Huntaway vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Huntaway vs Basque Shepherd - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Basque Shepherd is originated from Spain. Both Huntaway and Basque Shepherd are having almost same height. Huntaway may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Basque Shepherd. Both Huntaway and Basque Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Basque Shepherd has almost same litter size. Huntaway requires Low maintenance. But Basque Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

huntaway - historyThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

basque shepherd - historyThe Basque Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds. With this Spanish dog, you’ll find paintings dating back 12,000 years ago. The Basque Shepherd is known as a landrace breed, which means the dog hasn’t gone through the same selective breeding programs as what other breeds have. Landrace breeds have more variations in appearance and temperament than regular breeds.

The Basque Shepherd has 2 distinct varieties, the Gorbeiakoa and the Iletsua. The smooth-haired Gorbeiakoa has a softer coat that is fairly short while the rougher-haired Iletsua has a lighter coloured coat, and unlike the Gorbeiakoa, the ears are not typically erect.

Even though this is an ancient breed of dog, only the Royal Canine Society of Spain recognizes the breed with the two varieties, and in January 1996, the two breeds - Iletsua and Gorbeikoa – were recognized.

Description

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

Two Varieties

basque shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Basque Shepherd is a strong, well proportioned dog with brown eyes and medium sized ears, which sometimes have folds. This medium-to-large dog has a beautiful fawn coat of medium-length hair that can be straight or slightly wavy. He has a long feathery tail that will wag readily when he sees his owner. You’ll find other colors for the Basque Shepherd shared between the two varieties - a yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black. His hair is shorter on the head and he doesn’t battle with hair over the eyes.

An Intelligent Breed

The Basque Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog and also very energetic. Of the two different kinds of Basque Shepherd, it is the Gorbeiakoa which is the more outgoing. The dogs will require a firm owner and they thrive on the discipline when it is combined with lots of with lots of exercise and activities.

The Basque Shepherd is generally friendly with people, if not a little reserved with strangers. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home, although socialization and training will be necessary to bring out their best.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

basque shepherd dog - characteristicsThe dog is well suited to being a family pet, loving to spend time with family, being a people-oriented breed. He gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home, but can be reserved with strangers.

He doesn’t have an aggressive nature, and yet he does what it takes to protect his beloved human family.

He is full of energy, hardy and tough. He loves his human family and wants to be included in all their activities. He is energetic though and as a responsible dog owner, you want to make sure that your Basque Shepherd has enough space to run.

Health Problems

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

basque shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause this is an ancient breed, the Basque Shepherd doesn’t have to contend with genetic health problems such as more modern breeds. Just like other dogs though, he could be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, ear infections and cancer. As a larger breed, he may also be prone to bloat.

Chronic Ear Infections

Breeds with floppy ears, such as the Basque Shepherd will be more prone to developing ear infections. To prevent infection, keep his ears clean and dry. If you’re unsure, the vet can guide you how- and what to do.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a disease which is common to other dog breeds too and not just the Basque Shepherd. This condition affects the hip joints and can result in chronic pain for the dog and also lameness. Checking your dog’s weight is important and the pain can be managed with medication.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

basque shepherd dogs - caringThis is a medium to large breed dog and he should therefore be fed a high quality food which has been formulated for medium to large breeds. Because he is a herding dog, you might want to also look at an active-dog or working-breed formula to supply him with that much needed energy.

Grooming

The Basque Shepherd’s coat is lush and long with either straight or wavy hair. Regular brush at least twice a week will maintain the coat, get rid of loose hair and prevent fleas.

Training

The Basque Shepherd is an intelligent breed that will respond well to socialization and training. He is a breed that loves sports too because of this very high energy levels. You need to be careful with the Basquae Shepherd around small children, not because he is aggressive in any way, but because he is highly active, and his exuberance and boisterous antics could see him unintentionally knocking over small children.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
New Zealand
Spain
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
47 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
46 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
17 - 29 kg
37 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
17 - 36 kg
37 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
6 - 9
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Basque Herder, Basque Sheepdog
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
fawn, yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black
Coat:
smooth or rough
smooth and soft to rough and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Sakhalin Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Alaskan Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. German Pinscher vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Puli vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Borador vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Porcelaine vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Finnish Lapphund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Griffon Nivernais vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Pumi vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Basque Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  23. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  28. Saarlooswolfhond vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  29. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  33. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  34. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  42. Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  43. Perro de Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  45. Saluki vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  46. Mountain Cur vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  47. Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnauzerdor vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds