Pekingese vs Hovawart
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pekingese
Toy Group
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pekingeses are less energetic than Hovawarts, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pekingeses require more grooming attention compared to Hovawarts.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pekingeses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hovawarts.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart'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 Pekingese and Hovawart, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pekingese | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pekingese | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-9 inches 15-23 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 14-14 lbs 6-6 kg | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pekingese | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pekingese | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pekingese Temperament
The Pekingese is known for being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is characterized by being alert, faithful, intelligent, 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 Pekingese and Hovawart, 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
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pekingese
Rating: 4/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Pekingese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pekingeses 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, Pekingeses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts 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, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pekingese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
- Eye problems
- Spinal disc issues
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
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
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pekingese and Hovawart, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.