Hovawart Dog Breed Overview and Guide

The Hovawart is a majestic breed with a rich history, originating in Germany in the 15th century. They were originally bred as guard dogs and hunting companions.

Their distinctive appearance is characterized by a thick, double coat that's a combination of black and tan, with a distinctive saddle-shaped marking on their back.

The Hovawart is a medium to large-sized dog, typically weighing between 70-115 pounds and standing between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

They're known for being intelligent, loyal, and protective of their family, making them great companions for active families or individuals.

Check this out: Hovawart Puppies

The Hovawart is a muscular breed, with a medium size and long-haired coat. They are slightly long, with their length being between 110-115% of their height at the withers.

Their long-haired coat lies close to the body, with only a slight amount of undercoat. This coat is longer on the chest, belly, and back of legs. The Hovawart's coat comes in three different colors: black, black and gold, and blonde.

The Hovawart's coat is considered to be an average shedder, with most of the shedding occurring seasonally. This means they require occasional baths and weekly brushing to keep their coat clean and prevent tangling.

Worth a look: Golden Hovawart

The Hovawart's coat is a defining feature of this breed, and it's truly stunning. It's long-haired and dense, with a slight undercoat.

One of the most notable things about the Hovawart's coat is that it's longer on the chest, belly, and back of legs. This adds to its overall majestic appearance.

The coat comes in three different colors: black, black and gold, and blonde. These colors can vary in intensity and tone, but they're always striking.

The Hovawart's coat is relatively low-maintenance, but it does require occasional baths and weekly brushing to keep it clean and prevent tangles. This helps to keep the coat looking its best.

The Hovawart's coat is not too short, which means it can withstand cooler temperatures and even prefers them. However, it's not well-suited for extreme heat or cold.

The Hovawart is a muscular, medium-sized breed with a long coat. They're slightly long, with their length being between 110-115% of their height at the withers.

Their height at the withers is a notable feature, with dogs measuring 63-70 cm (25-28 in) and bitches measuring 58-65 cm (23-26 in). This size difference is something to keep in mind when choosing a Hovawart as a pet.

Hovawarts can weigh anywhere from 55 to 110 pounds, depending on their size. This weight range is a good indicator of their overall health and fitness.

Here's a quick breakdown of the size differences between male and female Hovawarts:

The Hovawart's distinctive physical traits are quite striking. They have triangular drop ears set high and wide apart, giving the optical illusion of a broad skull.

Their ears are quite a notable feature, and I've seen them in action - they're always perked up and alert. The breed's bushy tail extends past the hocks, but not all the way to the ground.

This unique combination of features makes the Hovawart look quite majestic.

If you're wondering about your dog's breed group, you can check out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests.

The Hovawart breed group is a great example of how a dog's ancestry can influence their appearance.

The Hovawart is a rare breed, but if you're interested in learning more, Wisdom Panel's DNA tests can help.

Expand your knowledge: German Shorthaired Pointer Group

The Hovawart originated in Germany and is claimed to have been descended from breeds such as the Newfoundland and the Leonberger.

These strong dogs were built to withstand various types of terrain in their environment to become excellent search and rescue dogs, as well as to be used for tracking.

The Hovawart was bred to be a working dog, and their most important task was to guard their humans' homes and livestock.

In the early 1900s, the Hovawart began to lose its popularity to breeds like the German Shepherd.

The breed lost popularity, and their numbers were dwindling, but devoted Hovawart breeders were able to reestablish the breed and added regulations to make sure the Hovawart was a healthy, hardy dog breed.

The Hovawart received official recognition from the German Kennel Club in 1937, but the breed's reconstruction effort suffered the effects of World War II.

Many of the Hovawarts joined the German war effort, and only a few remained after 1945.

Fortunately, breed enthusiasts rallied again to recreate the breed, forming the German Hovawart Club.

The breed was recognized by the AKC in 2010 in the Foundation Stock Service group, marking a significant milestone in the breed's history.

The Hovawart dates back to the Middle Ages, with its name "hova" meaning yard or farm, and "wart" meaning watchman, explaining the breed's main job: guardianship over the flocks, castles, and farms of the German barons.

By 1915, things were not looking great for the Hovawart, but a zoologist named Kurt Friedrich König took a notable interest in the breed and started a breeding program to save it.

Kurt started breeding various farm dogs with other working breeds, including German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, and Leonbergers.

In 1922, the first Hovawart litter was entered into the German Breeding Registry, marking a significant step in the breed's recovery.

Broaden your view: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler

The breed was almost undone by World War II, but a new group of breeders formed in 1947 and began selectively breeding the remaining Hovawarts to save the breed from extinction.

The Hovawart is a rare dog breed that originated in Germany, and its population became depleted over time due to its decline in popularity.

The breed was first recognized by the FCI in 1937 and later by the AKC in 2010, when it joined the Foundation Stock Service group.

You might enjoy: Boston Terrier Group

The Hovawart's personality is a unique blend of confidence and loyalty. They are naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.

Despite their intimidating size, Hovawarts are loving and even-tempered dogs. They will fiercely defend their pack, but they are not aggressive unless given reason to be.

These dogs require consistent training and socialization from an early age. They can be stubborn and strong-willed, but with positive reinforcement, they can learn quickly.

Hovawarts are highly intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation. They need a combination of physical exercise and engaging activities to keep them happy and healthy.

The Hovawart is a loyal and loving breed that makes a great companion for active singles and families alike. They are naturally protective of their pack and will defend their family with a loud, deep bark.

Their strong personality trait is their need to defend their territory, which can make them wary of strangers. However, once they see their humans accept a new person, they'll gradually let their guard down.

Hovawarts are highly intelligent, but they can be stubborn and strong-willed, requiring significant time and attention from their owners. They thrive best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard, where they can get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

As a breed that originated as working dogs, Hovawarts like to have a job to do and can become destructive if bored. They need to be socialized and exposed to many different situations to become confident and well-adjusted dogs.

Hovawarts are naturally protective of their family, including children, and will go to great lengths to keep them safe. However, they are generally gentle with kids and make a great addition to families with young children.

Suggestion: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament Protective

Their protective nature also makes them excellent watchdogs, capable of detecting threats without being overly zealous. If a Hovawart is speaking up, it's always a good idea to take their warning seriously.

With proper training and socialization, Hovawarts can be wonderful companions, providing love, loyalty, and protection to their families.

The Hovawart's energetic personality is one of its defining characteristics. Their wise expression and gentle temperament can be deceiving, making you think they're calm and collected, but that's far from the truth.

Their barrels of bubbling energy need to be expended regularly, which can make apartment life unsuitable due to their long limbs.

A house with a trail, dog park, or lengthy stretch of land is ideal for the breed.

Hovawarts are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to instability, pain, and eventual arthritis.

Broaden your view: Hip Dysplasia Bernese Mountain Dog

Hypothyroidism is another disorder that can affect Hovawarts, where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to metabolic imbalances. Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.

Regular exercise is essential for Hovawarts to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour-long walk per day, and they're also great jogging partners.

To keep your Hovawart's ears, nails, and dental hygiene in check, make sure to:

A Hovawart's thick coat requires basic grooming, aside from extra brushings during shedding season.

Hovawarts are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition that affects the hip joint, leading to instability, pain, and eventual arthritis.

Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe, causing lameness and discomfort, particularly in larger breeds. Management typically involves medication, weight management, and sometimes surgical intervention, such as total hip replacement, to improve the dog's quality of life.

Hypothyroidism is another condition that affects Hovawarts, causing the thyroid gland to not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to metabolic imbalances. Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of daily medication, to regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms. Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is essential for managing this condition effectively.

Some other health issues that Hovawarts may experience include elbow dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy (DM). Elbow dysplasia affects the joints, causing a malformation as the dog ages. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects the tissue in the dog's spinal cord and can cause lameness in the hind legs. In severe cases, the front legs may also be affected.

To keep your Hovawart healthy, it's essential to work with a responsible breeder who has tested their parent dogs for health problems and performs selective breeding to avoid passing problems down to puppies.

Here are some common health problems to be aware of in Hovawarts:

Hovawarts are known to live a long life for a bigger breed. The average lifespan of a hovawart is around 12 years, which is a significant advantage for owners who want a loyal companion for many years.

Their expected lifespan ranges from ten to fourteen years, which is a relatively long time compared to other breeds of similar size.

See what others are reading: 100 Years Ago Original Boston Terrier

Training and behavior is a crucial aspect of owning a Hovawart. They are intelligent, free-thinking dogs that require patient guidance and proper exposure.

Their slow development and stubborn streak can make training challenging, but it's essential to use positive reinforcement methods, rather than harsh or disciplinary training. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the best ways to build and sustain trust during training sessions.

Early socialization is key to curb their natural guarding tendencies and dominant nature with other dogs. With proper training and socialization, Hovawarts can become extremely loyal and caring family dogs.

They are naturally helpful animals with a very affectionate, intelligent, and perceptive temperament, making them great candidates for service dog roles. However, their willful nature may be a challenge to overcome.

Hovawarts are a great breed for families with kids, but it's essential to socialize them properly from an early age. They can become very protective of their pack, including the children in the household.

With proper socialization, Hovawarts can form strong bonds with kids and become gentle towards them. They have a natural instinct to protect their pack, but this can be curbed with consistent training and positive reinforcement.

As a large breed, Hovawarts must be closely watched around small children to ensure everyone's safety. However, once they understand each other, they'll quickly adopt the child and become a loving companion.

Hovawarts are generally gentle towards kids by nature, and their protective streak is adorable. They have a genuine soft spot for the younger members of their home and make brilliant companions for families.

Children should understand how to handle dogs, especially large breeds like Hovawarts, to ensure a safe and happy interaction. With proper training and socialization, Hovawarts can thrive in households with kids and become a loving and loyal member of the family.

A unique perspective: English Mastiff Large

Training a Hovawart requires patience and consistency. They can be slow to develop and may not reach maturity until around two years of age.

Their intelligent and free-thinking nature means they'll form their own opinions on how to respond to situations. However, this can sometimes clash with your expectations.

Positive reinforcement is the best approach to training a Hovawart. They respond well to rewards and want to work with you as a team.

Hovawarts can have a stubborn streak, but using harsh or disciplinary training methods can backfire and cause more behavioral problems.

Early socialization is key to helping your Hovawart understand their guarding instincts and curb their natural tendencies.

Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential for building trust during training sessions. This approach will help you and your Hovawart see eye-to-eye.

A patient and persistent owner can bring out the best in a Hovawart, and with time, they'll become receptive to commands.

A different take: Best Time to Breed Dogs

Exercise is a crucial part of a Hovawart's daily routine, requiring as much as two hours of activity per day.

Hovawarts love a large array of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, tracking, and more, making them a great breed choice for active owners who want to bring their dog along for new adventures.

They need plenty of room for their daily exercise, so a large fenced yard is ideal, providing ample space for the big breed to run and play.

Long walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park are other great ways for Hovawarts to burn off energy.

Hovawarts also enjoy activities such as search and rescue and tracking, which provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Their intelligence makes them excel at canine sports like agility training, but they require a significant amount of time and effort to train.

They aren't incredibly needy dogs, but they need some one-on-one time and attention, which can be achieved through regular exercise and playtime.

Additional reading: Big Mountain Dogs

The Hovawart's bark is a distinctive sound that can be quite loud, but don't worry, they don't bark excessively like some other breeds. They tend to reserve their vocalizations for situations that truly concern them.

Additional reading: Rhodesian Ridgeback Bark

Their bark is often described as a "boombox bark" that can be quite deafening, but it's not something you'll hear every day. This is because they're naturally calm and quiet companions.

If you do hear the Hovawart bark, it's usually a sign that they've seen something they're concerned about or are excited to play with another dog. So, if you see your Hovawart's ears perked up or their tail wagging, it's likely they're getting ready to let out a loud bark.