MyDogBreeds
Sakhalin Husky is originated from Japan but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Sakhalin Husky and Huntaway are of same height. Sakhalin Husky may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Sakhalin Husky and Huntaway has same life span. Both Sakhalin Husky and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Sakhalin Husky requires Moderate maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low maintenance
Known also as the Karafuto-Ken, the Sakhalin Husky is a dog that has been used as a sled dog, but which is now almost extinct.
Hailing from Japan, it is believed that in 2011, there were only two surviving members of the breed in Japan. There isn’t much history on these dogs, but we do know that it is an old breed. They've been used by explorers to the South Pole. One such explorer was Robert Falcon Scott.
They’re extremely tough dogs, known for enduring in the snow under extreme conditions. The dog breed isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs.
The 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.
This is a medium sized dog standing at between 56 and 66cm in height and weighing between 30 and 40kg. His coat is thick and can be in a number of colours such as brown, tan, cream, grey or black. The ears are small and pointed and slightly tilted forwards. The tail is long and sometimes curls over the back while at other times it is held straight or down.
These dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and bravery. The dog is highly intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.
It's a rare dog breed, calm and confident. A perfect example of their amazing characteristics is seen in the film ‘Eight Below’ where these wonderful dogs were left behind on a scientific expedition that went wrong.
The dogs had to struggle for survival in the frozen wilderness. The Sakhalin Husky just wants to please, and is alert and intelligent, doing well in a family where there are children.
Statues have been erected to honor these Sakhalin Huskies who died on some of these ill-fated expeditions.
These dogs are totally devoted to their owners and they’re full of confidence, they’ve got immense strength and they need a lot of physical stimulation every day.
The 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”.
When you bring these dogs into your home, you’re bringing in lots of excellent characteristics.
He is loyal, affectionate and smart. With his above average intelligence, you can easily train him. He is also a playful breed and the kids will enjoy him as a good playmate.
They’re gentle dogs too and will do well in a home where people are fair, patient, kind and consistent with their handling of him. Known to be an excellent therapy dog, having this dog in your home will enhance your quality of life.
They are very good with children and love to play with them.
Stamina, speed and independence
Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.
Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.
The brave Sakhalin Husky can live to be between 12 and 14 years of age but these dogs can succumb to quite a few of the common dog diseases there are -
This is a hereditary disease of the cornea. You’ll see small white dots in his cornea and the dog can experience hazy vision.
This problem with the hips can be debilitating for your sled dog, and both hips can be affected. It can be painful for your dog as arthritis sets in. It is important to see that your dogs don’t put on weight as this puts pressure on the joints. Your dog will need to see the vet, and surgery might be a treatment option.
This is a condition that affects Huskies between 3 and 4 months of age and can result in hair loss or problems with the skin. It is actually fairly rare in dogs and diagnosed by microscopic examination of the hair shaft. You will need to get your pet to the vet because it can lead to alopecia.
The Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:
Feed your Sakhalin Husky a commercially manufactured dog formula that caters to his energy and digestive needs.
Choose high-quality dog food with natural ingredients. Try and include some home-made food into your dogs diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will do him wonders and you can chop it up and add some into the dry kibble as a treat twice a week.
Some raw meat occasionally is also important to prevent skin problems. Be sure that cool, fresh water is available for your pet at all times.
This will require regular exercise. Walks are always good, but he will require something more hectic such as long hikes and frisbee or ball throwing games.
A Husky’s dense double-coat must be brushed at least twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder.
His nails grow quickly and these will need to be trimmed. Even though he has erect ears, you will need to check inside for cleanliness to avoid canine ear infections.
Check inside his mouth as well for bad teeth as these can have a detrimental affect on his health
If 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.
3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.
Exceptional stamina
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.