Hovawart vs Rat Terrier
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
Rat Terrier
Terrier 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.
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Hovawarts are less energetic than Rat Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Hovawarts require less grooming attention compared to Rat Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Hovawarts tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rat Terriers.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rat Terriers 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 Rat Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Hovawart | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Hovawart | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm |
| Weight | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Hovawart | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Hovawart | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is characterized by being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Rat Terrier, 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
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers 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, Rat Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip 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
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Hovawart and Rat Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.