Hovawart Puppies: Understanding Their History, Temperament, and Care

The Hovawart is an ancient breed that originated in Germany over 1,000 years ago, specifically bred to guard and protect their families and estates.

Their original purpose was to serve as a loyal companion and watchdog, and their intelligence and athleticism made them well-suited for this role.

Hovawarts are known for their gentle and even-tempered nature, which makes them a great addition to families with children.

They are generally wary of strangers, but once they get to know you, they become loyal and loving companions.

The Hovawart is one of the most ancient breeds on the planet, bred to guard herds of livestock and castles during the Middle Ages.

They were almost lost to extinction, but thanks to Dr. Konig, a dedicated zoologist, the breed was revived at the end of World War I.

Dr. Konig found similar-looking dogs in the Black Forest and Harz regions of Germany, where the original Hovawarts once roamed, and he bred them with other breeds to recreate the Hovawart.

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The Hovawart was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1937, but it remained relatively unknown to the rest of the world.

The breed has a strong working background, built to withstand various terrain and excel as search and rescue dogs and trackers.

Hovawarts were bred to guard their humans' homes and livestock, and their loyalty is legendary - they'll risk their lives to protect their families.

The breed was reestablished through devoted breeding efforts, and regulations were added to ensure the Hovawart remained a healthy, hardy breed.

In 2010, the Hovawart was recognized by the AKC in the Foundation Stock Service group, cementing its place as a unique breed.

The Hovawart breed is a unique and fascinating one. They were originally bred to guard estates and castles in the Black Forest and Harz region of Germany.

Their name, "Hovawart", translates to "guardian of the property", which gives you an idea of their intended purpose. They're a relative to an ancient group of working dogs that were found all over Europe and the Mediterranean.

Here are some distinctive features of the Hovawart breed:

Hovawarts are often mistaken for other types of retrievers, but they're a breed in their own right. They have a classic, confident look that's hard to miss.

The Hovawart breed is a unique and fascinating one. Here are some key facts about this breed:

The Hovawart is a relatively rare breed in the UK, which means waiting lists can be long and puppies can be quite expensive.

They were originally bred to guard estates and castles in the Black Forest and Harz region of Germany.

Their name, Hovawart, translates to "guardian of the property", which gives you an idea of their purpose.

Hovawarts are often mistaken for other types of retrievers, but they are a distinct breed in their own right.

They have a double-coated, medium-length wavy hair that can be black, blonde, or a combination of black and gold markings.

Their ears are triangular and hang down, adding to their classic and confident look.

Here are some key characteristics of the Hovawart breed:

Their training has to be fun and engaging for them to stay focused, which makes them a great breed for experienced owners who can provide the right kind of exercise and mental stimulation.

They have a bushy tail that is carried high when they're alert, adding to their noble and alert appearance.

Overall, the Hovawart is a unique and impressive breed that makes a great companion for active families or singles with a large, fenced yard.

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Hovawart dogs can be quite large, typically weighing between 55 and 90 kilos, with males being larger than females.

Males stand between 24 and 28 inches tall at the withers, while females stand between 22 and 26 inches tall.

Some Hovawarts can be smaller or larger than average for their breed, but overall they tend to range in size.

Hovawarts can weigh anywhere from 55 to 110 pounds, making them a sturdy and impressive breed.

The Hovawart's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's a thick, long coat that's extremely wavy.

This coat type is well-suited to harsh weather, which is great for a breed that's meant to be a guard dog. The Hovawart comes in three primary colors: black, blond, and black and gold.

The black and gold variation features black fur with gold markings on the chest, legs, and face. This unique color pattern adds to the breed's distinctive look.

Hovawarts have a soft and long coat that requires occasional baths and weekly brushing to stay clean and prevent tangling.

Hovawart puppies are a joy to watch as they move with an effortless stride, covering a lot of ground with ease.

Their gait is a key characteristic of the breed, showcasing lots of drive and a good reach.

Males should have both testicles fully descended into their scrotums, which is an important aspect of their overall health and development.

A Hovawart puppy can be a little lighter or heavier than the breed standard, but this is only a guideline and not a strict requirement.

Hovawart puppies are outgoing and confident characters, known to be intelligent and eager to please. This makes them relatively easy to train, especially if they're well-socialized from a young age.

They tend to mature later than other breeds, usually around 2 years old, which means they retain their puppy-like traits for a longer period. This is just one reason why Hovawarts are such a pleasure to have around.

As highly intelligent dogs, they learn new things quickly, but they also pick up "bad" habits just as fast. They're energetic and naturally curious, so they need to be taught the basics when they're young.

Enrolling your puppy in puppy classes once they're fully vaccinated is a great way to start their training and socialization. This will help them meet other dogs and people, which is essential for their development.

Hovawarts can make great first-time owners, but they do require a lot of time and attention. They thrive on human contact and may follow their owners around, always eager to be part of the action.

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They're naturally wary of strangers, but rarely show aggressive behavior towards them. However, if they feel threatened, they'll stand their ground and protect their families and property.

Hovawarts are loyal and keen to their families, forming strong bonds with their human companions. They're also brave and make excellent watchdogs.

Digging is an expected behavior in Hovawarts, rooted in their guarding instincts from their farm-guarding days. They may also carry things around the house, showcasing their natural fetching ability.

Hovawarts are excellent guard dogs, with strong protective tendencies and a fearless attitude. They're also affectionate and gentle towards their families, making them suitable for search and rescue and therapy work.

When bringing home a Hovawart puppy, it's essential to puppy-proof your home and garden to prevent accidents and injuries. This includes putting away tools and other implements that a boisterous puppy might injure themselves on, and removing toxic plants from flowerbeds and the home.

To create a safe and comfortable environment for your puppy, consider investing in good quality puppy gates to fit on doors, a well-made playpen, and lots of well-made toys. Puppies love to chew, so it's crucial to have plenty of good quality chews suitable for their age.

Here are some essential items to have on hand for your puppy: ItemDescriptionGood quality puppy or baby gatesTo fit on doorsA good well-made playpenLarge enough for a puppy to play inLots of well-made toysIncluding good quality chews suitable for puppiesGood quality feed and water bowlsCeramic is idealA grooming gloveA slicker brush or soft bristle brushDog specific toothpaste and a toothbrushScissors with rounded endsNail clippersPuppy shampoo and conditionerSpecifically formulated for use on dogsA well-made dog collar or harnessA couple of strong dog leadsA well-made dog bed that's not too small or too bigA well-made dog crate for use in the car and in the homeLarge enough for a puppy to move around inBaby blanketsTo put in your puppy's crate and in their beds for when they want to nap or go to sleep at night

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You'll want to make sure you have all the necessary items before bringing your new Hovawart puppy home. This includes good quality puppy or baby gates to fit on doors.

A well-made playpen that's large enough for a puppy to play in is also a must-have. Puppies love to express themselves, and this will give them the room to do so while keeping them safe.

Lots of well-made toys are essential, including good quality chews suitable for puppies to gnaw on. This is especially important during teething, which can start as early as 3 months old and last until 8 months old.

You'll also need good quality feed and water bowls, ideally made of ceramic rather than plastic or metal.

A grooming glove is necessary for regular grooming sessions, and a slicker brush or soft bristle brush will help keep your puppy's coat clean and shiny.

Other essentials include dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush for regular dental care, and scissors with rounded ends for trimming your puppy's nails.

You'll also need puppy shampoo and conditioner, which must be specifically formulated for use on dogs.

A well-made dog collar or harness, a couple of strong dog leads, and a well-made dog bed that's not too small or too big are also necessary.

Finally, a well-made dog crate for use in the car and in the home, and baby blankets to put in your puppy's crate and in their beds, will provide a comfortable and safe space for your puppy to rest.

Here's a list of the essentials you'll need for your Hovawart puppy:

Hovawarts are naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs and guardians. Their strong guardian instincts date back to their original breeding as guardians of estates and farms.

Puppies need to be wormed regularly, with the first worming typically done at 6 months old, followed by wormings at 8, 10, and 12 months old. This helps prevent parasites and ensures their overall health.

Hovawarts are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in obedience training and making them suitable for various roles such as search and rescue, therapy work, and competitive obedience. With patience and consistency, you can help your Hovawart reach its full potential.

To prevent accidents, puppy-proof your home and garden by removing toxic plants, securing electric wires and cables, and putting away tools and other implements that a boisterous puppy might injure themselves on.

A Hovawart's lifespan is typically between 10 to 14 years, with responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary care helping to ensure their continued health and vitality.

Here's a summary of the essential worming schedule for Hovawart puppies:

Hovawart puppies are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. The average life expectancy of a Hovawart is between 10 and 14 years when properly cared for.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition in Hovawarts, where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to instability, pain, and eventual arthritis. Management typically involves medication, weight management, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Some other health issues that can affect Hovawarts include hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy, osteochondritis dissecans, dilated cardiomyopathy, and bloat/gastric torsion. Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is essential for managing these conditions effectively.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Hovawarts:

As you consider bringing a Hovawart into your family, it's essential to be aware of their potential health needs. The average life expectancy of a Hovawart is between 10 and 14 years when properly cared for.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition in Hovawarts, where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to instability, pain, and eventual arthritis. It can range from mild to severe, causing lameness and discomfort.

Hypothyroidism is another condition 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.

Degenerative Myelopathy, Osteochondritis dissecans, Dilated cardiomyopathy, and Bloat/gastric torsion are also health issues that can affect Hovawarts. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention.

Here are some key health issues to be aware of in Hovawarts:

Many vets recommend waiting until dogs are slightly older before spaying and neutering them, so they're more mature before undergoing the procedures.

Spaying and neutering can be done between the ages of 6 to 9 months old, and sometimes even at 12 months old, depending on the vet's advice.

Some vets prefer to spay and neuter dogs at 6 months old, but never any earlier unless for medical reasons.

Discussing with a vet and following their advice is always the best course of action, as many breeds are different and require personalized care.

It's always a good idea to wait until your dog is mature before making any major decisions about their health.

Hovawarts are generally not prone to allergies, but it's still crucial to catch any issues early on. If an allergy does flare up, a vet can help make the dog more comfortable while they figure out the triggers.

Hovawarts can be sensitive to certain dog foods that contain high levels of grains and other cereal-type fillers.

Finding the triggers of an allergy can be a challenge, but a vet can help identify the cause. Allergies can be notoriously hard to clear up.

Airborne pollens, dust mites, and environmental factors can also contribute to allergies in Hovawarts. Flea and tick bites, as well as chemicals found in household cleaning products, can also cause allergic reactions.

If your Hovawart is experiencing an allergic reaction, look out for signs such as itchiness, scratching, and skin irritation. A vet can provide guidance on how to manage these symptoms.

Here are some potential allergy triggers to be aware of: