Hovawart

Overview

Breed Group: Foundation Stock Service
Weight: Male: 55-90; Female: 55-90 lbs
Height: Male: 24-27; Female: 22-25 inches
Color(s): Blonde, black, black and tan

An old German working breed, the Hovawart is a large and robust guard dog. They nearly became extinct but were revived during the 1920s. They enjoy popularity in their native Germany but are rare and virtually unknown in the United States.

Character - Temperament

Character

The Hovawart is a hardy and weather-proof dog. Males are powerful in appearance and are robust. Females have a more elegant appearance and are smaller in size. The Hovawart breed is versatile, well-balanced, and self-confident.

Temperament

The Hovawart is not recommended for inexperienced or sedentary owners. They are loyal, dominant, and have a tendency to become closely bonded with one member of the family. This affectionate and protective breed does well with children and non-canine pets they have been raised with. They may be aggressive with same gender dogs. Hovawart's are reserved with strangers and will defend their family, property, and territory with great passion.

Care - Coat

Care

The Hovawart breed requires regular brushing to prevent the coat from matting and tangles. Bathing should be done when necessary. The Hovawart is relatively healthy, although there are some instances of hip dysplasia and underactive thyroid.

Coat

The Hovawart is a double coat breed. The outer coat is long, slightly wavy, dense, and lies close to the body. It is longer on the legs, chest, stomach, and tail. The under coat is fine and thin.

Training

Highly intelligent, the Hovawart excels in Schutzhund. Early obedience and socialization is recommended. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency.

Activity

Hovawart's are not recommended for city or apartment dwelling. They do best in a rural setting with ample space to roam and run. They thrive on having a job to do and will become destructive if bored. The Hovawart is ideal for rescue, tracking, watchdogging, hiking, and backpacking.