Are Hovawarts Safe Around Small Pets? | Owner Guide

When considering adding a Hovawart to a household with small pets, it's important to understand this breed's natural tendencies. Hovawarts are moderately safe around small pets, but their safety largely depends on the individual dog's prey drive, training, and supervision. This large, powerful working dog has a moderate prey drive, which means it may see smaller animals as something to chase or herd. However, with consistent training and careful introductions, cohabitation with certain small pets can be realistic.

Understanding the Hovawart’s Tendencies Around Small Pets

The Hovawart is a strong and protective breed originally bred as a guardian dog. Their prey drive is moderate, so while they might not instinctively hunt small animals, their natural curiosity and energy could lead to chasing behaviors.

They tend to be more tolerant of cats than rodents or birds.
Small mammals like hamsters or rabbits are at higher risk due to the Hovawart’s size and instinctual behaviors.
Their intelligence and moderate trainability mean they can learn boundaries but require patience.

Practical Advice for Hovawart Owners with Small Pets

If you already have or plan to have small pets, consider these points:

Supervise all interactions until you are confident the dog respects the small pet.
Keep small pets in secure, escape-proof enclosures.
Avoid leaving the Hovawart alone with small animals unsupervised.
Introduce the dog gradually and calmly to the scent and presence of small pets.

Training and Management Strategies

Early Socialization: Expose your Hovawart to small animals at a young age.
Basic Obedience: Teach commands like "leave it" and "stay" to control impulses.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior around small pets.
Controlled Meetings: Use leashes or barriers during initial interactions.
Consistent Supervision: Never assume the dog can be alone with small pets without risk.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Hovawart chasing a small pet: Redirect attention with commands and treats.
Stress in small pets: Provide hiding spots and safe zones.
High prey drive episodes: Increase exercise and mental stimulation.

Conclusion

In summary, Hovawarts can live safely with small pets, especially cats, if owners are diligent with training and supervision. Their moderate prey drive means caution is necessary, particularly with smaller mammals or birds. With patience and proper management, many Hovawart owners successfully create a harmonious multi-pet household.

Remember, each dog is unique. Always assess your Hovawart’s personality and behavior before introducing small animals.