Hovawart
Other name: Hovie
This large, hairy German is kind-hearted, often to the extent of heroism. Originating as a guard dog, the Hovie has gone on to star in search-and-rescue expeditions as well as winning the hearts of many a family – to whom she will always be devoted. Clever, fun, and hard-working when required, the Hovie is the veritable picture of a suburban family dog, her tousled blonde, black and tan, or black fur the stuff of many a German camping trip snapshot, a Teutonic take on the Labrador Retriever.
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Life expectancy |
The Hovawart has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Large
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Adult size |
Female
Between 23 and 26 in
Male
Between 25 and 28 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 55 and 77 lb
Male
Between 55 and 77 lb
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Coat colour
Black and gold/tan, black, or blond. |
Black
Red
Sand
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Type of coat
A strong, wavy, close, dense overcoat, with a little undercoat. |
Long
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Eye colour
Dark brown. |
Brown
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These dogs often find work as therapists due to their intelligence and sensitivity.
More details about the Hovawart
Hovawart: Origins and history
The original Hovawart goes back at least as far as the Middle Ages, when one heroic tale tells of a Lord’s son being dragged to safety by an injured Hovawart during a raid on the castle. The breed became almost sacred after that, but declined over the centuries so that it had to be rebuilt between the world wars, with Alsatians, Newfoundlands, and Leonbergers among the genetic stock mixed into the Hovawart soup. The second world war almost did for her again, since the Nazis put them to work even as breeding programs became unfeasible. Nevertheless she survived, has gone international, and now the breed flourishes.
Physical characteristics of the Hovawart
Coming off somewhere between a Newfoundland and a Labrador Retriever, this mid-large sized dog is a handful of fun. Her haircut may be sloppy, but it covers a strong body leading to an impactful head, with tight skin and an easy-going, suburban sort of a facial expression. Her ears are fabulous, loosely fitting her skull so that they seem to expand its breadth; at the other end, muscular legs prop up a bushy tail whose angle denotes the dog’s mood.
FCI classification of the Hovawart
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Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
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Section 2 : Molossian type
Hovawart: Characteristics
She is affectionate and family-oriented.
She’s very playful and will soon tune into the family sense of humour.
If well exercised, she will remain calm in the house. Outside, she is level-headed but ready for action.
Highly so. She is a versatile dog with many abilities.
No, although some say she has hunting dog in her heritage. She’s good at search and rescue, though.
She is likely to be shy rather than aggressive towards strangers. She’s a warm host, unless she detects a threat.
Independence is within her capacity but she needs regular contact with humans.
Hovawart: Behaviour
She can get by for an hour or two by herself if exercised beforehand.
She is very intelligent and quick to learn but her manners could go awry if training isn’t prioritized from a young age.
Her loud and authoritative bark is more likely to be a benefit than a problem as the Hovawart makes an excellent watchdog.
She is not noted as an escape artist.
When not given enough exercise, the Hovawart may turn her mind – and her teeth – towards wanton acts of destruction. Otherwise, she is a patient dog.
This can certainly be an issue with the Hovawart. She shouldn’t eat before exercise, as this would upset her stomach.
The Hovawart’s name means ‘guardian of the estates’ – she is protective and alert, sounds a loud bark, and although not aggressive her size can be ample dissuasion for burglars.
Training a Hovawart
She is very intelligent and quick to learn but her manners could go awry if training isn’t prioritized from a young age.
Hovawart: Lifestyle
A countryside house with a garden is her ideal home, but she can adapt to an apartment and city life as long as she gets enough exercise outdoors.
The Hovawart requires at least one hour of proper walking/park-based exercise a day in addition to her three or four constitutional strolls. Physical and mental stimulation are very important for her well-being.
You will need a car with a large boot and dog guard to transport this dog by motor vehicle. Other means of transport may be a challenge due to her size.
Breed compatibility Hovawart
She should be good around cats as long as she is accustomed to their company from puppyhood.
She can be friendly and playful with other dogs but it is important to give her lots of ‘other dog time’ while she’s still a puppy.
This dog is a dream with respectful children since she’s loving and playful.
Her power and active needs are not compatible with people of a certain age.
This breed is recommended for first-time owners who have the capacity to deal with her energy levels, since she’s a family-oriented and reliable dog.
Hovawart: Purchase price
We do not have enough data to set an average price, but you can expect to pay upwards of £600 for a well-bred puppy. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Hovawart: Grooming
She doesn’t require much maintenance apart from brushing to avoid knots.
Hovawart: Health
The Hovawart is a hardy, healthy dog with an average life expectancy of 13 years.
This dog is fairly durable although she should not be overworked, especially as a puppy, as she may suffer size-related bone, joint, and muscle injuries.
The Hovawart is not especially well prepared for hot weather and should be offered plenty of shade and fresh water.
The Hovawart likes cool climates and is reasonably hardy in very cold weather.
This dog may pile on the pounds if under-exercised.
- Underactive thyroid
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
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