Hovawart vs Pekingese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
Pekingese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Hovawart 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.
Pekingese Overview
Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Hovawarts are more energetic than Pekingeses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Hovawarts require less grooming attention compared to Pekingeses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Hovawarts tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pekingeses.
- Trainability: Pekingeses may be slightly easier to train due to their Pekingese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pekingeses adapt better to apartment living, while Hovawarts typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Hovawart and Pekingese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Hovawart | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Hovawart | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 6-9 inches 15-23 cm |
| Weight | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg | 14-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Hovawart | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent | Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Hovawart | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is known for being alert, faithful, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pekingese Temperament
The Pekingese is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Hovawart and Pekingese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Pekingese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Pekingese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pekingeses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pekingeses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Pekingese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
- Eye problems
- Spinal disc issues
Pros & Cons
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Pekingese
Pros
- Excellent apartment dogs
- Loyal and devoted
- Low exercise needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Regular grooming required
- Heat sensitive
- Can be aloof with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Hovawart and Pekingese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.