Hovawarts originated during the early 1200s in Germany. Hovawarts were used to guard the German castles, and they were considered one of the noble breeds. The dogs were also utilized to track robbers. After the medieval period, however, their numbers declined sharply. In 1915, efforts began to revive the hovawart. The Newfoundland, the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Leonberger were all used in this revival project to recreate the magnificent estate guard dogs of the medieval era. Success led to the hovawart’s recognition by the German Kennel Club in 1937. The hovawart is rarely seen in the United States, but in Germany it is a popular companion and watchdog, and it is also used for tracking and for search and rescue missions.
At a glance, the hovawart often resembles a golden retriever, but in addition to golden blonde, the coat also comes in black or black and gold. The large, sturdy and muscular breed stands at a height of 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs in at 55 to 90 pounds. The thick coat is medium in length and slightly longer and feathered on the chest, abdomen, tail and the backs of the legs. The hair is slightly wavy and lies flat. The triangular ears and the long, bushy tail hang downward. The Hovawart is easily mistaken with the Golden Retriever. It is medium in size and muscular and athletic. The Hovawart has a deep chest and straight, short front legs. Their heads and muzzles are broad. The Hovawart’s coat is medium length and straight or wavy. They come in black, gold and blonde.
Personality
The hovawart is an active breed that requires daily exercise. Hovawarts thrive best in a house setting with a fenced yard in which to run free. As long as the hovawart is exercised, it will be relatively calm indoors. The breed is loyal, affectionate and playful. As long as the dog is socialized, it gets along well with children and makes an ideal family companion. Hovawarts can be aggressive with other dogs, but they usually get along with other types of household pets if they have been raised and socialized with them. Hovawarts are reserved toward strangers. They are alert, territorial and protective watchdogs. They are obedient, intelligent and easy to train. The Hovie is an intelligent, loyal and friendly dog breed that is very affectionate towards its owner. They need plenty of exercise in the form of long walks, running or playing fetch. If they get enough exercise, they are calm and peaceful at home. They are fond of children and are never aggressive.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 – 14 years |
| Nicknames: | Hovie |
Hovawart Build Information
At a glance, the hovawart often resembles a golden retriever, but in addition to golden blonde, the coat also comes in black or black and gold. The large, sturdy and muscular breed stands at a height of 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs in at 55 to 90 pounds. The thick coat is medium in length and slightly longer and feathered on the chest, abdomen, tail and the backs of the legs. The hair is slightly wavy and lies flat. The triangular ears and the long, bushy tail hang downward. The Hovawart is easily mistaken with the Golden Retriever. It is medium in size and muscular and athletic. The Hovawart has a deep chest and straight, short front legs. Their heads and muzzles are broad. The Hovawart’s coat is medium length and straight or wavy. They come in black, gold and blonde.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The hovawart is an active breed that requires daily exercise. Hovawarts thrive best in a house setting with a fenced yard in which to run free. As long as the hovawart is exercised, it will be relatively calm indoors. The breed is loyal, affectionate and playful. As long as the dog is socialized, it gets along well with children and makes an ideal family companion. Hovawarts can be aggressive with other dogs, but they usually get along with other types of household pets if they have been raised and socialized with them. Hovawarts are reserved toward strangers. They are alert, territorial and protective watchdogs. They are obedient, intelligent and easy to train. The Hovie is an intelligent, loyal and friendly dog breed that is very affectionate towards its owner. They need plenty of exercise in the form of long walks, running or playing fetch. If they get enough exercise, they are calm and peaceful at home. They are fond of children and are never aggressive.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Grooming a hovawart’s coat requires minimal effort. Brushing or combing the coat once or twice a week will prevent tangling and remove dead hair. Keep the ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections, and brush the teeth every other day to prevent periodontal disease and maintain optimal overall health.
| Shedding: | moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Hovawart Common Health Conditions
The hovawart lives an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. It is a hardy breed with few known health problems other than hypothyroidism and occasional cases of hip dysplasia. Hovawarts are also prone to gastric torsion, or bloat.
Hovawart Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a playful and active family friend, consider the rare hovawart. This German breed will thrive on long walks, hiking excursions and playing with the kids in the backyard. The hovawart originated in Germany. The hovawart is a playful, even-tempered and good-natured family companion, and it is a brave, alert, territorial and protective watchdog for the household. The hovawart stands 23 to 28 inches tall and weighs 55 to 90 pounds. The hovawart has a moderate energy level. Hovawarts require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a hovawart is 10 to 14 years.
| Training: | Hard |
