Intelligent
Willing

Stubborn
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Cheerful

New Zealand Heading Dogs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Silky Jacks aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

New Zealand

United States

Border Collie

Jack Russell Terrier, Silky Terrier

1867

2000s

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

Black
White
Fawn

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
Silver
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

New Zealand Heading Dogs have medium-length coats.

Silky Jacks are known for their coat length.

A New Zealand Heading Dog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Silky Jack can have a litter of 4-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Silky Jacks are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

New Zealand Heading Dogs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Silky Jack breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

None Known

Patellar Luxation
Tracheal Collapse
Spongiform Leukodystrophy
Subaortic Stenosis

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Urolithiasis
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Canine Cushing’s Disease

Ear Examination
Eye examination
Complete Blood Count
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Blood Glucose Tests

Blood And Urine Analysis
Diagnostic Imaging
Cardiac Test
Eye and Ear Examination
DNA

New Zealand Heading Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Silky Jacks' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

New Zealand Heading Dogs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Silky Jacks need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Silky Jacks sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Tramping, Fetch, Hunting, Walking, Playing, Running, Long, Basic tricks, Runs, Fetching balls, Walks

Tug-of-war

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For New Zealand Heading Dog, it's at least 30 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silky Jack, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most New Zealand Heading Dogs usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Silky Jacks usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

New Zealand Heading Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Silky Jack should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-66 pound (25 - 30 kg) New Zealand Heading Dog feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 12-15 pound (5 - 7 kg) Silky Jack feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a New Zealand Heading Dog is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Silky Jack is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a New Zealand Heading Dog is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Silky Jack is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

New Zealand Heading Dogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Silky Jacks are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Silky Jacks are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Silky Jacks are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Silky Jacks are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

The New Zealand Heading Dog is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Silky Jacks are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.