Hovawart: Your Complete Guide
Hailing from Germany, the hovawart is a gentle giant with a vigilant nature when needed. Outside of its protective nature, it is a wonderful family companion with a handsome face and a sweet personality. Like many bigger dogs, the hovawart is aware of its size and can prove difficult to adapt without proper encouragement.
The breed will be unsuitable for those in confined spaces, such as apartments, where they can’t get the daily movement they require. Similarly, this willful pooch may make a formidable opponent to any first-time owner, so they are recommended for more experienced dog lovers.
Very little is known about the regal breed outside of its homeland, making it hard to understand the stoic companion. To give a more thorough examination of this wonderful watchdog, we will be going over everything that has to do with the hovawart.
Quick Look at the Hovawart
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 23 – 29 inches, 65 – 110 pounds |
| Coat Type | Medium, double-coated, straight |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Bright, kind, family-oriented, dutiful |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10 – 14 years |
What Is the History of Hovawarts?
The hovawart was a well-respected and often sought-after breed during the medieval era of Europe. As time progressed, the breed fell short of the hugely handy German shepherd, which caused it to decline in popularity. Because of this slow disappearance of the hefty hovawart, the dog we see today likely looks a fair bit different than its ancestors.
By 1915, things were not looking great for the hovawart, though a zoologist and breed enthusiast named Kurt Friedrich König started taking a notable interest. The man took a team through the Black Forest of Germany to find pooches with hovawart in their lineage.
Kurt started breeding various farm dogs with German shepherds, Newfoundlands, Burmese mountain dogs, and Leonbergers. The commitment towards the breed was extensive, and in only seven years, the devoted group had gotten their hovawart pups into the German breeding registry.
By 1937, the breed had been registered and accepted into the German Kennel Club. Unfortunately, war broke out in Germany a couple of years later, and after excessive use of the hovawart in World War II, the dog was endangered again.
A new group in 1947 picked up the work that Kurt had started and began selectively breeding the remaining hovawarts, effectively saving the dog from extinction. While the picturesque pooches have yet to find a foothold abroad, they are still well-loved in their native Germany.
What Do Hovawarts Look Like?
It is hard not to think of an oversized Golden Retriever when looking at these massive mutts, and depending on the coat, many folks could be tricked. They have beautiful medium double coats that hang loose and long around the dog’s neck, underbelly, and hind legs. The elegant coat of the hovawart can be black, cream, or a mixture of both.
Their ears will always fall floppy and have a bit of excess fur on the exterior, giving the face a fuller, fluffier look. Some dogs may have a uniform color, while others will have splashes of gold on the face, brow, and undercoat, with the majority of their fur being a shining onyx hue.
What Size Is a Hovawart?
These dogs can become dense and daunting very quickly and will range in size and shape from one pooch to another. Typically, males will be noticeably bigger than their sisters, making the females of the breed a more compact, manageable option.
The hovawart will stand anywhere from twenty-three to twenty-nine inches on all fours, with their weight ranging from sixty-five to one-hundred and ten pounds. Be wary when a cute puppy catches your eye, as the dog can shift into a bubbly behemoth in a matter of months.
What Is a Hovawart’s Coat Type and Length?
The hovawart may not have gotten its fifteen minutes of fame in the States, though its look has nothing to do with that. The dog has a breathtaking coat that is densely double-coated and medium-length. It will sit straight on the body of the animal and is notably soft throughout. The dog’s underside, neck, ears, and back legs will grow thicker than the rest of the body.
What Is a Hovawart’s Temperament?
The hovawart knows its size, and despite having a protective streak that permeates throughout the breed, they have great personalities. The canine has an energetic yet calm personality that makes it seem far wiser than a dog should be. Similarly, it is often quiet and gentle with family (and kids), though it is not easily led.
The breed had a deep sense of pride that can make obedience training somewhat tricky. If an owner is not positive, persistent, and firm, the hovawart can walk all over them and will try to regularly. They are not a disobedient breed or mean-spirited, though they do not enjoy being told what to do.
They can be skeptical of new people initially, though they are never a genuine concern if they see their family welcome the visitor. Animals are a similar story, and introductions as a puppy can go a long way to helping the behavior of your hovawart around other four-legged friends.
Are Hovawarts Good With Kids?
They are a big breed of dog, so they must be closely watched around a small child. That said, once both have an understanding of each other, the dog will quickly adopt any young child in the house. Their protective streak around kids is nothing short of adorable, and they have a genuine soft spot for the younger members of their home.
The breed is gentle towards kids by nature, and unless the pooch is exceptionally energetic, the dog should not be a concern. Children should understand how to handle dogs, mainly breeds as large as the hovawart, though they will never have to worry about aggression.
The hovawart is a brilliant breed that takes to kids like few others. Parents wanting a fluffy friend for their children will not be disappointed.
Are Hovawarts Good With Other Animals?
The massive mutt is not a fearful dog; if it feels challenged, it will not back down. Because of this, it is essential that other dogs have an agreeable nature, or one of the pooches may end up getting injured. Otherwise, the breed may be on the fence about different animals, though they are rarely an issue.
No two dogs are alike, however, and breed doesn’t always determine the individual personality of a pooch. To help encourage a friendly and affable nature, try to introduce the hovawart to other dogs and cats at an early age. The dog is more likely to watch a cat run by rather than chase it, so the two are typically compatible.
Are Hovawarts Aggressive?
Hovawarts are only considered aggressive if given ample reason to be. While they may be stubborn and self-assured, this will rarely turn into growling unless the owner gets too forceful. Strangers should approach them gently, as they are a protective breed and may not take well to an immediate hug, though even then, they will rarely nip at anyone.
Prospective owners breathing a sigh of relief should still be wary. Hovawarts are massive and formidable, and too much trust and too little training could result in serious injuries. Dogs should be given introductions to strangers habitually as they mature into adults while also learning the limits of when to be a protector and when to be a playful pup.
Do Hovawarts Bark?
Their boombox bark sounds like it could scare off most apex predators, though you won’t hear it much. The breed will only become loud if it sees something it is sincerely concerned about or if it is playing with another four-legged friend. Thankfully, even though it can produce pretty deafening vocals, it is an average calm and quiet companion.
Are Hovawarts Affectionate?
While folks may want to heavily consider the consequences of allowing a hefty hound like the hovawart to lay on their lap, the dog will certainly be up to the task. Their stoic stature stops at the front door, and they will be incredibly endearing and affectionate with everyone, particularly kids.
Hovawarts have a lot of high points, and their cuddly, compatible nature is one of the better aspects of the majestic dogs. They are also aware of their size and rarely jump up or knock over people in their excitement, which everyone who sees one coming appreciates.
Are Hovawarts Intelligent?
They aren’t going to be independently herding huge hordes of livestock by instinct, but they are quite mentally competent and easily able to learn and adapt to most situations. They have a keen guard instinct that has helped hone their senses, and they are more alert than their energetic and aloof nature might indicate.
Are Hovawarts Energetic?
Their wise expression and gentle temperament may trick people into thinking of the dog as some calm, collected porch protector. That impression would be incorrect; the breed has barrels of bubbling energy that must be expended, and their long limbs will make apartment life unsuitable.
A house close to a trail, dog park, or lengthy stretch of land will be ideal for the breed. Even better, a fenced-in area where they can freely roam will be well-appreciated by the hovawart. Similarly, people who take daily jogs need not worry about the pup’s ability to keep up and can kill two birds with one stone.
Are Hovawarts Easy to Train?
The earlier owners start, the better a hovawart will be going forward. This breed has an attitude when it comes to their obedience, and while they won’t be mean-spirited or threatening, they will nearly always be stubborn. The breed sees itself as a natural leader and does not warm up to the idea that it should take orders from anyone else.
For the experienced dog owner, their bullheaded behavior can be very cute. However, It can be difficult for some, particularly if the dog is getting a late start.
They aren’t impossible to train, though, and can be very receptive to commands. A patient, persistent, and positive owner can bring out the best in the breed, and once the two see eye-to-eye – the sky is the limit.
The dog has a high exercise requirement that must be fulfilled to keep it content and healthy, so agility training can prove very useful. The German dogs excel at physical sports, and their natural athleticism is easy to spot once they catch a rhythm with the activity.
Are Hovawarts Good Watchdogs?
A common issue with good watchdogs is that they tend to grow overzealous. They will bark at heavy winds, loud neighbors, or passing cars. The hovawart is an exception to this and will prove exceedingly capable of detecting threats without waking everyone up on a daily basis. They are uniquely protective and proficiently aware of their environment.
The breed is fearless and will happily put themselves between any potential danger and their owner or even their owner’s kids. Because of this, they have become beloved by those familiar with the breed for their bravery and reserved bark. If the hovawart is speaking up, it should always be taken seriously.
Are Hovawarts Good Service Dogs?
There is very little stopping the Hovawart from proving excellent in a service dog position as long as they are properly trained and willing to listen. They are naturally helpful animals with a very affectionate, intelligent, and perceptive temperament. Similarly, they are physically strong and capable of offering mobility support to those in need.
Finding a hovawart sufficiently rid of their stubborn temperament may be challenging. However, outside of a willful nature, they are great candidates for several service roles.
As emotional support dogs, the breed is emotionally empathetic, affectionate, and kind. They can assist people with anxiety, PTSD, or panic attacks and should be considered if they fit the therapy dog temperament.
How to Care for a Hovawart?
A lot of free time, experience, and patience are needed for the breed. They require an hour or two of exercise daily, a well-maintained diet, and an owner who can handle regular grooming requirements. Because of their size, the weekly to monthly tasks such as bathing, brushing, and nail clipping can be tedious.
The time required for grooming and exercise will be considerable compared to other dogs, so those looking to get a hovawart should have a few hours of free time a day. Similarly, they aren’t incredibly needy dogs, but they need some one-on-one time and attention.
Do You Need to Groom a Hovawart?
The hovawart is a dog that requires considerable brushing once a week, though they are low-maintenance compared to other breeds of similar coats. They have a lot of hair, which can grow dirty and matted after daily activities. Because of this, they should be brushed well once a week and bathed as needed.
Their nails should be clipped before they can be heard on hardwood, and owners should keep an eye out that the nails don’t become damaged or chipped. The dog should have its teeth brushed multiple times a week, and their ears should be examined for any unwanted dust or dirt that may accumulate while outside.
Do Hovawarts Shed?
They will shed slightly less than they should, though, in certain seasons, owners will find a lot of fur across the floor. They shed seasonally, and as they lose a coat, they may require more frequent brushes to keep the damage to a minimum. They are not hypoallergenic, and while they may not be the worst shedder in the world, they are unfit for people with allergies.
What Health Problems Do Hovawarts Have?
Despite a reputation for being healthy, happy dogs, owners of a hovawart should keep an eye out for certain medical conditions that can arise in the breed.
Common medical conditions include:
Most breeders will have the medical history of their dogs, which should be read and understood before any long-term decisions are made.
How Long Do Hovawarts Live?
The average hovawart will have a long life for a bigger breed. The expected lifespan of a hovawart ranges from ten to fourteen years.
What Should a Hovawart Eat?
Their diet will require worthwhile food designed for large breeds with active lifestyles. They will need to adjust their food as they mature, and the average rate and size of a puppy’s meal will differ from an adult’s. They will typically get fed twice a day, though it will vary from one dog to another.
The hovawart is a breed that can nearly double in size from one dog to another, so a one-size-fits-all food plan is not recommended or realistic.
Is a Hovawart the Right Dog for Me?
The hovawart can make a wonderful breed for the right home. They are excellent protectors, lovely around kids, and they make amazing family dogs for big houses with ample acreage. Despite a stubborn streak, they are agreeable with other animals and tend to get along with most things if they have enough time to socialize in adolescence.
Unfortunately, they are too willful and brash for the average first-time owner, and people in apartments cannot deal with their size. Similarly, they will be a hard sell for folks with allergies. The hovawart is a gorgeous dog with a wonderful personality, but they have eccentricities that make them incompatible with certain owners.