MyDogBreeds
Huntaway is originated from New Zealand but Chug is originated from United States. Huntaway may grow 41 cm / 17 inches higher than Chug. Huntaway may weigh 37 kg / 82 pounds more than Chug. Both Huntaway and Chug has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Chug has almost same litter size. Huntaway requires Low maintenance. But Chug requires Moderate maintenance
The 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.
The Chug is a crossbreed with the Pug and the Chihuahua. It is a hybrid not a purebred. Over the past ten to fifteen years people have been developing the Chug, mostly in the United States. People were looking for a lapdog with the characteristics of both the Chihuahua and the Pug. The hybrid dog has characteristics of both breeds, both physical and behavioral. Of course, the Chug is not recognized by the AKC, but it is recognized by hybrid and designer dog clubs such as The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Kennel and the International Designer Canine Registry.
The 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”.
The Chug can vary greatly in looks and build from one dog to another. For the most part however, Chugs are small compact dogs, sturdy and muscular. They have a very expressive and lovable face with folding ears, almond shape eyes and short muzzles. Their faces are similar in looks to that of a miniature boxer. .
They are very good with children and love to play with them.
Stamina, speed and independence
Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.
Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.
Because they are a hybrid, chugs can have a very wide range of different characteristics depending upon whether they have more from the Pug or more from the Chihuahua. But either way they are very lovable little dogs with big personalities. Regardless of whether your dog favors the clown Pug or the stately Chihuahua, your puppy will be a lovable ball of fur. He will be affectionate, friendly and aggressive to bigger dogs.
The Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:
If 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.
3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.
Exceptional stamina
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.
Pugs have great appetites and love to eat and Chihuahuas wont turn down a meal so be careful not to overfeed your Chug. It is important to feed a small breed formula whether you use dry or wet food.
Some additional issues that Chugs deal with in respect to health include:
Both elbow and knee inflammations can lead to arthritis and lameness
Chugs can have runny eyes or cherry eye. If they have cherry eye you will want to treat it immediately or there could be secondary issues with inflammation and infection.
Chugs may be little, but they still need a moderate amount of exercise every day. A regular walk will do or indoor or outdoor playtime every day. They like obedience, rally and some can do small dog agility, but they would have to be on the larger size for Chugs. Chugs also make great therapy dogs.
