New Zealand Huntaway

The New Zealand Huntaway was developed over the course of the 1900's for herding duties and field trials known as "huntaways". Descended from imported European and British sheepdogs and hounds, such as the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Beauceron, Rottweiler, Border Collie and others, this agile working breed is used for driving the herds by closely following the sheep and barking, unlike the majority of popular herding dogs which rarely use their voice. Although common and valued in New Zealand, the Huntaway is still not recognized neither in its homeland nor outside its borders. However, in recent years the breed has found followers in England, as well as some European countries and even Japan and is becoming a popular herder, watchdog and family pet.

The New Zealand Collie is reasonably easy to train, but it needs firm and responsible handling, due to its somewhat independent nature and unfriendly attitude towards strange dogs. The body is powerful and muscular, with lean and firm legs and a strong neck. Very resilient and fast, the New Zealand Sheepdog is a superbly athletic and active worker.

There is a variety of types within the breed, including longhaired and even bearded working specimens, but the preferred coat is fairly short, thick and flat, usually black-n-tan in colour, although other shades exist. Average height is around 23 inches.