The Chiot Hovawart is a breed of dog that originated in Germany, specifically bred to guard and protect.
Their large size is a notable characteristic, with males weighing up to 54 kg and females up to 45 kg.
Chiot Hovawart puppies are born with a thick coat of fur that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Their short, easy-to-maintain coat is a distinct feature of the breed, but still needs regular brushing to prevent shedding.
For your interest: Hovawart Puppies
Getting Started
Getting started with your Chiot Hovawart can be an exciting and rewarding experience. To begin, you'll want to consider enrolling your mixed-breed dog in a canine partners program.
Here are some key things to know about getting started:
- Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to start, as it will introduce you to the basics of dog sports and what to expect.
- Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed is a program that allows you to enroll your mixed-breed dog in dog sports, giving you the opportunity to participate in activities with your dog.
Before you start, it's a good idea to learn about the different titles and abbreviations used in dog sports, so you can understand what your dog is achieving and how to progress.
To get started in dog training, you'll want to begin with the basics and work your way up. This may involve finding a training class or working with a professional dog trainer.
Virtual dog sports and events are also a great option if you're not able to attend in-person events. This allows you to participate in dog sports from the comfort of your own home.
Physical Characteristics
The Hovawart is a muscular breed with a robust body, perfect for a working dog. Its length is slightly more than its height, measuring between 110-115% of the height at the withers.
The Hovawart's head is a distinctive feature, with a straight bridge of the nose and a muzzle roughly the same length as the skull. Its facial pigmentation is black, and its eyes are oval-shaped with a dark-to-medium brown color.
The Hovawart's ears are triangular-shaped and drop down, reaching down far enough to be in line with the mouth. Its tail reaches the hocks but not the ground.
On a similar theme: Hovawart
The breed's coat is long-haired, lying close to the body with only a slight amount of undercoat. It's longer on the chest, belly, and rear of the legs.
Here are the three different colors of the Hovawart's coat:
- Black with gold markings
- Black
- Blonde
The Hovawart's weight and height can vary slightly depending on sex, but generally, males measure between 63-70 cm at the withers and weigh between 30-40 kg, while females measure between 58-65 cm and weigh between 25-35 kg.
The Hovawart's body is robust and well-muscled, with a deep chest and a straight topline. Its queue is carried in a saber or slightly curved position, reaching up to the height of the hock.
Here's an interesting read: Golden Hovawart
Histoire de Race : De la Ferme à la Famille
The Hovawart is a very old breed that originated in Germany in the Middle Ages, around the 13th century. Its name, Hovawart, comes from the Middle High German words "Hova" meaning farm and "Wart" meaning guardian.
The Hovawart was initially bred to serve as a farm guard dog. It was developed over the centuries through selective breeding for its guarding abilities, intelligence, and balanced behavior. This led to the development of traits such as loyalty to its family, vigilance, courage, and the ability to work collaboratively with humans.
The breed's popularity declined in the medieval period, and it was eventually replaced by newer breeds like the German Shepherd Dog. However, a group of enthusiasts, led by zoologist Kurt Friedrich König, worked tirelessly to revive the breed in the early 20th century.
The Hovawart was officially recognized as a breed by the German Kennel Club in 1937. Unfortunately, many Hovawarts were used in the German war effort during World War II and perished, leaving only a few remaining by 1945.
Today, the Hovawart is appreciated as a loyal and protective companion dog, as well as a skilled working dog in various fields, including search and rescue, tracking, and agility.
Character
The Hovawart is a confident animal with a strong instinct of protection, which makes it a great watchdog.
They are known for being gentle, kind, and very intelligent, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Hovawarts are highly social and love to be around people, but they can be dominant with other dogs of the same sex.
With proper training and socialization, they can learn to be vigilant without being aggressive towards strangers.
One of the best things about Hovawarts is their ability to adapt to different situations, making them a versatile breed.
Here are some key characteristics of the Hovawart breed:
Overall, Hovawarts are a well-rounded breed that requires a dedicated and experienced owner who can provide them with the attention and exercise they need.
Health and Care
The Hovawart's robust health is thanks to strict regulations and breeding practices. This breed is known to have a low incidence of hip dysplasia, a common issue in larger dogs.
Regular exercise is essential to maintain the Hovawart's physical and mental well-being. Daily walks and playtime will keep your Hovawart happy and healthy.
To prevent hip problems, it's recommended to regulate your Hovawart's physical activity during their first years of life. This will ensure proper growth and development.
The Hovawart can also be prone to myelopathy, a degenerative condition affecting the spinal cord that can lead to paralysis. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect any potential issues early on.
A balanced diet is crucial for your Hovawart's overall health. Feed a high-quality, meat-based food that's suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Conditions Vie Idéales
The Hovawart's ideal living conditions are all about balance and attention. They can adapt to various environments, but they thrive best in the countryside where they can run freely and enjoy the great outdoors.
A daily routine that includes regular walks and playtime is essential for their physical and mental well-being. They need a maître who is active and willing to spend quality time with them.
Their love for water is unmatched, but they can't tolerate extreme heat. A secure outdoor space where they can exercise and play safely is a must-have for this breed.
A Hovawart's instinct is to be protective, so they need a maître who can teach them to be vigilant without being aggressive towards strangers. Socialization is key to developing this trait.
Their independent spirit requires a maître who is experienced in positive reinforcement training methods. This breed needs a constant presence and attention from their maître, making them unsuitable for long periods of solitude.
Soins : Besoins de Ces Chiens
The Hovawart is considered a robust breed with a high level of health, thanks to strict breeding requirements and a strong focus on genetic testing. This has resulted in a low incidence of severe and moderate hip dysplasia.
Regular exercise is essential for Hovawarts, as they are an active breed that requires daily physical activity to stay healthy and balanced. A high-quality diet tailored to their age and activity level is also crucial.
To maintain their dense coat, Hovawarts require regular grooming, including brushing several times a week and occasional baths. Their teeth and nails also need regular attention to prevent health problems.
Here are some key health needs of Hovawarts:
- Regular exercise (daily)
- High-quality diet (tailored to age and activity level)
- Regular grooming (brushing, baths, nail trimming)
- Regular veterinary check-ups (including vaccinations and parasite control)
- Potential health issues (hip dysplasia, myelopathy, allergies)
Remember, every dog is unique, and your Hovawart's specific needs may vary. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best care plan for your furry friend.
Entretien
The Hovawart is a breed of dog known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it a great companion for active families. They are highly trainable and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular exercise is essential to keep them happy and healthy. A daily walk and playtime is a must.
Hovawarts are naturally protective of their family, but with proper socialization, they can become confident and calm in new situations. Early exposure to new people, places, and experiences is crucial.
This breed is generally good with children, but as with any dog, it's essential to teach kids how to interact with them gently and respectfully.
Education
The Hovawart is a breed that thrives on pleasing its owner, making education a breeze. Its intelligence and gentle nature make it a joy to train.
To educate a Hovawart, you'll want to use a combination of gentle firmness and patience. They have excellent learning abilities, so positive reinforcement methods work particularly well.
Socialization is key for Hovawarts, especially when they're young. Expose them to various people and other dogs to help them develop good social skills.
Hovawarts are intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Engage them in games of intelligence that challenge their problem-solving skills.
Getting Started in Dog Sports
The Hovawart is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of time and attention from its owners.
To keep your Hovawart happy and healthy, you'll need to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Long walks, hikes, jogging, and cycling are all great ways to get your Hovawart's physical needs met.
In addition to physical exercise, consider enrolling your Hovawart in dog sports or activities that challenge its mind and body.
Here are some dog sports and activities that are well-suited for the Hovawart:
- Agility training
- Protection sports
- Tracking and hunting
- Search and rescue
By engaging your Hovawart in dog sports and activities, you'll not only improve its physical and mental health, but also strengthen your bond with your furry friend.
Purchase and Adoption
When buying a Hovawart, be aware that a price under 1,000 euros is a red flag, as it's likely the breeder is cutting corners on the dog's care.
You should expect to pay between 1,000 and 1,500 euros for a healthy Hovawart puppy from a responsible breeder.
The initial cost of adopting a Hovawart puppy can vary, but generally falls between 800 and 2,500 euros.
A lower-priced Hovawart may end up costing you more in the long run due to frequent vet visits and potential health issues.
Taking good care of your Hovawart can help reduce vet bills, as well as ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend.
Sources
- Hovawart - Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- JSTOR (jstor.org)
- scholar (google.com)
- books (google.com)
- "Hovawart" (google.com)
- IHF - Internationale Hovawart Föderation (ihf-hovawart.org)
- standard (vdh.de)
- the original (hovawart.org.uk)
- "Ursprung & Geschichte des Hovawart" (hovawart.org)
- "Hovawart Standard" (fci.be)
- Hovawart : prix, caractère, élevage (zooplus.be)
- Hovawart : origines, caractère, comportement, ... (santevet.com)
- Hovawart : caractère, éducation, santé, prix | Race de chien (ouest-france.fr)
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