Hovawart Dog Breed Information

What is the history & origin of the Hovawart?

Originally bred in Germany and possibly around since the middle ages, this dog was bred as a guard dog for German barons, which is not surprising since their name translates directly from the German words “guardian of the estate” or “wart of the yard”.

This dog breed has been recognised by the German Kennel Club since 1938 and was added to the American Kennel Club in 2010.

These dogs are not as popular as a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd but are definitely among the most frequently held dog breeds in Germany.

The German breeding registry has ensured that these large breed dogs are very carefully selectively bred as they have a strong tendency for genetic hip dysplasia.

Hovawarts have been used as a working dog breed and made themselves a name as search and rescue dogs as they are excellent in difficult terrain. They were even active during World War ii and were used in the German war effort, which had detrimental effects on their breed.

What is a Hovawart breed?

Hovawarts are large breed dogs with a thick and long coat that can withstand the cold winter temperatures of middle and Eastern Europe without a problem.

A Hovawart’s coat comes in three different colours: solid blonde, which makes them look a lot like a Golden Retriever; black with gold or tan markings; and solid black.

The triangular drop ears coated with their typical curly long hairs are one of this breed’s trademarks.

Their thick coats are made to withstand extremely cold temperatures, which makes them able to sleep outside, but they also do well inside a house if they can let their energy out in outdoor activities.

The Hovawart dog breed is incredibly loyal, and when properly socialised, they make excellent family dogs.

Who is a Hovawart best for?

Being a large dog that requires a lot of exercise and space to move around, this breed definitely does not do well with apartment life, and you should rather have a fenced yard or be willing to spend a lot of time at the dog park with your Hovawart to satisfy its need for movement.

Besides active owners, these dogs require lots of attention and experienced owners but do incredibly well with families, but not so much with other dogs as they are more suitable as single dogs.

Hovawart Grooming & Shedding

The Hovawart dog breed has a dense coat and is an average shedder that only requires an occasional brushing.

Their fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly, as it can cause them pain when running and walking if they are too long. The rule of thumb here is to cut them as soon as you can hear them make a clicking noise on the floor.

You should also make sure that you clean your dog’s ears regularly to avoid nasty infections.

Do Hovawarts bark a lot?

Hovawart dogs aren’t known to be active barkers, but seeing that they are guard dogs, they will alert their owners if a stranger is walking towards the house or trying to enter. Their relatively loud and deep barks can be quite intimidating, however.

They could also start barking out of boredom and separation anxiety if being left alone for too long. But with that being said, you should remember that barking is one of their main forms of communication, and therefore it shouldn’t always be seen as a negative trait, as long as it doesn’t become too excessive.

What is the average weight & height of a Hovawart?

Here are the size and weight specs for this specific breed:

• Adult Hovawart male height and weight: 63 to 70cm, 30 to 40 kg.
• Adult Hovawart female height and weight: 58 to 65 cm, 25 to 35 kg.

Are Hovawarts easy to train?

You should start training your Hovawart puppy at a very young age, as these dogs grow relatively large and should therefore understand the hierarchy of the household and how to be obedient towards humans very well and quite soon.

On top of that, they can be a little stubborn and try to test their boundaries while they are finding their place in their pack. Therefore, a firm hand, as well as consistency, is required when training your puppy.

If you want your puppy to get along with other pets, there might be some extra training required as well.

Thanks to their high intelligence, they will learn very fast, and you will find it very rewarding to train your Hovawart puppy.

You should also start early to get your puppy used to having its nails trimmed, as paws are very sensitive parts of a dog. Therefore regularly touching and holding their paws and cajoling them with a treat or two can save you a lot of trouble later on in their life.

They also require a lot of physical exercise, which is why it is a good idea to take them to the dog park or to perform dog sports at an early age and aid them in becoming properly socialised by exposing them to other pets, dogs and people.

How do Hovawarts behave? A look at their temperament and personality

They might be slightly intimidating in their size, but similar to Golden Retrievers, these dogs are highly devoted and even-tempered and therefore make a wonderful companion.

They might not be as happy-go-lucky as the Golden Retriever sometimes comes across, but they are a little bit more reserved towards strangers and very watchful over their home and family.

As they require a lot of physical exercise, you will be wise to take them on long walks, and they will be a great companion that won’t leave your side. This is probably also one of their most prominent personality traits, as they will do anything to defend and stick around their pack.

Because they are such loyal friends, you will find that they are a great fit for singles or families with kids.

Does the Hovawart have any common health issues?

Due to disregarding the breed standard of this dog breed for a while, the Hovawart began to show some DNA-related health problems over the years, which is why it is incredibly important these days to ensure your dog comes from a reputable breeder and is as much a healthy breed as possible.

The most common health issues you will experience with this breed are:

• Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to pain and mobility challenges.
• Thyroid Issues: Conditions like hypothyroidism can affect metabolism and overall health.

What is the lifespan of a Hovawart?

This relatively tall breed has a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years.

How much does a Hovawart need to be fed?

As these dogs need daily exercise, they require a balanced diet that supplies them with the all necessary nutrients and vitamins.

The breed is not particularly prone to being overweight, but you should always discuss which food to give your dog individually with your vet to make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight and does not put extra pressure on its already sensitive hips.

How much can you expect to pay for a Hovawart in Australia?

A Hovawart puppy can cost between $1,500 to $3,500 in Australia. Make sure that your puppies come from a reputable breeder that is part of a local Hovawart Club. You can even require DNA tests to make sure there are no extreme genetic health problems in their family.

You can always check your local shelter and see if you can find this breed or similar breeds which suit your needs in a dog and give them a second chance for a forever home.

Hovawart FAQs

Is a Hovawart ideal for a first-time dog owner?

No. Even though they make loyal companions, this breed is not suitable for first-time owners as they can be quite stubborn and require experienced owners to train them correctly.

Do Hovawarts suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes. They are pack dogs and therefore hate to be without their owners. If you leave them alone for too long, they will definitely start suffering from separation anxiety which can lead to destructive behaviour and excessive barking.

Are Hovawarts hypoallergenic dogs?

No, they are not. Their long coat does shed throughout the year. Even though they don’t shed heavily, it is enough to trigger your pet hair allergy.

Will Hovawarts need professional grooming?

No, these dogs do not require professional grooming.

Their coat is made for cool climates, and if you live in a place that has several seasons throughout the year, they will need their undercoat to keep them warm. Therefore if you brush your dog every now and then, it will absolutely suffice.