At It Again

Listen! He’s at it again still.

It seems as if he never stops. In the distance.

Correction: there are two of them. And another correction: I suspect they must be bitches, because they seem to communicate with each other without respite. 

(Above): This dog may appear to be a common “house-dog” to the casual observer. But, no, he represents a very special breed and will soon be known the planet over as the world’s newest recognised breed. I understand that the application process with the FCI in Belgium is underway . He is a Huntaway.

Moves to Trademark this breed – See the One News Video here (sound).

Huntaways, according to Wiki, are large, deep-chested dogs that generally weigh in the region of 25–40 kg. Their coats can vary in colour; colours include black, black and tan (usually) with some white or brindle. Their coats can also come in different textures; they can be smooth, rough, or grizzly and they are generally floppy eared. A huntaway’s height is usually in the range of 56–66 cm.

The huntaway was developed as a breed in response to farming conditions found in the New Zealand high country. The vast pastoral runs or Stations, such as those in the high country of the South Island, required teams of dogs who could work mustering for days on end, covering great distances on rough steep country. High country stations typically cover many thousands of hectares, and were often unfenced.

As of August 2013 the Huntaway breed was recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC). This is the first recognition of a dog breed of New Zealand origin. There is an NZKC standard for the Huntaway breed, but the standard notes, "It is the opinion of the New Zealand Sheepdog Trial Association that a Huntaway should never be shown, due to the large variance in colour, type and size and the inability to prove in a show ring their core (and only) task of working stock. It is the opinion of the New Zealand Sheepdog Trial Association that a New Zealand Huntaway should not be kept solely as a pet.”

(Above): Statue of a Huntaway in Hunterville, which is situated about halfway between Bulls and Taihape on SH1.

The centre for Huntaways seems to be in a little place called Geraldine, South of Ashburton in South Canterbury: