Hovawart | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 10 years

Exercise

Hovawarts thrive with daily long walks and engaging play sessions to keep them happy and healthy.

Grooming Needs

Hovawarts require regular brushing, about two to three times a week, to manage their thick, double coat and reduce shedding. Occasional baths and routine checks for ear cleanliness and nail trimming are also important to maintain their overall health.

Country of Origin

Germany

Adaptability

Hovawarts are versatile and can thrive in both rural and suburban environments, but they require ample space and regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Shedding Level

Hovawarts shed moderately year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal changes.

Energiness

Hovawarts are energetic dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Hovawarts are generally moderate barkers, using their voice primarily to alert their owners of unfamiliar activities or intruders.

Trainability

Hovawarts are intelligent and responsive, thriving with consistent, positive reinforcement training methods.

Dietary Needs

Hovawarts need a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats to support their active lifestyle and maintain optimal health.

Weight Range

25-40 kg

Child Friendliness

Varies

Social Needs

For Whom?

A suitable home for a Hovawart is one where it can fulfill its instinct to protect and be part of the family's everyday life. This dog thrives in an environment where it has ample space to move and explore, so a detached house with a secure yard would be ideal. Although the Hovawart can adapt to various conditions, it needs space and opportunities for physical activity, so a cramped city apartment may not be the best option for this energetic and alert dog.

A family that welcomes a Hovawart into their home should be active and ready to spend a lot of time with their dog. This breed enjoys various activities such as long walks, hikes, and agility training. Hovawart also requires mental stimulation, so playing games, teaching tricks, and brain exercises keep its mind sharp.

Since the Hovawart is naturally protective and loyal, it is an excellent fit for a family where it feels needed and valued. It is a great choice for families looking for a dog that is both playful and a stable family member. The Hovawart is also known for its ability to empathize and sensitively respond to the emotional states of its family members, offering comfort and companionship to everyone in the family.

In summary, the most suitable home for a Hovawart is active, loving, and spacious, where it can live a fulfilling dog life according to its characteristic traits. It is a family member that brings security and joy to those around it and deserves to be treated with as much love and respect as it offers.

Character

Intelligent

Loyal

Protective

Alert

The Hovawart is a dog breed that exudes dignity and reliability. It has inherited its ancestors' guarding instincts and stands firm as a protector of its family. This breed isn't easily startled and provides a sense of security to everyone within its close circle. The Hovawart is like a personal bodyguard for its home and family, never tiring of its role.

By nature, the Hovawart is calm and balanced, yet playful and devoted when the situation demands. Its deep gaze tells a story of centuries of loyalty and bravery. The Hovawart is intelligent and trainable, appreciating mental stimulation and physical activity. Training is most effective with consistency and positive reinforcement, as this breed aims to please its owner and enjoys the feeling of success.

Although primarily a guardian, the Hovawart is also a loyal family member who enjoys the company of its loved ones. It can spend quiet moments at home or embark on adventures in nature, adapting well alongside its owner. The Hovawart has a strong bond with its family and is sensitive to the emotional states of its family members.

With children, the Hovawart is patient and protective. It knows how to be gentle but also teaches children to respect animals. However, the Hovawart requires consistent upbringing and clear boundaries to understand its place in the family and society.

Despite its confidence and independence, the Hovawart feels a deep attachment to its own pack. It is a breed that leaves no one indifferent—its robust presence and deep loyalty make it a unique companion on life's paths. The Hovawart is more than just a dog; it is a valued family member whose presence ensures safety and fosters a sense of community.

History

The history of the Hovawart dog breed stretches back to medieval Europe, where these impressive dogs were used for guarding and protection tasks. As early as the 1200s, documents from the German region mentioned "Hofewarts," which translates to "court guards." Hovawarts were highly valued as protectors of property and homes, overseeing the safety of estates and lands.

These dogs were known for their bravery, strength, and loyalty to their owners. Their duties included not only alerting to intruders but also protecting families and livestock from predators and thieves. Their traits were ideal for the conditions of medieval Europe, where social systems were fragile and security was the responsibility of each household.

However, over time, the popularity of Hovawarts declined, and other breeds began to replace them. By the early 20th century, the Hovawart was nearly extinct, but enthusiasts did not let the breed fall into oblivion. German veterinarian Kurt Friedrich König played a pivotal role in the breed's revival. He mixed remaining Hovawart-like dogs with other breeds such as the German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger, aiming to restore the original characteristics of the Hovawart.

In 1937, the Hovawart was officially recognized as a breed in Germany, and breeding began from carefully selected lines. After World War II, the breed established its position and began to spread across Europe.

Today, the Hovawart is known not only for its traditional guarding traits but also for its capabilities as a versatile family and hobby dog. While it may be reserved towards strangers, it is loyal and loving to its family. The intelligence and versatility of the Hovawart make it an excellent partner for rescue missions, tracking, and agility.

The history of the Hovawart is a story of survival and adaptation. Its medieval roots tell the tale of a dog that has maintained its courage and reliability through the centuries, adapting to the demands of the modern world while preserving the legacy of bygone days.