Vikhan Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Huntaway are having almost same height. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Huntaway are having almost same weight. Vikhan Sheepdog may live 6 years less than Huntaway. Vikhan Sheepdog may have more litter size than Huntaway. Vikhan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low maintenance

History

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

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.

Description

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

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”.

Characteristics

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

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.

Health Problems

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

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

Caring The Pet

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Pakistan
New Zealand
Height Male:
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
fawn, black , brown
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
long and shaggy
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  4. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  7. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  8. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  9. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  16. Mixed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  17. Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  18. Perro de Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  19. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  20. Saluki vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  21. Mountain Cur vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  22. Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnauzerdor vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  24. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  25. Vikhan Sheepdog vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  28. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  30. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  32. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  33. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac - Breed Comparison
  35. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Smooth Haired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  36. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Spinone Italiano - Breed Comparison
  38. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Talbot - Breed Comparison
  39. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  40. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  41. Weimaraner vs Vikhan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  42. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  43. Vikhan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  45. Vikhan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  46. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  47. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds