Learn More About Hovawart

Summary

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.

Character

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.

What to Expect

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.

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.

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 & Grooming

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.