The Huntaway is a distinctive New Zealand working dog breed, developed by crossing Border Collies with Labradors and Rottweilers, along with some influence from German Shepherds. This combination was designed to blend intelligence, stamina, size, strength, and endurance, making them well-suited for herding sheep in rough terrain.
Huntaways can be excellent pets for active owners who are able to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent, loyal, and obedient dogs with a strong working drive for herding, so they thrive when given purposeful tasks and outdoor activities.
The key difference lies in their herding style; Australian Kelpies herd calmly and quietly using eye contact to gather stock close to the handler, while Huntaways are larger and use a loud, deep, sustained bark to drive sheep ahead or away, often managing livestock over steep and rough terrain.
Yes, Huntaways are known for barking frequently as it is an essential part of their herding technique. They produce loud, continuous barks with short pauses, which help drive sheep and alert their handlers, making them audible over large distances, although this can be challenging in a typical home environment.