Unfortunately, the New Zealand Heading Dog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Standard Ratzers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Intelligent
Willing

Playful
Loving
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Devoted
Lively
Inquisitive
Trainable
Good-natured

New Zealand

United States

Border Collie

Rat Terrier, Standard Schnauzer

1867

Unknown

Brown
Amber

Blue
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

Black
White
Fawn

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Silver
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Straight

Wiry

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 Standard Ratzer 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.

Standard Ratzers 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.

Standard Ratzers are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

None Known

Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Portosystemic Shunt

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Demodectic Mange
Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

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

Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Blood And Urine Analysis
Diagnostic Imaging
DNA

New Zealand Heading Dog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Standard Ratzer has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Standard Ratzers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

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 Standard Ratzer, it's at least 6 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 Standard Ratzers 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, Standard Ratzer 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
Deshedder
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 20-30 pound (9 - 14 kg) Standard Ratzer feed 1.5 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 Standard Ratzer is somewhere $1.70 - $2.20 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 Standard Ratzer is between $34 - $67. This makes an average of $408 - $804 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.

The Standard Ratzer is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Standard Ratzers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Standard Ratzers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Standard Ratzers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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.

Standard Ratzers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.