breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks in New Zealand, where they originate. They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep. breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks in New Zealand, where they originate. They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep. Huntaway: a working huntaway of heavily built longhaired type. Huntaways generally live to around 12 to 14 years of age. They are generally very healthy, but some inheritable diseases have been identified. There can be variation both in appearance but also in nature and abilities depending on the bloodline, some dogs being more suited to large station work which requires them to eagerly run and give noise all day, some being a more laid back and 'handy' dog with an instinct to head stock off and use noise only when necessary while still being larger and more powerful than most heading dogs.