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Discover everything about Hovawart
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Hovawart?
At a glance
Hovawart overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Hovawart is considered a robust and exceptionally healthy breed, with hereditary conditions effectively managed through strict breeding regulations. Nevertheless, prospective buyers should remain mindful of hip dysplasia (HD), which remains a concern despite successful breeding programs, as well as the neurological condition degenerative myelopathy (DM). Hypothyroidism also occurs occasionally in the breed, so it is advisable to check that the parent dogs have undergone the appropriate health screenings.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Height
58–70 cm
Weight
25–40 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Long, dense, slightly wavy with lots of undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Black
- black brands
- blonde
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Hovawart, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Hovawart right for you?
The Hovawart is a loyal, late-maturing guardian—bred to independently protect home and property and to intervene if necessary. Behind the beautiful exterior lies a robust working dog that demands clear leadership.
Perfect for you if:
- You aren't looking for a mere companion, but want to head to the training field weekly (for tracking, IGP, or search and rescue work)—as a true working dog, he needs a mental and physical job.
- You live in a rural area with a fenced property where he can pursue his genetic duty as a guardian within controlled boundaries.
- You are confident, absolutely consistent, and have the patience for a late bloomer who doesn't reach mental maturity until about three years of age.
- You value a dog that forms an extremely close bond with its family but maintains a natural, incorruptible distance toward strangers.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a Golden Retriever in a different coat that greets every visitor with a wagging tail—his job is to monitor the property, not to let everyone in.
- You live in a busy city center or an apartment building where constant foot traffic would permanently trigger his deeply rooted protective instinct.
- You tend toward a heavy hand or uncertainty in training—this sensitive yet defensive dog will shut down under pressure and immediately take command if he senses weakness.
The real vibes check
A Hovawart is not a teddy bear, but a highly intelligent bouncer in a plush suit. If you don't prove crystal clearly that you are responsible for your territory, he will take over that job unasked and with full consequence. However, if you show yourself to be a reliable decision-maker, you will get an unshakable protector who would walk through fire for you.
Breed Profile
The Hovawart is a German dog breed that belongs to FCI Group 2, Section 2.2, the Molossoids. He is a large, powerful dog with harmonious proportions and significant sexual dimorphism - that is, male dogs typically look more masculine than female dogs. He has a strong jawline with a full set of 42 teeth and a strong scissor bite. His dark, oval eyes give him a friendly and attentive expression. The Hovawart's lop-eared ears are set high up and triangular in shape, they lie flat on his cheeks. Its tail is carried in a slight upward curve, reaching almost to the hock. Its fur is long and dense, slightly wavy and has a lot of undercoat. The three recognized colors are black, blackmarks (black with brown markings) and blonde. The Hovawart's coat is not only beautiful to look at, it also offers it excellent protection from the elements. In contrast to some other breeds, the Hovawart has no distinction between show and working lines. All Hovawarts are versatile dogs that can be used both as protection dogs and as companion and family dogs.
- Height
- 58 - 65 cm (Female), 63 - 70 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 25 - 35 kg (Female), 30 - 40 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 14 years
- Character
- Loyal, intelligent, alert
- Coat
- Long, dense, slightly wavy with lots of undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black, black brands, blonde
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The name "Hovawart" originates from Middle High German and means "yard warden" - a role this breed has fulfilled for centuries. Often cited as one of the oldest German dog breeds, it was used as a guard and protection dog as early as the Middle Ages. Modern breeding of the Hovawart began in the 1920s in Germany, when breeder Kurt F. König set out to create a versatile and reliable farm dog. König and his associates crossed various breeds, including the German Shepherd, Newfoundland, and Leonberger, to develop the Hovawart we know today. The breed was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1937. Despite a disruption in breeding during World War II, work on the breed resumed in the 1960s. Since then, the Hovawart has made a name for itself worldwide, both as a working dog and a beloved family companion.
Original Use
Yard warden, guard dog, protection dog
Origin
Germany
Date
Mittelalter / 1922
Character & Temperament
The Hovawart is a wonderful example of a dog that combines a strong working line with the temperament of a family dog. His intelligence and working ability make him an excellent guard and protection dog, while his loyalty and friendly nature make him a great family member. He is a vigilant and courageous dog who is not afraid to protect his family. Despite its natural protective instinct, the Hovawart is not an aggressive dog - it is rather reserved and wait-and-see and only uses violence as a last resort. In the family, the Hovawart shows a deep bond and affection for its people. He is playful and enjoys shared activities and games. In general, he is good-natured and patient, which makes him a good companion for children. However, careful supervision should always be ensured as it could accidentally knock over a small child due to its size and strength. The Hovawart is an intelligent animal that always strives to please its family. He learns quickly and is good at understanding and carrying out commands and tasks. This, combined with his natural guarding instinct, makes him an excellent working dog. Despite his bond with his people, the Hovawart is also able to stay alone without developing too much stress or anxiety. Of course, this should not be overly exploited as, as a social dog, he still prefers the company and attention of his people. As far as hunting is concerned, the Hovawart generally does not display strong hunting behavior. However, he is a curious and active dog who enjoys exploring his surroundings. Therefore, it is always important to monitor his outdoor range and ensure that he is not left unattended where he might encounter wildlife. As a watchdog, the Hovawart is very attentive and vigilant. He is always ready to protect his family and his territory and will not hesitate to intervene when necessary. It's important to teach him to differentiate between normal and threatening situations so that he doesn't overreact or bark unnecessarily. Overall, the Hovawart is a very balanced dog. He is active and eager to work without being hyperactive, and he is calm and calm without being lethargic. With the right socialization, training and care, the Hovawart becomes a loyal, lovable and reliable companion who makes every day something very special.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Strong territorial instinct — may actively confront intruders. | Very high |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the name "Hovawart" comes from Middle High German and "Hofwächter" means? Since the Middle Ages, this breed has made a name for itself as an excellent guard of farms and estates!
What Awaits You
Howawarts are considered highly trainable and are often used as working dogs and referred to as family dogs. Because of their past as yard guards, they can also be alert and territorial. Therefore, they are not suitable for households with a lot of visitors.
Housing & Care
Hovawarts are originally working dogs and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore they are not suitable for keeping in the city or in a small apartment. They do best in a home with a large garden where they can express their energy. They have a balanced and good-natured nature and can therefore get along well with children. However, careful supervision should always be ensured as the Hovawart could accidentally knock over a small child due to its size and strength. Regarding other pets: Hovawarts can learn to live with cats and other pets, provided they are accustomed to them from an early age. Early and continuous socialization is the key to harmonious coexistence.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Hovawarts are intelligent and trainable, making them excellent candidates for various types of dog sports and training. Whether it's obedience, agility, nose work or search and rescue, they'll love showing off their skills. However, despite their intelligence, Hovawarts are not dogs that blindly follow orders. They are independent thinkers and need consistent but fair and positive upbringing. It is important to teach them frustration tolerance and impulse control to ensure harmonious coexistence. Hovawarts need plenty of activity, but they are not ball junkies. They prefer diverse and mentally stimulating activities. Make sure you allow enough time for your Hovawart's training, socialization, and mental stimulation to ensure his happiness and well-being.
Nutrition & Care
Hovawarts are active dogs that require a nutrient-rich diet. You should offer a balanced mix of high-quality meat, vegetables and whole grains. consider using a special puppy food that provides the right nutrients for growth. Always ensure that your Hovawart is at a healthy weight, as excess weight can cause health problems cause. As far as fur care is concerned, Hovawarts have a dense undercoat and a weather-resistant top coat that protects them well against the German climate. They shed moderately and require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Hovawart is considered a robust and exceptionally healthy breed, with hereditary conditions effectively managed through strict breeding regulations. Nevertheless, prospective buyers should remain mindful of hip dysplasia (HD), which remains a concern despite successful breeding programs, as well as the neurological condition degenerative myelopathy (DM). Hypothyroidism also occurs occasionally in the breed, so it is advisable to check that the parent dogs have undergone the appropriate health screenings.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure joint-friendly rearing and have the thyroid checked by a vet if you notice any sudden changes in behavior.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, eyes, and thyroid checked and pay attention to genetic tests for neurological conditions to reduce risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Hovawart
Manuela S., Halterin aus Bayern (Hündin & Rüde, Erfahrung über mehrere Jahre)
Ich habe meine Hovawart-Hündin damals als Ersthund bekommen und muss sagen: Sie war ein absoluter Traumhund! Sie war verträglich mit allen Tieren und Menschen, hatte überhaupt keinen Jagdtrieb und konnte überall frei laufen. Allerdings darf man die Rasse nicht unterschätzen. Hovis sind Spätentwickler und haben definitiv ihren eigenen Kopf. Sie sind nicht leicht zu erziehen und man braucht eine liebevolle, aber extrem konsequente Führung – bloß keine Härte, das vertragen sie nicht.
Was man auch wissen muss: Der Wach- und Schutztrieb liegt ihnen im Blut [1.1.1]. Das Bellen bekommt man nie ganz aus ihnen heraus, weshalb ich sie für eine Stadtwohnung eher ungeeignet finde. Außerdem sind sie extrem sportlich und können unglaublich hoch springen. Unser Zaun musste ordentlich hoch sein, damit sie nicht einfach drüberhopst.
Man sollte sich vor der Anschaffung wirklich gut informieren, denn es kann auch anders laufen. Wir hatten zeitweise noch einen Hovawart-Rüden im Haus, der leider überhaupt nicht erzogen war. Er war futterneidisch, extrem dominant und ging im Haus auf meine Hündin los. Ohne die richtige Führung und Auslastung können diese kraftvollen Hunde also durchaus zu einer echten Herausforderung werden.
Siegi K., Hofbesitzer aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2015)
Wir halten unseren Hovawart auf dem Hof, und als Wächter macht er seinem Namen alle Ehre. Er passt hervorragend auf Haus und Hof auf, lässt aber unsere Hühner und Gänse völlig in Ruhe. Was mich an ihm am meisten fasziniert, ist seine Besonnenheit: Er denkt erst nach, bevor er handelt. Er schaut sich eine Situation ganz genau an und entscheidet dann erst, wie er reagiert.
Allerdings hat er auch einen ordentlichen Sturkopf und versucht immer mal wieder zu dominieren. Besonders bei Gästen müssen wir aufpassen. Er neigt dazu, Besuchern die Vorderpfoten auf die Schultern zu legen, um sie zu begrüßen und abzuchecken – das macht den Leuten bei seiner Größe natürlich Angst. Da ist konsequentes Gegensteuern gefragt.
Zudem ist er extrem verfressen und klaut Essen, wo er nur kann. Wenn er irgendwo ausgesperrt ist oder unbedingt durch eine geschlossene Tür will, die er nicht selbst öffnen kann, setzt er auch mal seine Zähne ein, was unseren Türpfosten gar nicht gut tut. Trotz dieser Macken ist er ein toller, besonnener Kumpel, der stundenlang gekrault werden möchte.
Alexander L., Halter aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (zwei Hündinnen, Langzeiterfahrung)
Wer einen völlig unkomplizierten Hund sucht, der im Urlaub brav unter dem Tisch liegt und jeden Fremden schwanzwedelnd begrüßt, für den ist der Hovawart wahrscheinlich nichts. Das Leben mit unseren zwei Hovi-Damen ist herrlich chaotisch, aber eben auch speziell. Sie sind extrem meinungsstarke, große Hunde, die genau wissen, was sie wollen.
Wenn wir mit dem Wohnmobil unterwegs sind, wird das Camp schnell zum 'Checkpoint Hovawart' erklärt und streng bewacht. Da wird jeder Schritt im Umkreis genau registriert. Auch der Rückruf auf dem Feld wird von den beiden gerne mal charmant ignoriert, wenn sie gerade etwas Spannenderes im Kopf haben. Man muss diesen eigenständigen Charakter einfach mögen und damit umgehen können.
Zu Hause weichen sie uns kaum von der Seite. Jeder Löffel Quark, den wir essen, wird mit einem so herzzerreißenden Blick quittiert, als würden wir sie verhungern lassen. Sie sind wachsame, treue Begleiter, aber sie fordern einen täglich heraus. Man bekommt eben keinen 'einfachen' Begleithund, sondern einen echten Charakterkopf.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Hovawart
Is a Hovawart the right dog for me?
The Hovawart is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Hovawart live?
The average life expectancy of a Hovawart is 10-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Hovawart need?
Hovawart grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Hovawart good for families with children?
The Hovawart can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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