New Zealand Heading Dog

also known as New Zealand Eye Dog, New Zealand Collie, NZ Heading Dog

Pros Summary


The New Zealand Heading Dog, also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog or the Heading Dog, is a medium-sized breed of sheepdog that originates from New Zealand. They were originally developed as working dogs to herd sheep and cattle, and they are known for their intelligence, agility, and stamina. New Zealand Heading Dogs have a strong, athletic build, with a short, dense coat that is typically black, red, or brown in color. They have a broad, triangular head with a powerful jaw, and medium-sized, pointed ears. New Zealand Heading Dogs are intelligent, independent, and strong-willed, and they require consistent and firm training to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved, confident dogs. They are known for their endurance and stamina, and they excel at herding and working in rough terrain. New Zealand Heading Dogs can make excellent working dogs or family pets, but it is important to properly socialize and train them to ensure they are well-mannered and controlled in all situations.

Breed Information


Type

Is New Zealand Heading Dog a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were New Zealand Heading Dogs originally used for?

Herding, Sheepdog Trials, Agility Sports, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do New Zealand Heading Dogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a New Zealand Heading Dog? How long can New Zealand Heading Dogs live?

12-14 years

The average New Zealand Heading Dog lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

New Zealand Heading Dog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown New Zealand Heading Dog?

What is the average height of a New Zealand Heading Dog? How big is a Purebred New Zealand Heading Dog height? New Zealand Heading Dog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-24 inches (50.8 - 61 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
Female 20-24 inches (50.8 - 61 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a New Zealand Heading Dog? How much should New Zealand Heading Dogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-66 pounds (25 - 30 kg) 16.0 pounds (7 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 58.0 pounds (26 kg)
Female 55-66 pounds (25 - 30 kg) 16.0 pounds (7 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 58.0 pounds (26 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do New Zealand Heading Dogs get fat easily?

The New Zealand Heading Dog is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the New Zealand Heading Dog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a New Zealand Heading Dog personality? What are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs best known for?

Intelligent
Willing

Shedding Level

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a New Zealand Heading Dog Shed?

New Zealand Heading Dog 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 New Zealand Heading Dog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a New Zealand Heading Dog dog?

The New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do New Zealand Heading Dogs come from?

New Zealand

Ancestry

What are New Zealand Heading Dogs descended from?

Border Collie

Date of Birth

When were New Zealand Heading Dogs first bred? How old is the New Zealand Heading Dog breed?

1867

New Zealand Heading Dog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are New Zealand Heading Dog eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can New Zealand Heading Dog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can New Zealand Heading Dog coat be naturally?

Black
White
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is a New Zealand Heading Dogs coat?

The coat of a New Zealand Heading Dog falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The New Zealand Heading Dog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a New Zealand Heading Dog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a New Zealand Heading Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can a New Zealand Heading Dog have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A New Zealand Heading Dog 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

New Zealand Heading Dogs are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

New Zealand Heading Dog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do New Zealand Heading Dogs have a lot of health problems?

The New Zealand Heading Dog breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but 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 to be aware of when owning a New Zealand Heading Dog?

None Known

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to New Zealand Heading Dogs?

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Occasional Diagnoses

Bloat

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for New Zealand Heading Dog breed?

Ear Examination
Eye examination
Complete Blood Count
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Blood Glucose Tests

New Zealand Heading Dog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do New Zealand Heading Dogs have a lot of energy?

New Zealand Heading Dogs are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do New Zealand Heading Dogs need socialization? How social are New Zealand Heading Dogs?

New Zealand Heading Dog 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

How much exercise should New Zealand Heading Dogs get?

The New Zealand Heading Dog needs 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 sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a New Zealand Heading Dog have? Do New Zealand Heading Dogs sleep a lot?

New Zealand Heading Dogs are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a New Zealand Heading Dog drool a lot?

The New Zealand Heading Dog is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the New Zealand Heading Dog, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

New Zealand Heading Dog dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do New Zealand Heading Dogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a New Zealand Heading Dog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do New Zealand Heading Dogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my New Zealand Heading Dog busy?

Tramping, Fetch, Hunting, Walking, Playing, Running, Long, Basic tricks, Runs, Fetching balls, Walks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a New Zealand Heading Dog? How much energy does a New Zealand Heading Dog have?

High

New Zealand Heading Dogs 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 far should a New Zealand Heading Dog walk each week? How many miles should a New Zealand Heading Dog walk every week?

30 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For New Zealand Heading Dog, it's at least 30 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a New Zealand Heading Dog should exercise a day? How much activity does a New Zealand Heading Dog need?

120 minutes

In general most New Zealand Heading Dogs usually need at least 120 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

What level of grooming should be provided for a New Zealand Heading Dog?

The New Zealand Heading Dog is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a New Zealand Heading Dog?

Weekly

New Zealand Heading Dog 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 are the most commonly used brushing tools for New Zealand Heading Dogs?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a New Zealand Heading Dog eat?

3 cups

For an average 55-66 pound (25 - 30 kg) New Zealand Heading Dog 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

How Much Does a New Zealand Heading Dog Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a New Zealand Heading Dog is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a New Zealand Heading Dog Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a New Zealand Heading Dog 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.

New Zealand Heading Dog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a New Zealand Heading Dog?

The New Zealand Heading Dog breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a New Zealand Heading Dog dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do New Zealand Heading Dog do well in apartments? Are New Zealand Heading Dogs good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the New Zealand Heading Dog in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. New Zealand Heading Dogs living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs good with kids? Are New Zealand Heading Dogs good around children?

New Zealand Heading Dogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs good with cats? How friendly New Zealand Heading Dogs are toward cats?

New Zealand Heading Dogs are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs get along with other dogs? Are New Zealand Heading Dogs OK with other dogs?

New Zealand Heading Dogs are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are New Zealand Heading Dogs friendly with strangers?

New Zealand Heading Dogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do New Zealand Heading Dogs like to play? Are New Zealand Heading Dogs playful?

The New Zealand Heading Dog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your New Zealand Heading Dog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are New Zealand Heading Dog easily trained?

The New Zealand Heading Dog is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.