Huntaway vs. Kelpie — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Huntaway is a New Zealand sheepdog breed known for its loud bark and herding ability over large terrains. Kelpie, originating in Australia, is also a herding breed recognized for its agility, intelligence, and stamina.
Difference Between Huntaway and Kelpie
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Huntaway is a New Zealand breed developed to drive sheep across vast landscapes by barking, while the Kelpie is an Australian breed prized for its silent but efficient herding using eye contact and agility.
Huntaways are larger, muscular dogs designed for strength and endurance, whereas Kelpies are medium-sized, lean, and known for their speed and agility.
Huntaways herd sheep by barking commands, often at a distance, while Kelpies are more direct, working closely and silently with livestock.
Huntaways are versatile and can adapt to various terrains but are specifically suited for New Zealand's rolling hills. Kelpies are similarly adaptable but excel in the hot and dry conditions of Australia.
Huntaways are relatively recent, originating in the late 19th century from mixed herding breeds. Kelpies have a longer history and are thought to have descended from British working dogs.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
New Zealand
Australia
Size
Large, muscular
Medium, lean
Herding Style
Barking at a distance
Silent, close working
Terrain
Rolling hills, varied terrain
Hot, dry, varied terrain
History
Developed in the late 19th century
Descended from British working dogs
Compare with Definitions
Huntaway
Herds by barking commands.
The Huntaway barked loudly to move the sheep across the field.
Kelpie
An Australian herding dog known for agility.
The Kelpie is a popular choice for Australian cattle and sheep farmers.
Huntaway
Competitions showcasing herding abilities.
Huntaways often excel at sheepdog trials due to their skillful barking.
Kelpie
Adapts to various livestock and conditions.
The versatile Kelpie can work with sheep, cattle, and even goats.
Huntaway
Descended from various herding breeds.
The Huntaway's ancestry includes different working dog breeds.
Kelpie
Likely descended from British sheepdogs.
The Kelpie's ancestors were working dogs from the United Kingdom.
Huntaway
Strong, muscular physique for endurance.
The Huntaway's muscular build helps it work long hours in the field.
Kelpie
Works quietly using eye contact and agility.
The Kelpie herded the flock with precise movements and no barking.
Huntaway
A sheepdog breed from New Zealand.
The Huntaway is a vital part of New Zealand's sheep farming industry.
Kelpie
Medium-sized and lean for speed and endurance.
The Kelpie's lean build helps it navigate tough terrain quickly.
Huntaway
The Huntaway (also known as the New Zealand Huntaway) is a large, strongly-built breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks in New Zealand, where they originate. They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep.
Kelpie
A kelpie, or water kelpie, is a shape-shifting spirit inhabiting lochs in Scottish folklore. It is usually described as a black horse-like creature, able to adopt human form.
Huntaway
Alternative case form of Huntaway
Kelpie
A malevolent water spirit of Scottish legend, usually having the shape of a horse and rejoicing in or causing drownings.
Kelpie
A sheepdog of a medium-sized breed developed in Australia, having a compact body, usually erect ears, and short coat. Also called Australian kelpie.
Kelpie
A malevolent shapeshifting spirit, most often in the form of a horse, believed to haunt the rivers and lochs of Scotland.
Kelpie
An Australian breed of sheepdog.
Kelpie
An imaginary spirit of the waters, horselike in form, vulgarly believed to warn, by preternatural noises and lights, those who are to be drowned.
Kelpie
(Scottish folklore) water spirit in the form of a horse that likes to drown its riders
Kelpie
An Australian sheepdog with pointed ears
Common Curiosities
Do Kelpies work with other livestock besides sheep?
Yes, Kelpies can also herd cattle, goats, and other livestock.
Are Huntaways larger than Kelpies?
Yes, Huntaways are generally larger and more muscular compared to the lean Kelpies.
Can Kelpies work in hot climates?
Yes, Kelpies thrive in hot, dry conditions, typical of Australia's climate.
What is the main difference between a Huntaway and a Kelpie?
Huntaways are New Zealand sheepdogs known for barking herding, while Kelpies are Australian and herd silently using eye contact.
Are Huntaways used primarily in New Zealand?
Yes, Huntaways are mainly used in New Zealand, where they are well-suited to the terrain.
Are Huntaways and Kelpies purebred dogs?
Yes, both are recognized breeds, although Huntaways have mixed ancestry.
Do Kelpies bark while herding?
Typically, no, Kelpies are known for silent herding using body language.
What type of terrain do Huntaways excel in?
They excel in New Zealand's rolling hills and varied terrains.
Do Huntaways require a lot of exercise?
Yes, as working dogs, they need significant exercise to stay healthy.
Do Kelpies require specific training for herding?
Yes, Kelpies need specialized training to excel in herding.
Are Kelpies suitable as family pets?
They can be, but their high energy levels require active families.
Are Huntaways prone to health issues?
Like other breeds, Huntaways may have genetic health concerns, but they are generally robust.
Is there a standard appearance for Huntaways and Kelpies?
Both have breed standards, though variations exist due to mixed ancestry.
Can both Huntaways and Kelpies work with cattle?
Yes, both can herd cattle effectively with proper training.
Do Huntaways participate in sheepdog trials?
Yes, they are often seen in New Zealand's sheepdog trials.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
