When Blizzard decided to put less emphasis on class quests, it was because they didn't want to spend too much development time on content that only a small percentage of the players would see.

With that in mind, I would perhaps say that this doesn't quite qualify since a hunter with one of these pets is going to at least be visible to the rest of the players, moreso than, say a level 30 libram or that you'll replace in 10 levels or something.

Also, in sheer development time and uniqueness of the "quest" it kind of pales in comparison to giving only Warlocks the dreadsteed quest. This is just another few mobs hanging out in the world. In fact, if you look even through these comments, you see people upset that the models aren't "unique" enough. So, it's hard to say they spent too much development time on this, which would make it contrary to their new stance on class quests.

It is interesting that Hunters get this little extra meta-game, though, even if I don't feel that it really violates the "no class quests" rule.

And by the name Class Quest, would signify that a quest was given. In this case there is no quest, no rewards, save the pet itself. So, no, I don't consider this a class quest.

Shinanji