Calling all huntaway and heading dog owners

Gary Mainland has been busy collecting saliva samples from Huntaway and Heading dogs on farms across the lower South Island as part of the Right Dog for the Job research project.

With just eight months remaining in the three-year study, he is now looking to gather saliva samples from dogs across the Top of the South to help ensure the project’s success.

The saliva samples are being used to investigate inherited genetic variants that may influence the health, performance, and physical traits of working farm dogs.

The goal is to equip farmers with better information for breeding decisions regarding preventing disease and supporting the selection of desirable traits, resulting in healthier, more capable dogs.

Led by Massey University and supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund, Right Dog for the Job aims to fill a gap in global genetic research, where working farm dogs — particularly New Zealand’s Huntaways and Heading dogs — have long been underrepresented.

The process is quick and simple: Gary visits the farm to collect a saliva sample, measure the dog, take a quick photo, and ask a few questions about the dog’s behaviour. The entire process takes just five to 10 minutes per dog.

To date, the study has genome-sequenced 130 huntaways, 104 heading dogs, and 15 mixed-breed working dogs.

Researchers screened 400 known genetic mutations found in other breeds and discovered 27 variants present in New Zealand’s farm dogs, five of which are associated with serious inherited health conditions. These findings highlight the importance of genetic testing before breeding, helping farmers and breeders avoid producing puppies with life-impacting conditions.

Help expand the database and be part of shaping the future of New Zealand’s working farm dogs.

To arrange a visit or learn more, contact Gary Mainland at [email protected]