Huntaway vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Huntaway vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Dogo Sardesco is originated from Italy. Both Huntaway and Dogo Sardesco are having almost same height. Both Huntaway and Dogo Sardesco are having almost same weight. Both Huntaway and Dogo Sardesco has almost same life span. Both Huntaway and Dogo Sardesco has almost same litter size. Both Huntaway and Dogo Sardesco requires Low 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.

dogo sardesco - historyThis is an ancient working dog breed which hails from the Italian island of Sardinia. When you do research, you find that no one is sure as to this dogs exact origin, and there are a number of theories as to how the dog developed.

Regardless of how the Dogo Sardesco came about, it is a valued companion of farmers in Sardinia, being appreciated for its protective nature.

The dog is a kind of Molosser or Mastiff dog. In the past the dog has been used as a working and hunting dog, and today he is a popular dog in mainland Italy. He is also known as Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser and Dogo Sardo.

The Dogo Sardesco isn’t recognized today by international kennel clubs, and breeders on the island of Sardinia have done nothing to form a breed club for the dog.

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”.

dogo sardesco puppy - descriptionThe dog Sardesco is a medium to large sized dog generally measuring 56 to 68 cm at the withers and weighing roughly 30 to 45 kg.

Because the dog isn’t bred to specific standards, it varies in appearance, but it is a powerful looking dog, being lean and athletic. The dog’s tail is traditionally docked, but with tail docking being frowned upon, the tail is left long and the dog loses its distinctive look.

The head of the dog is large and the ears are also traditionally cropped to be very short. Left naturally, the ears fold down closely to the sides of the head.The eyes are small and amber colored. The coat is short and smooth, but thick, and while it comes in many colors, the more regular color is red, brown, black, grey or brindle.

Temperament:

The Dogo Sardesco becomes a loyal family pet, more so when he has been trained and socialized. Although he is a devoted and affectionate dog, forming particularly strong bonds with his human family, he isn’t recommended for homes where there are young children.

He also doesn’t take too kindly to other pets in the home. This is because they are a strong-willed, dominant breed and might therefore not be a good choice for first-time dog owners.

Because Sardinian breeders have focused on developing an aggressive dog, he has become a dog suspicious of- and aloof with strangers. He is stubborn and self-willed, and to make him more obedient and amicable, he will require training and socialization. He is an alert, intelligent dog and this makes him an excellent watch dog.

The Sardinian Mastiff is an active dog too and won’t do well in a home where the people aren’t interested in exercise. He is the kind of dog that will need to be taken with you on walks, and he will love to spend time running alongside you when you go running or cycling.

He won’t adapt too well to life in the city, particularly when there is just a tiny garden.

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.

dogo sardesco dog - characteristicsThe Dogo Sardesco has always performed his role as a working dog well, and this is a reliable watch dog as well as the dog takes his job of guarding his human family seriously.

With his aggressive temperament, he has appeared on the list of banned breeds, and this is why he isn’t an ideal choice for homes where there are small children, as some small children haven’t been taught how to treat a dog with respect.

However, when properly trained and socialized he becomes an excellent companion dog. He has an intimidating look about him, but when he is with his human family, another side comes out and he is affectionate, loving and protective.

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

dogo sardesco puppies - health problemsThe Dogo Sardesco is a relatively healthy breed who is unlikely to suffer with ailments common to dogs, but nonetheless there are some diseases or conditions that you might want to be aware of with your dog.

Skeletal and visual problems can occur in this breed. Both hip- and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic disorders in dogs and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and even cause lifelong disability.

Genes and environmental factors play a part in your dog developing this disease.If he has been diagnosed as having hip or elbow dysplasia, get your dog to the vet as there are treatments which can at least make your pet a lot more comfortable.

Remember that feeding your puppy Dogo Sardesco too much food which is particularly high in calories can mean him growing too fast, and this can contribute to this hip dysplasia problem.

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.

dogo sardesco dogs - caringDog owners who don’t like the idea of spending too much money on grooming will appreciate that the Dogo Sardesco is a very low maintenance breed, and that a good brushing twice a week will keep the dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

As with all other dogs, he will need to have his teeth brushed to remove plaque build up. Not only does plaque lead to dental disease, but bad teeth can lead to other health issues too.

Nail clipping will also be necessary if your pet doesn’t wear the nails down naturally from getting to run on a hard surface from time to time.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
New Zealand
Italy
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Dogo Sardo, Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
black, brown, grey or brindle , Red
Coat:
smooth or rough
Short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Sardesco vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Sardesco vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Sardesco vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Sardesco vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Sardesco vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Sardesco vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Sardesco vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Sardesco vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Sardesco vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Sardesco vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Sardesco vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Sardesco vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Sardesco vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Sardesco vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Sardesco vs Alano Espanol - 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