Wire Fox Terrier vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Wire Fox Terrier vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonWire Fox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Wire Fox Terrier may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than Huntaway. Wire Fox Terrier may weigh 37 kg / 81 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Huntaway has almost same life span. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Wire Fox Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low maintenance

History

wire fox terrier - historyThe wire fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts. They wanted a feisty dog that could chase foxes down their burrows.

It is thought that the dog descended from the rough-coated black and tan working terriers of Wales.

The dog wasn’t popular as a pet until the 1930s when its appearance in certain films gave it a popularity-boost.

huntaway - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
5 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
None
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
black and tan, White
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Medium length, wiry
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

wire fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 and 9kg and stands between 35 and 39cm at the withers.

The dog’s double coat is essentially white with brown or tan markings and can be medium length and wiry, tending to be curly too.

He is a light shedder. The face is long, without much shape and eyes appear to be fairly close together. The ears are fairly small and they fold forward toward the cheeks. The tail is docked and is held high.

Temperament:

This really is an intelligent dog and can’t tolerate being bored. It’s essentially a companion dog too and doesn't want to be separated from his owners for too long.

As a companion dog he is going to want a lot of attention. They’re independent and strong-willed and will benefit from training and socialization.

They are great around children but they do need to be supervised as they are inclined to nip, especially when highly excited. They also bark quite a bit and the owner might have to do something to stop this yapping, especially when the dog is bored.

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe 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”.

Characteristics

wire fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wire Fox Terrier is such a canine friend, ready to be with you no matter what you’re doing. They are social dogs and love being involved with their human companions.

He is independent but still social and enthusiastic and you can describe him as the ideal family dog.

He is a bundle of energy, and when you bring him into your home, you’re going to get a family member who is playful, joyful, loving and loyal – your very best friend.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems

wire fox terrier puppies - health problemsThese are healthy dogs, and if you get your dog from a responsible breeder, he will have been checked for health conditions such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are a problem with the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light and it should be crystal clear. A cataract obscures vision. Sometimes the cataract can be very small but other times it can grow to the size of the lens and then it can cause blindness.

Most times, dogs with cataracts can still see, and even though a dog may experience some confusion with a cataract, they don’t hurt the dog. They don’t go away on their own and will need to be removed surgically. If you see your dog has a cataract, consult your vet to get their opinion on the matter.

Allergies:

Your dog may be licking and scratching a lot and it may just be that your dog has a frustrating and irritating skin problem. This itching isn’t a disease but rather a cause of some disease.

There could be so many things that are causing your pet to scratch and it could be a skin disease, parasites or allergies. It can be terrible seeing the frustration it causes your pet and he will certainly need to see the vet.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

wire fox terrier dogs - caringThis dog will need to be brushed regularly. Some people hand-strip their dogs. Most people prefer just to take their pets to a professional groomer to have them professionally clipped. The groomers will simultaneously clip his nails, clean the inside of his ears and also clean his teeth.

Diet:

The Wire Fox Terrier will expect you to supply him with high-quality dog food if you opt to use commercially manufactured dog food. These foods can be wonderfully convenient but you want the food to be packed with natural ingredients and be high in vitamins and minerals.

Any diet should also be appropriate to the dog’s age, his size, and his activity levels. Some homemade foods can also be a treat but this needs to be simple with no heavy spicing. Things such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables can be an excellent choice.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf 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.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Wire Fox Terrier vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Wire Fox Terrier vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  3. Wire Fox Terrier vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  4. Wire Fox Terrier vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Wire Fox Terrier vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Wire Fox Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Wire Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  9. Wire Fox Terrier vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  10. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. Wire Fox Terrier vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Wire Fox Terrier vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Wire Fox Terrier vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  15. Wire Fox Terrier vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  16. Wire Fox Terrier vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Wire Fox Terrier vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Wire Fox Terrier vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Wire Fox Terrier vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  21. Wire Fox Terrier vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  22. Wire Fox Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Wire Fox Terrier vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Wire Fox Terrier vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  28. Saarlooswolfhond vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  29. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  33. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  34. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  42. Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  43. Perro de Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  45. Saluki vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  46. Mountain Cur vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  47. Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnauzerdor vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds