Breed: New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Header
Temperament: intelligent, very trainable
Cost: from $(NZ)250
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Maintenance: low
Recommended for: sheep stations
History
There are more sheep per head of human population in New Zealand than in any other country on earth, about 45 million sheep. To have that many sheep requires a special type of dog to control them, such as the New Zealand Header and New Zealand Huntaway. The Huntaways tend to bark and chase the sheep away, the Headers bring the sheep back. They’re called headers because they will go to the head of the sheep and turn them.
These New Zealand breeds were developed over the last 100 years by cross-breeding the Border Collie with other breeds including the Irish Setter, English Hound, Old English Sheepdog and Labrador. Dogs found on New Zealand stations today are considered purebreds by farmers.
Appearance
Bigger than the traditional Border Collie working dog, the Huntaway and Header stands an estimated 15 cm (6′) taller. They’re not particularly attractive dogs, being bred purely for work rather than show. The dogs are usually black/tan or black/brindle and can have either a rough or smooth coat.
Header Huntaway
Temperament and health
The Huntaway and Header are extraordinarily smart, very trainable dogs. They move stock efficiently with and without human commands. Both are hardy working dogs whose breeding has discouraged the occurrence of any genetic illnesses. Unhealthy animals are unsuitable as working dogs and are normally destroyed.
Breeding
According to breeders, both are easy whelpers with from six to 12 puppies in a litter. Rough and smooth-coated puppies can be found in the same litter. Neither breed is registered with the New Zealand Kennel Clubs and no formal pedigree registration system is in operation. Nonetheless, champion trial dogs are registered so a purchaser will be able to determine if his pup has good breeding or not.
Feeding
Most farmers feed their dogs fresh meat costing around $NZ10 ($AUD8.60) a week.
Cost
Young dogs cost from $NZ200-$NZ350 ($AUD172-$AUD258) with up to $NZ3,000 ($AUD2,587) known to be paid for top working dogs.
House-pet potential
Huntaways and Headers are considered working dogs rather than house-pets. Huntaways in particular can be a noisy breed and neither are really suitable as pets in domestic environments.
Space and exercise
Working dogs don