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New Zealand Heading Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about New Zealand Heading Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank522
Reviews1
User Ratings
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New Zealand Heading Dog dog profile picture
OriginNew Zealand flagNew Zealand
Other Names
What other names does the New Zealand Heading Dog have?
New Zealand Eye DogNZ Heading DogNew Zealand Collie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

New Zealand Heading Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a New Zealand Heading Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do New Zealand Heading Dog get?

What is the average size of a New Zealand Heading Dog?

Large
Weight
How much does the New Zealand Heading Dog weigh? How much should a New Zealand Heading Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a New Zealand Heading Dog? How much does a full-grown New Zealand Heading Dog weight?
55-66 pounds (25-30 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a New Zealand Heading Dog?
60.5 pounds (27.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the New Zealand Heading Dog? New Zealand Heading Dog height:
20-24 inches (50-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a New Zealand Heading Dog?
22 inches (55.5 cm)

New Zealand Heading Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the New Zealand Heading Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a New Zealand Heading Dog in the United States? How much money is a New Zealand Heading Dog?

Where to buy a New Zealand Heading Dog with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the New Zealand Heading Dog. If you have a New Zealand Heading Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the New Zealand Heading Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a New Zealand Heading Dog? How many New Zealand Heading Dog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

New Zealand Heading Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the New Zealand Heading Dog? Is the New Zealand Heading Dog breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The New Zealand Heading Dog is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a New Zealand Heading Dog?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is New Zealand Heading Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

New Zealand Heading Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the New Zealand Heading Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IntelligentWilling
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? New Zealand Heading Dog sensitivity:
Sensitive: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a New Zealand Heading Dog a good family dog?
High: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the New Zealand Eye Dog need? New Zealand Heading Dog social needs:
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the New Zealand Heading Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does New Zealand Heading Dog roam?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does New Zealand Heading Dog have high prey drive?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

New Zealand Heading Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The New Zealand Heading Dog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my New Zealand Eye Dog bark?
Low to Average: The New Zealand Heading Dog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is New Zealand Heading Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a New Zealand Heading Dog in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the New Zealand Heading Dog breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the New Zealand Heading Dog indoors by introducing daily routines.

New Zealand Heading Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a New Zealand Heading Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a New Zealand Heading Dog alone?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

New Zealand Heading Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the New Zealand Heading Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a New Zealand Heading Dog? How much bite force does a New Zealand Heading Dog have? How strong is a New Zealand Heading Dog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

New Zealand Heading Dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force New Zealand Heading Dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a New Zealand Heading Dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This New Zealand Heading Dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. New Zealand Heading Dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a New Zealand Heading Dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The New Zealand Heading Dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the New Zealand Heading Dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a New Zealand Heading Dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do New Zealand Heading Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the New Zealand Eye Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a New Zealand Heading Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The New Zealand Heading Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the New Zealand Heading Dog do?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but New Zealand Heading Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

New Zealand Heading Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
New Zealand Heading Dogs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the New Zealand Heading Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the New Zealand Heading Dog see the vet?
Rare
The New Zealand Heading Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs live? How old can a New Zealand Heading Dog be? What is the age limit of the New Zealand Heading Dog? How many years can the oldest New Zealand Heading Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a New Zealand Heading Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a New Zealand Heading Dog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of New Zealand Heading Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

New Zealand Heading Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the New Zealand Heading Dog have? What is the activity level of the New Zealand Heading Dog?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a New Zealand Heading Dog need? How much exercise do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs require per day?

Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

New Zealand Heading Dog dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the New Zealand Heading Dog breed need?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

New Zealand Heading Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a New Zealand Heading Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a New Zealand Heading Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for New Zealand Heading Dog? How much food should I feed my New Zealand Heading Dog?
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? New Zealand Heading Dog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The New Zealand Heading Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the New Zealand Heading Dog weight regularly.

New Zealand Heading Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the New Zealand Heading Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Smooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper New Zealand Heading Dog coats?
Black & White Tan
Grooming
How to groom the New Zealand Heading Dog and how often? How often should I take my New Zealand Heading Dog to the groomer?
Average: The New Zealand Heading Dog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your New Zealand Heading Dog, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the New Zealand Eye Dog? Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs shed a lot?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the New Zealand Heading Dog need a bath? How often should you give a New Zealand Heading Dog a bath? Can I bathe my New Zealand Heading Dog every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the New Zealand Heading Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The New Zealand Heading Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the New Zealand Heading Dog drool?
The New Zealand Heading Dog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

New Zealand Heading Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? New Zealand Heading Dog temperament with other people:
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? New Zealand Heading Dog temperament with children:
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the New Zealand Heading Dog breed live with a cat?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is New Zealand Heading Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the New Zealand Heading Dog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is New Zealand Heading Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is New Zealand Heading Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs good office canines? Do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do New Zealand Heading Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the New Zealand Eye Dog temperament with senior people? Are New Zealand Heading Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
New Zealand Heading Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

New Zealand Heading Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can New Zealand Heading Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can New Zealand Heading Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a New Zealand Heading Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can New Zealand Heading Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can New Zealand Heading Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can New Zealand Heading Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

New Zealand Heading Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can New Zealand Heading Dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where New Zealand Heading Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

New Zealand Heading Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a New Zealand Heading Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the New Zealand Heading Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female New Zealand Heading Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the New Zealand Heading Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the New Zealand Heading Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a New Zealand Heading Dog have? How many puppies can a New Zealand Heading Dog give birth to?
3-5 puppies

New Zealand Heading Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is New Zealand Heading Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is New Zealand Heading Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

New Zealand Heading Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are very easy to train.
  • Health Issues: New Zealand Heading Dogs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The New Zealand Heading Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Adaptability: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: New Zealand Heading Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the New Zealand Heading Dog breed in the home.
  • Mouthiness: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: New Zealand Heading Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: New Zealand Heading Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

New Zealand Heading Dog History

New Zealand Heading dogs are descendants of the Scottish Border Collie, which were used on the boarders by shepherds in Scotland. According to some researchers, shepherds who shifted from the boarders tried to breed more specified dogs. A Scot, James Lillico, moved to New Zealand in the late 1890s and bred his home nation’s sheepdog with a Huntaway which was used for heavy farm work.

However, not so much later the modern heading dog, also known as ‘eye dog’, became common in New Zealand. The term ‘heading’ is originally used to describe dogs who bred to go around sheep, watch them closely in order to stop them from escaping, and gather them around as they are thought to be very intelligent. They were also bred to run long distances and to have shorter hair than the Border Collie to be able to beer the hot summers and adapt easily to the local environment.

Another important factor that has been mentioned is that the Border Collie had a strong instinct of laying down which had to breed out of the New Zealand Headings to be able to stand for a long time so the shepherd could see them from a long distance as well. Since that time they have been part of a competitive dog sport called sheepdog trials that began in 1889 at Hakatarame in New Zealand.

The most common colors of this type of breed are black and white, which again helped the shepherds to catch them with their eyes from a long distance. On the other hand, the recessive red color in some was not as popular as the black and white because it had its downside that it was not as easily seen. There were many other reasons why they became the best-suited type for their job besides their intelligence, such as having a super quick reaction and high speed. Furthermore, an interesting factor that still attracts people today is that New Zealand Heading has a special type of genes. First, they can be “Blue Merle”, which means that their coloring has been genetically diluted so part of their coat remains black but have this beautiful and unique light and grey colors as well. Second, they can have the so-called “walleye” (also known as heterochromia) which lets them have one blue eye and one brown. However, this merle gene can cause several health problems for example; blindness, sensitivity to the sun, and a higher rate of skin cancer.

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New Zealand Heading Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Angelica Perduta

    Feb 8, 2022, 11:44:15 PM:

    The farmer who sold her didn't think they make good pets. Now a few years later I disagree. The only drawback is that they need so much exercise that it's hard on any owner who isn't into fitness.