Hovawart
Quick Summary
Loyal guardian breed ideal for experienced owners. Combines protective instincts with family devotion. Requires commitment to training, exercise, and socialization.
Contents
Weight Range
65-90 lbs
♂ Male: 65-90 lbs
♀ Female: 65-90 lbs
Height Range
58-71 inches
♂ Male: 23-28"
♀ Female: 23-28"
Life Expectancy
10-14 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #76
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Foundation Stock Service
Originally bred for Developed in medieval Germany as estate guardians and working farm dogs
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 23"-28" |
| Female Height | 23"-28" |
| Male Weight | 65-90 lbs |
| Female Weight | 65-90 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 2/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $1500-2500 for purchase, plus setup expenses. Monthly costs average $150-200 for food and basic care. Annual veterinary expenses typically range from $500-1000.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Alert and protective by nature, Hovawarts display unwavering loyalty to their families. They combine intelligence with a strong protective instinct, requiring consistent training. Generally reserved with strangers but affectionate with family.
Social Needs
Hovawarts form strong bonds with family and need regular interaction. Moderate tolerance for being alone when properly trained. Can be reserved with other dogs and requires early socialization.
Breed Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Loyal and protective
- ✓ Intelligent
- ✓ Good with family
- ✓ Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- ✗ Strong-willed
- ✗ Needs extensive training
- ✗ High exercise needs
- ✗ Reserved with strangers
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | May be Stubborn |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Hovawarts require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, combining walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation. Activities should include both physical exercise and training tasks, maintaining a moderate to high intensity level.
Diet & Nutrition
Adult Hovawarts need 3-4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention to protein content and weight management is essential. Avoid rapid eating to prevent bloat.
Feed 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Choose protein-rich formulas appropriate for large, active breeds. Monitor weight and adjust portions accordingly. Fresh water always available.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Best suited for homes with secure yards. Requires moderate space and adapts well to suburban or rural settings. Tolerates various climates but needs indoor access and shelter from extreme weather.
Requires minimum yard space of 500 square feet. Adapts well to suburban or rural settings with proper exercise. Not suitable for apartment living due to size and exercise needs.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
German nobility prized these dogs for estate protection during medieval times. The breed nearly vanished in the early 1900s but was restored through careful breeding efforts by Kurt Friedrich König in the 1920s.
Historical Purpose
Developed in medieval Germany as estate guardians and working farm dogs. Black Forest farmers valued these dogs for their protective instincts and versatile working abilities.
Fun Fact
Hovawarts were mentioned in German law books from the 13th century as valuable property worth defending.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Needs consistent training from an early age. Regular grooming during shedding seasons. Exercise requirements must be met daily to prevent behavioral issues.