Welsh Shearing Equipment - Huntaway Herding Dogs

As seen in Farmers Weekly January 2016

We have puppies available now. Please contact us for availability and

Tel: 07790 872945

Our stud dog Chip is fully registered with New Zealand Huntaway Society . Imported in 2010 .

And both of our breeding bitches Beth and Kiwi are also registered

Chip – Registration No: 21456

Imported December 2010 29″ High

Brian Davies founder of Welsh Shearing Equipment imported the first New Zealand Huntaways into the Uk in 1976.

The Huntaway is a large, strongly built breed of dog used for general sheep herding tasks in New Zealand, where they originate, but especially for driving sheep away from the shepherd, hence their name. Huntaways are large, deep-chested dogs that generally weigh in the region of 25–40 kilograms (55–88 lb). They are usually black and tan coloured and they can be smooth, rough, or grizzly. They are generally floppy eared, and were bred to use their loud, deep bark to herd sheep. The breed is relatively new, dating as a distinct breed from the late 19th century.

The huntaway was developed as a breed in response to farming conditions found in the New Zealand high country. The vast pastoral runs or Stations, such as those in the high country of the South Island, required teams of dogs who could work mustering for days on end, covering great distances on rough steep country. High country stations typically cover many thousands of hectares, and were often unfenced. British sheepdogs used by early New Zealand farmers mostly worked sheep silently, but occasionally a dog would use its bark to herd sheep. This characteristic was liked by some farmers, especially for driving sheep on rough, steep hill country where a dog may disappear from view, making a dog that drives stock by sight less useful. Collies and other working sheepdogs with the barking trait would have been crossed with any other breed that had other desirable traits, including size, stamina and a steady barking ability, as these are the traits that differentiate the huntaway from the heading dog today, but the exact lineage is not known.

What sets a Huntaway apart from other Sheepdogs?

A Huntaway dog is a breed best suited to herding on mountainous terrain due to its great intelligence and stamina along with its deep and powerful bark which is especially valuable where the Shepherd and Dog can lose sight of the flock on the mountains.

What is the temperament and condition of the average Huntaway?

Huntaways are born and bred to be working dogs, dedicated to rough terrain and a working lifestyle. To this end they are highly intelligent, robust and energetic.

They are a friendly breed but due to their nature they require a great deal of exercise to utilise their massive stamina.

They are generally loud, especially when working and despite their friendly demeanour it is recommended that they are not kept purely as a companion due to their excessive exercise requirements.

What are the origins of the Huntaway dog?

The Huntaway dog originated in New Zealand where it was bred for its size, stamina, intelligence and resounding bark which makes it particularly suited to the mountainous terrain of its homeland. It is also especially suited to responding to vocal commands and whistles which aid in communication when the Shepherd loses sight of the dog or flock in rough terrain.