Hovawart

Hovawart is a medium to large-sized dog breed, originated in Germany. Bred for farm work, it is an intelligent and loyal breed with a confident temperament.

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Hovawart Breed overview

The Hovawart is a versatile medium-to-large sized breed that is well-suited for various working and family roles. They are loyal and affectionate towards their human family but can be wary of strangers, making early socialization important. Hovawarts are highly trainable and eagerly respond to positive reinforcement, but they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are adaptable dogs who can do well in various living environments and can tolerate both cold and moderate heat. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their thick double coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. Overall, the Hovawart is a great choice for experienced dog owners who are looking for a loyal and versatile companion.

Height:
23-29 inches
Weight:
55-110 lbs
Life expectancy:
10-14 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Hovawart

Nutrition

Hovawart needs a balanced diet with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is important to feed your dog a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size and activity level. It’s also important to monitor their food intake to avoid any weight gain that can lead to health issues.

Exercise

Hovawart is an active breed and requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes and running in the open fields. This breed is not suitable for an apartment living as they require space to run and explore.

Training

Hovawart is an intelligent breed that is eager to please its owner. However, they can be strong-willed and stubborn at times. It’s important to start their training at an early age and use positive reinforcement techniques. They also need a lot of socialization and exposure to different environments to avoid any aggression towards strangers and other animals.

Grooming

Hovawart has a thick, wavy coat that needs regular grooming. It is important to brush the coat at least once a week to prevent matting. They also require regular bathing, nail trimming and ear cleaning to maintain good hygiene.

Health

Hovawart is a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. However, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. It’s important to take your dog to regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime.

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Hovawart Traits & Characteristics

Hovawart has a square-shaped head with dark eyes and ears that hang down to the cheeks. They have a powerful neck and shoulders along with a strong and broad back. The breed has a long tail which is carried in a gentle curve when the dog is in a relaxed state. The males have a height of 63-70 cm and weigh around 30-40 kg while females have a height of 58-65 cm and weigh between 25-35 kg.

Hovawart's coat is long and wavy but not curly or silky. It is thick and soft and requires regular grooming to avoid matting. They come in three distinct colors including blonde, black or black and gold.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Hovawart is a loyal companion and very affectionate with their human family. Despite being reserved and protective by nature, they bond closely with their owners and enjoy being close to them. Early socialization is crucial to help them become more outgoing and friendly with strangers.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Hovawarts are patient and gentle dogs who are well-suited for families with children. They enjoy playing with kids and have a high tolerance for their energy levels. However, proper training and early socialization are important to teach Hovawarts how to interact politely with children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Hovawarts generally get along well with other dogs but can be wary of strangers. They have a strong instinct to protect their home and family, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with unfamiliar dogs. Early socialization can help Hovawarts develop better social skills around other dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Hovawarts are instinctively protective of their home and family and can be wary of strangers. Early socialization is important to teach them how to interact politely with new people and avoid developing fear or aggression towards them.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Hovawarts have an average playfulness level and enjoy activities like hiking and fetch. They have a moderate energy level and can be trained for various activities, including obedience, agility, and even search and rescue.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Hovawarts are highly alert dogs with a strong sense of protectiveness towards their home and family. They are naturally attentive and vigilant, which can make them excellent watchdogs or even guard dogs in certain situations.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Hovawarts are adaptable dogs who can do well in various living environments, including apartments as long as they get enough exercise. They are quick learners and can adapt easily to new situations, though they may need extra socialization to become comfortable around strangers.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Hovawarts have a medium-length double coat that sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing can help control shedding and keep their coat healthy, but they will still require some amount of cleanup around the home.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Hovawarts require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. They have a thick undercoat that sheds heavily twice a year, so extra grooming is necessary during those times to prevent matting.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Hovawarts are not known for excessive drooling, and they tend to keep their saliva to themselves. If you're looking for a dog that won't slobber all over you, the Hovawart is a good choice.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Hovawarts are a medium-to-large sized breed, with males ranging from 25 to 30 inches tall and females ranging from 23 to 28 inches tall. They can weigh between 55 and 90 pounds, with males generally being larger than females.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Hovawarts have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like hiking and jogging, but they can also be calm and relaxed at home if they get enough exercise.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Hovawarts have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are active dogs who enjoy activities like hiking and jogging, but they can also be calm and relaxed at home if they get enough exercise.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Hovawarts are a versatile breed and are well-suited for various working roles, including search and rescue, tracking, and even as guard dogs. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, making them excellent candidates for working tasks.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Although not specifically bred for hunting, Hovawarts have a strong prey drive and may enjoy activities like tracking and scenting. They may not be the best hunting dogs, but they can certainly excel in other working roles.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Hovawarts have a moderate level of vigor and endurance. They enjoy activities like hiking and jogging but also need plenty of rest and relaxation. They are not high-energy dogs but still require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Hovawarts are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Hovawarts are not particularly prone to obesity, but they can gain weight if not given enough exercise or if overfed. Owners should monitor their dog's weight and provide regular exercise and a healthy diet to keep them at a healthy weight.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Hovawarts have a thick double coat that provides excellent insulation during cold weather. They can tolerate low temperatures well but may need additional protection, such as a sweater or coat, during extreme cold.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Hovawarts can tolerate moderate heat and enjoy spending time outside in the summer, although owners should monitor them closely and provide plenty of water and shade. They have a thick double coat that can make them uncomfortable in extreme heat.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Hovawarts can adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They have a moderate energy level and will need regular walks or playtime to stay happy and healthy.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Hovawarts have a moderate wanderlust tendency and may roam if not kept securely contained. They have a strong instinct to protect their home and family, which can sometimes lead to escaping or roaming behavior if they feel threatened or neglected.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Hovawarts are moderately sensitive dogs who may become anxious or fearful if not properly socialized. They require positive reinforcement and gentle handling during training to prevent any negative reactions.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Hovawarts can tolerate separation from their owners for short periods but may become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long. They are social dogs who thrive on human interaction and do best in homes where someone is present most of the day.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Hovawarts are generally not excessive barkers but will alert their owners to the presence of strangers. Early training can teach them to limit their barking and only sound the alarm when necessary.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Hovawarts are intelligent dogs who require mental stimulation and challenging activities. They excel in obedience and agility training and can be trained for various tasks, including search and rescue. Regular training and exercise can help prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Hovawarts can be a good choice for first-time dog owners as they are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. However, early socialization and proper training are important to prevent any stubbornness or aggression towards strangers.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Hovawarts are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They are intelligent dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement and can be trained for various tasks, including obedience, agility, and even search and rescue. Early socialization is important to prevent any stubbornness or aggression towards strangers.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Hovawart is a loyal companion and very affectionate with their human family. Despite being reserved and protective by nature, they bond closely with their owners and enjoy being close to them. Early socialization is crucial to help them become more outgoing and friendly with strangers.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Hovawarts are patient and gentle dogs who are well-suited for families with children. They enjoy playing with kids and have a high tolerance for their energy levels. However, proper training and early socialization are important to teach Hovawarts how to interact politely with children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Hovawarts generally get along well with other dogs but can be wary of strangers. They have a strong instinct to protect their home and family, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with unfamiliar dogs. Early socialization can help Hovawarts develop better social skills around other dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Hovawarts are instinctively protective of their home and family and can be wary of strangers. Early socialization is important to teach them how to interact politely with new people and avoid developing fear or aggression towards them.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Hovawarts have an average playfulness level and enjoy activities like hiking and fetch. They have a moderate energy level and can be trained for various activities, including obedience, agility, and even search and rescue.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Hovawarts are highly alert dogs with a strong sense of protectiveness towards their home and family. They are naturally attentive and vigilant, which can make them excellent watchdogs or even guard dogs in certain situations.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Hovawarts are adaptable dogs who can do well in various living environments, including apartments as long as they get enough exercise. They are quick learners and can adapt easily to new situations, though they may need extra socialization to become comfortable around strangers.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Hovawarts have a medium-length double coat that sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing can help control shedding and keep their coat healthy, but they will still require some amount of cleanup around the home.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Hovawarts require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. They have a thick undercoat that sheds heavily twice a year, so extra grooming is necessary during those times to prevent matting.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Hovawarts are not known for excessive drooling, and they tend to keep their saliva to themselves. If you're looking for a dog that won't slobber all over you, the Hovawart is a good choice.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Hovawarts are a medium-to-large sized breed, with males ranging from 25 to 30 inches tall and females ranging from 23 to 28 inches tall. They can weigh between 55 and 90 pounds, with males generally being larger than females.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Hovawarts have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like hiking and jogging, but they can also be calm and relaxed at home if they get enough exercise.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Hovawarts have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are active dogs who enjoy activities like hiking and jogging, but they can also be calm and relaxed at home if they get enough exercise.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Hovawarts are a versatile breed and are well-suited for various working roles, including search and rescue, tracking, and even as guard dogs. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, making them excellent candidates for working tasks.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Although not specifically bred for hunting, Hovawarts have a strong prey drive and may enjoy activities like tracking and scenting. They may not be the best hunting dogs, but they can certainly excel in other working roles.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Hovawarts have a moderate level of vigor and endurance. They enjoy activities like hiking and jogging but also need plenty of rest and relaxation. They are not high-energy dogs but still require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Hovawarts are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Hovawarts are not particularly prone to obesity, but they can gain weight if not given enough exercise or if overfed. Owners should monitor their dog's weight and provide regular exercise and a healthy diet to keep them at a healthy weight.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Hovawarts have a thick double coat that provides excellent insulation during cold weather. They can tolerate low temperatures well but may need additional protection, such as a sweater or coat, during extreme cold.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Hovawarts can tolerate moderate heat and enjoy spending time outside in the summer, although owners should monitor them closely and provide plenty of water and shade. They have a thick double coat that can make them uncomfortable in extreme heat.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Hovawarts can adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They have a moderate energy level and will need regular walks or playtime to stay happy and healthy.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Hovawarts have a moderate wanderlust tendency and may roam if not kept securely contained. They have a strong instinct to protect their home and family, which can sometimes lead to escaping or roaming behavior if they feel threatened or neglected.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Hovawarts are moderately sensitive dogs who may become anxious or fearful if not properly socialized. They require positive reinforcement and gentle handling during training to prevent any negative reactions.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Hovawarts can tolerate separation from their owners for short periods but may become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long. They are social dogs who thrive on human interaction and do best in homes where someone is present most of the day.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Hovawarts are generally not excessive barkers but will alert their owners to the presence of strangers. Early training can teach them to limit their barking and only sound the alarm when necessary.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Hovawarts are intelligent dogs who require mental stimulation and challenging activities. They excel in obedience and agility training and can be trained for various tasks, including search and rescue. Regular training and exercise can help prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Hovawarts can be a good choice for first-time dog owners as they are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. However, early socialization and proper training are important to prevent any stubbornness or aggression towards strangers.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Hovawarts are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They are intelligent dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement and can be trained for various tasks, including obedience, agility, and even search and rescue. Early socialization is important to prevent any stubbornness or aggression towards strangers.

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History of the Hovawart

Hovawart is an ancient breed that originated in the Harz Mountains of Germany in the 13th century. It was used for guarding and herding livestock from predators. The breed was almost extinct after World War II, but a group of enthusiasts worked to bring the breed back from the verge of extinction.

Hovawart was officially recognized by the FCI in 1964.

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Hovawart Puppies

Hovawart puppies are cute and playful, but they can be challenging to train. It is important to socialize them at an early age to avoid any aggression towards strangers or other animals. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, so it’s important to get your puppy from a reputable breeder who tests for this.