rugged terrain of New Zealand, but they also make the perfect family pet. They’re friendly and gentle by nature and get along well with both children and other animals.