Hovawart

Other names: Hovie

Hovawart

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.

Key facts about the Hovawart

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Affectionate Playful Intelligent

Size :

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.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs

Section

Section 2 : Molossian type

Physical characteristics of the Hovawart

    Adult size

    Female : Between 23 and 26 in

    Male : Between 25 and 28 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 55 and 77 lb

    Male : Between 55 and 77 lb

    Coat colour

    Black
    Red
    Sand

    Type of coat

    Long

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    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.

    Good to know

    These dogs often find work as therapists due to their intelligence and sensitivity.

    Temperament

    • 100%

      Affectionate

      She is affectionate and family-oriented.

    • 100%

      Playful

      She’s very playful and will soon tune into the family sense of humour.

    • 66%

      Calm

      If well exercised, she will remain calm in the house. Outside, she is level-headed but ready for action.

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      Highly so. She is a versatile dog with many abilities.

    • 33%

      Hunter

      No, although some say she has hunting dog in her heritage. She’s good at search and rescue, though.

    • 66%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      She is likely to be shy rather than aggressive towards strangers. She’s a warm host, unless she detects a threat.

    • 66%

      Independent

      Independence is within her capacity but she needs regular contact with humans.

      Behaviour of the Hovawart

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        She can get by for an hour or two by herself if exercised beforehand.

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        She is very intelligent and quick to learn but her manners could go awry if training isn’t prioritized from a young age.

      • 66%

        Barking

        Her loud and authoritative bark is more likely to be a benefit than a problem as the Hovawart makes an excellent watchdog.

      • 33%

        Tendency to run away

        She is not noted as an escape artist.

      • 66%