Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
Easy to train: | 2/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
Energy level: | 4/5 |
Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
Shedding: | 3/5 |
- Dogs suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Enjoys more than two hours of walking a day
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming every other day
- Quiet dog
- Barks, alerts and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large garden
- Can live in semi-rural areas
- Can be left occasionally with training
The Hovawart breed can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism¹ where the thyroid gland is underactive and does not product enough thyroid hormone. This can result in low energy levels, weight gain and skin problems.
- Sebaceous adenitis² which is a disease affecting the skin glands and causing dry skin and hair loss.
- Intestinal adenocarcinoma³ which is a type of cancer which arises from cells in the gut.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
¹M. Bianchi et al, 'A multi-breed genome-wide association analysis for canine hypothyroidism identifies a shared major risk locus on CFA12', Aug 2015, PLOS Journal
²J. Lortz et al, 'A multicentre placebo‐controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of oral ciclosporin A in the treatment of canine idiopathic sebaceous adenitis in comparison with conventional topical treatment', Nov 2010, Veterinary Dermatology
³L. Frgelecová, 'Canine gastrointestinal tract tumours: a retrospective study of 74 cases', 2014, Acta Veterinaria Brno
Personality
Confident and brave, the Hovawart is a versatile dog and a loyal, devoted companion deeply bonded to their owners. They have strong guarding tendencies and will be protective of home and family, so careful socialisation and training must be provided to ensure they don’t make any errors of judgement with visitors. With that training and socialisation however, they are typically an even tempered and tolerant breed, and easily capable of taking part in a variety of dog sports or activities.
Did you know?
Hovawarts are mentioned in the Sachsenspeigel - a medieval law book written between 1220 and 1235. It was used in some places until as late as 1900 and formed the basis of German law. It is also the first comprehensive law book not written in Latin. Hovawarts were so highly regarded that according to their listing in the Sachsenspeigel “any killed or stolen were to be replaced or paid restitution for”.
Found your perfect breed?