Overview
New Zealand farms use two kinds of sheepdog. The Huntaway drives from behind with its voice; the Heading Dog goes out silently, sweeps wide and brings the flock back with stare and movement. It is the local descendant of the Border Collie, smoother coated and built for distance on hill country.
Pet examples in the UK are scarce and most are working-bred, which means a dog with the full set of collie behaviours: fixation, chasing, sensitivity to movement and an engine that does not run down. Treat it as you would a working Border Collie and you will be about right.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day of real activity is a sensible minimum for a fit adult, and a tired Heading Dog is a happy one. Off-lead running in a safe space with recall games, directional cues and retrieves gives the brain and body something to work on at once.
Beware building a ball addict. Repetitive chasing wires up the fixation this breed already has. Break it up with search games, trick training and plain quiet sniffing.
On the walk
- Recall: Often very good, because the dog is wired to work with a handler. The exception is moving livestock or wildlife, when the eye locks on and the ears close.
- Eye: Expect the dog to drop into a crouch and stare at dogs, bikes and joggers. Keep it moving and give it a cue to break the stare before it creeps forward.
- Other dogs: Generally tolerant but not especially playful. Some will try to control the group by heading off runners, which can start arguments.
- Movement sensitivity: Traffic, cyclists and skateboards can trigger a lunge. Walk on the far side of the pavement and reward attention on you as things pass.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a job: directional cues, finds and retrieves, not just a ball lobbed repeatedly.
- Teach and use a settle; a Heading Dog that can lie down and switch off in the van is a joy to manage.
- Keep a long line handy for new routes until you have seen recall hold against distractions.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog from working lines, and has it ever worked or seen sheep up close?
- What does the dog fixate on, and what cue does the owner use to break the stare?
- How does the dog travel, and will it settle in a van with other dogs?