Maid - A NZ Huntaway



Maid enjoying a wee dip

When it's hot, and we've had a few good days recently, even though I thought Summer days were well and truly over, the dogs love a dip in the river.  The others weren't staying still enough to get them, well mainly it was Don, the young heading dog, leaping in at just the wrong time, but Maid was right beside me loving the water.  And I've got pretty good at missing the wet dog shake as they come out.  With 6 of them it sometimes takes some doing.

The Huntaway (hunts sheep away) was initially bred in New Zealand just over 100 years ago, for NZ conditions.  The Border Collie that came with the original shepherds had limitations on our hills, and in our scrub.  So they set about breeding a dog that would suit - so originally a MONGREL.  No one really knows exactly which breeds were used, but the base was definititely the Border Collie to which was added in no order Beardie (from Northern Scotland), Old English Sheepdog, Smithfield (working dogs from the London, Smithfield Markets), Labrador, Foxhound, Retriever.  Some people believe Kelpie (breed developed in Australia) went into the mix at times, but no German Shepherd (who knows).

They were bred to have a loud deep bark,  and to be very energetic.  On some of the large stations and farms they can cover up to 100kms a day during the busy times.  So think twice if you want one for your backyard - the excess energy goes into barking!!  The Huntaway is usually Black and Tan (like my Maid), but they can be black, brindle and occasionally red, and their coat is smooth, rough or grizzly.  They are highly intelligent and friendly.

With training the Huntaway becomes what is called a Handy Dog - meaning it can head and hunt sheep, work in yards (where they are champion hurdlers), but you can never stop them barking as they work, although some are a lot quieter than others - Maid is not one, and neither is Jake "the Bosses" huntaway.  And with commands, either word or whistle, you can get them to just the right position (most of the time) to send the stock the correct way.

New Zealand farmers would be absolutely lost without our good dogs - especially on hill and high country farms.  I didn't mention how incredibly loyal they are, and they often will not work for more than one person.   It is always a very sad day when one of the oldies passes away here.  They often spend the last few years pottering around the garden and lying on the doorstep.




Thirsty work Jake?

 Jake is skinnier than Maid, because he is much fitter.  Like human athletes, when you are in top condition you don't carry excess weight.  On hot summer days a fat dog really suffers, and they can succumb to heat stroke.