A typical home-care rhythm for a Huntaway. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksHuntaway exercise needs
Very high: bred to work long days across steep, rough country, so it needs lots of exercise and ideally a real job.1
where they are happiestHuntaway at home
Best suited to farms or rural homes with plenty of space.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Huntaway, and at what times?
Adult Huntaways do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at the same times each day helps their digestion. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.2
What should a Huntaway eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid giving them human treats like these.3
How often should I bathe a Huntaway?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. At least once every three months is a good general rule. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse well.4
How often does a Huntaway need brushing?
Brush your Huntaway weekly to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. This is especially helpful for the rougher-coated variety. Regular brushing also helps you check for any skin issues.4
How do I trim a Huntaway's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.4
How much exercise does a Huntaway need?
Huntaways have very high energy and need lots of daily exercise, ideally with a job to do. Daily walks and play are essential, and they thrive on activities like herding or agility. A tired Huntaway is a happy one.1
How do I look after a Huntaway's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Their floppy ears can trap moisture, so dry them gently after baths or swimming. Never push anything into the ear canal.4
How long does a Huntaway live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care, so ask your vet for a general estimate. With good nutrition, exercise, and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy many active years. Senior care usually starts around age 7.
Is a Huntaway good with children and other pets?
Huntaways are clever and tireless, but their suitability with children and other pets depends on training and socialization. They are bred to work independently, so early, positive introductions are key. Consult a good breeder or trainer for guidance.1
Can a Huntaway be left alone?
Huntaways are working dogs that thrive on activity and companionship, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before being left. If you're away often, consider a dog walker or daycare.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchHuntaway health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Huntaway. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Degenerative myelopathy
A slow nerve disease of older dogs that weakens the back legs; a DNA test shows which dogs carry the risk gene. Massey University 2025 genome study of 130 Huntaways: risk allele frequency 21.5%, called high ↗
Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA
A rare recessive brain disease first found in Huntaways; affected dogs lose coordination as young adults, and a DNA test finds carriers. Massey 2025: carrier frequency about 0.4% (3.8% when first found in 2002); routine testing still advised ↗
von Willebrand disease (type 1)
A mild bleeding disorder; matters for a working dog that gets cuts. Massey 2025: allele frequency 2.2% ↗
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN8)
A rare recessive nerve disease causing seizures and blindness; a DNA test finds carriers. Massey 2025: carrier frequency 2.7%, no affected dogs reported in New Zealand ↗
Trapped neutrophil syndrome
A rare recessive immune disorder of puppies; a DNA test finds carriers. Massey 2025: carrier frequency 2.3% ↗
Hip dysplasia
Loose hips that wear into arthritis, a general risk in large active breeds. Generic large-breed condition; no Huntaway data published ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Degenerative myelopathy DNA test Massey University researchers (suggested) ↗
MPS IIIA DNA test Massey University researchers (recommended) ↗
von Willebrand disease DNA test Massey University researchers (suggested) ↗
From veterinary references; the breed club publishes no health page we could find. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Huntaway costs
Running costs for a Huntaway, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Huntaway legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Huntaway in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Unlike most herding dogs, the Huntaway moves sheep mainly with its loud, deep bark.1
2
Its bark comes in steady, repeated bursts with short pauses, so it can keep calling for long periods.1
3
The North Island town of Hunterville has a statue in honour of the Huntaway.1
4
In 2016 it was the second most registered breed in New Zealand, after the Labrador Retriever (per Wikipedia).1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Huntaway is also known as the New Zealand Huntaway, a breed developed in New Zealand for herding sheep, using its loud, deep bark to drive them.1
The sun peeks over the hill, and I'm already up. My human whistles, and I spring into a wide arc, gathering the sheep with a sharp bark. We move as one across the paddock, my nose reading the wind. At midday, I rest in the shade of a macrocarpa, watching the lambs. After a splash in the creek, we head home. I curl at my human's feet as they pat my head. 'Good dog,' they say. I wag my tail once, then close my eyes, dreaming of tomorrow's run.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganHuntaway history
The Huntaway was shaped in the late 1800s to cope with New Zealand's vast, unfenced high-country stations. References to the type go back to around 1870, and farmers were advertising for huntaways by 1884. Dogs were chosen for working ability and voice rather than looks.1
New Zealand Heading Dog
Border Collie
Australian Kelpie