They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep. The breed is relatively new, dating from the late 19th century, and distinguished only on working ability. There is no russian dating nz appearance or lineage but they are usually black and tan coloured.

Only dogs that win at trials may be registered by the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association in their studbook. They are required to have great intelligence, agility and stamina for days of working on steep, rough country over large distances, driving very large mobs of sheep. Their bark is deep and repeating, usually with a short pause between barks, which allows the barking to be sustained for very long periods. The huntaway was developed as a breed in response to farming conditions found in the New Zealand high country. The vast pastoral runs or “stations”, such as those in the high country of the South Island, required teams of dogs who could work mustering for days on end, covering great distances on rough steep country. High country stations typically cover many thousands of hectares, and were often unfenced. The earliest references to huntaways are in the late 19th century.

A sheepdog trial with a specific class for huntaways was advertised in the Upper Waitaki in 1870. This is the first recognition of a dog breed of New Zealand origin. It is the opinion of the New Zealand Sheepdog Trial Association that a New Zealand Huntaway should not be kept solely as a pet. Huntaways generally live to around 12 to 14 years of age.

They are generally very healthy, but some inheritable diseases have been identified. They are intelligent, friendly, very energetic, active dogs that require a lot of exercise. They are becoming increasingly popular worldwide with a New Zealand Huntaway Club started in Japan and huntaways being bred and used in Australia for work and yard dog trials. Hunterville in the North Island of New Zealand is known for its statue of a Huntaway.