Irish Dane vs Huntaway Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Irish Dane or New Zealand Sheepdog?
Compare the Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Irish Dane or a New Zealand Sheepdog? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
New Zealand Sheepdog, New Zealand Huntaway, NZ Huntaway
Weight
What is the average weight of Irish Dane and Huntaway?
35.0 pounds
( 16 kg )
77.0 pounds
( 35 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Irish Dane and Huntaway
16.5 inches
( 41.9 cm )
25.0 inches
( 63.5 cm )
Hypoallergenic
Are Irish Danes or Huntaways hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, neither Irish Dane nor Huntaway are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Irish Dane and Huntaway dogs?
Friendly Energetic Active Intelligent Trainable Vocal
Shedding Level
Do Irish Danes shed more than Huntaways, or which breed sheds more, Irish Danes or Huntaways?
Irish Dane or Huntaway dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Irish Dane or Huntaway. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Irish Dane or Huntaway?
Irish Danes are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.
Huntaways aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.
Origin
What is the origin of Irish Dane and Huntaway dog breeds?
United States
New Zealand
Ancestry
What are the origins of Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds?
Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane
Collies, English Hound, Old English Sheepdogs, Labrador
Breed recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize/register Irish Dane and Huntaway?
ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Dog Registry of America Inc. New Zealand Kennel Club
Date of Birth
When were Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds first developed?
Unknown
1900's
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Irish Dane and Huntaway dogs?
Brown
Brown Amber
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Irish Dane and Huntaway?
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds?
Brindle Sable Cream Red Gray Silver Fawn Blue White Black
Pied Black Brown
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds?
The coat of Irish Dane and Huntaway dogs falls in the medium-length category.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Irish Dane and Huntaway?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Irish Dane and Huntaway?
Straight
Wavy
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Irish Dane and Huntaway?
10-15 puppies per pregnancy
An Irish Dane can have a litter of 10-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
12-14 puppies per pregnancy
A Huntaway can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
The adaptability of Irish Dane and Huntaway dogs is a well-known trait. They are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.
Health Issues
Between Irish Dane and Huntaway, which breed is more prone to health problems?
Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds are very healthy, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds?
Entropion Gastric Torsion Cardiomyopathy Canine Hip Dysplasia
Bone Cancer
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Irish Dane and Huntaway?
Osteosarcoma Myotonia
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia Ear Health and Infection
Occasional Tests
What occasional tests are recommended for Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds?
Radiographs Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.) Blood And Urine Analysis Orthopedic Exam Ocular Exam Cardiac Test Electromyography (EMG) Muscle Biopsy Blood Panel Bone Biopsy
Full Physical Examination
Energy
How do the energy levels of Irish Danes and Huntaways compare?
Irish Danes are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.
Huntaways thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Irish Dane vs Huntaway social needs comparison
Irish Dane and Huntaway have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
Irish Dane vs Huntaway exercise need comparison.
The Irish Dane and Huntaway breeds need a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking, or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with a sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Irish Dane or Huntaway?
Irish Danes have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.
Huntaways are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Tendency to Bark
Do Irish Danes or Huntaways bark more/less frequently?
Irish Dane dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Huntaway dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Dane vs Huntaway?
Roaming urge
Irish Dane vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Irish Dane or Huntaway - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Irish Danes or Huntaways?
Medium
Irish Danes are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
High
Huntaways are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Irish Dane or Huntaway walk each week?
9 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Dane, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
14 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Huntaway, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Irish Danes or Huntaways require more exercise?
90 minutes
In general most Irish Danes usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
80 minutes
In general most Huntaways usually need at least 80 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Irish Danes or Huntaways?
The Irish Dane has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.
The Huntaway requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Irish Dane and Huntaway dogs?
Weekly
Irish Dane and Huntaway should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Irish Danes and Huntaways?
Pin Brush Comb Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Slicker Brush Deshedder Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Irish Dane or Huntaway in cups?
4 cups
For an average 120-150 pound (54 - 68 kg) Irish Dane feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
3 cups
For an average 65-88 pound (29 - 40 kg) Huntaway feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Irish Dane or Huntaway?
$3.90 - $4.20 / day
The average cost of an Irish Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.
$2.10 - $2.70 / day
The average cost of a Huntaway is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Irish Dane or Huntaway?
$112 - $126 / month
The average per month expenses of an Irish Dane is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
$55 - $73 / month
The average per month expenses of a Huntaway is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Irish Danes vs Huntaways
Irish Danes are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Huntaway is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Sensitivity Level
How do Irish Dane and Huntaway compare in sensitivity?
These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Irish Dane and Huntaway need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Dane vs Huntaway?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Irish Dane or Huntaway?
The Irish Dane is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.
Huntaways can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.
Child Friendly
Do Irish Danes or Huntaways have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Irish Danes are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.
Huntaways make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Irish Dane or Huntaway?
Cat Friendly
Do Irish Dane or Huntaway breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Irish Danes are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.
Huntaways are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Irish Dane or Huntaway?
Irish Danes and Huntaways are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.
Pet friendly
How do Irish Dane or Huntaway dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Irish Dane or Huntaway?
Irish Danes are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.
Huntaways are highly friendly around strangers.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Irish Dane and Huntaway?
Irish Danes have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.
Huntaways are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Irish Danes and Huntaways compare?
Irish Danes are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.
Huntaways are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.
