LargeGermany

Hovawart

"A powerful, vigilant working dog with a heart of gold for its family. The Hovawart combines natural guarding instincts with deep loyalty and remarkable versatility."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 67 cm

Age10-14 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 63-70cmHead Height: ~84cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight30-45 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€75+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

As a traditional working breed, he requires plenty of physical exercise and mental tasks like tracking or dog sports.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

He is highly intelligent and learns quickly, but his independent streak requires a consistent and patient handler.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

He is extremely loyal and deeply bonded to his family members, making him an excellent companion.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

He is naturally watchful and can be reserved with strangers, requiring early socialization to be well-adjusted.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

His confident personality and protective instincts are best handled by someone with prior experience in dog training.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

His size and guarding instincts make him better suited for a house with a yard than a city apartment.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

Despite the long coat, grooming is relatively easy as the breed has little undercoat and the fur doesn't mat easily.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Shedding is moderate, though more frequent brushing is required during the seasonal coat changes.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Hovawart is a proud, intelligent companion with a natural guarding instinct. Its character is defined by self-confidence and a degree of independence, requiring consistent yet sensitive training. As a late bloomer, it demands patience and a good sense of humor from its owner. Once a bond is established, its loyalty is absolute. Not a dog for blind obedience, it acts as a partner that prefers understanding the purpose of a task while vigilantly protecting its loved ones.

Living & Exercise

This freedom-loving guardian is rarely suited for small city apartments. Ideally, it needs a house with a securely fenced garden to monitor dutifully. Its high energy levels require daily mental and physical stimulation, such as long hikes, tracking, or canine sports. The Hovawart thrives on being part of family activities and should never be kept in isolation. It seeks close contact with its humans but also needs space to express its active nature.

Health & Grooming

Renowned as one of the healthiest large breeds, the Hovawart benefits from exceptionally strict breeding standards. Hip dysplasia is remarkably rare due to rigorous selection. Its long, slightly wavy coat is surprisingly low-maintenance because it lacks dense undercoat, allowing dirt to fall off easily once dry. Regular brushing is usually sufficient, except during seasonal shedding. Like all large breeds, careful monitoring of growth rates and prevention of gastric torsion are essential for long-term well-being.

History

The name originates from Middle High German, meaning 'yard watcher.' Mentioned in medieval texts, the type almost vanished until Kurt Friedrich König revived the breed after World War I. By crossing traditional farm dogs with Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, and Kuvasz, the modern Hovawart was established. Officially recognized as a service dog breed since 1964, it has since gained worldwide popularity as a versatile working dog and a devoted, multi-talented family protector.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.