Hovawart
The Hovawart is a German dog breed weighing 30-50 kg, standing 60-72 cm tall. The Hovawart comes from Germany, and typically weighs 30–50 kg. Individual Hovawarts vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Germany
- Weight
- 30–50 kg (66–110 lb)
- Height
- Males
- Colour
- Black, black and gold, and blonde
About the Hovawart
The Hovawart is a German dog breed weighing 30-50 kg, standing 60-72 cm tall. Originating in Germany, it is a versatile working dog.
Overview
The Hovawart is a medium to large size German dog breed . The name means "yard-watcher" or "farm-watcher", from the Middle High German words hova ("court", "yard", "farm", modern Standard German : Hof ) and wart ("watchman", modern Standard German : Wart ).
History
Following the medieval period, the popularity of the Hovawart began to decline. Newer breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog slowly replaced the Hovawart as a guard and working dog until it had almost disappeared by the beginning of the twentieth century. Around 1915 a group of enthusiasts decided to try to save the breed. Predominant in this group was the zoologist Kurt Friedrich König . They started by looking for dogs in the farms of the Black Forest region. König then started a careful breeding program using these dogs and crossed them with Kuvasz specimens, Newfoundlands , German Shepherd Dogs, Leonbergers , a Bernese Mountain Dog and an African hunting dog. After much work, the group was rewarded in 1922 when the first Hovawart litter was entered into the German Breeding Registry. The enthusiasts continued their work and in 1937 the German Kennel Club officially recognised the Hovawart. All this work was almost undone with the outbreak of the Second World War . Because of their abilities many Hovawarts were used in the German war effort and perished. By 1945 only a few remained. Enthusiasm for the breed remained and in 1947, Otto Schramm and some fellow enthusiasts in Coburg formed a new club, the Rassezuchtverein für Hovawart-Hunde Coburg which is still in existence today. In 1964 the German Kennel Club recognised the Hovawart as the country''s seventh working breed.
Appearance
The Hovawart is a muscular, medium sized, long-haired working breed. The breed is slightly long with length being between 110-115% of the height at withers. The bridge of the nose is straight. Muzzle is roughly the same length as the skull and the skin is tight. Facial pigmentation is black. Eyes are oval shaped with a dark-to-medium brown colour. Ears are triangular shaped and drop down. They should reach down far enough to be in line with the mouth. The tail reaches to the hocks but not the ground. The long-haired coat lies close to the body with only a slight amount of undercoat. Coat is longer on the chest, belly, and rare of legs. There are three different colours: black, black and gold, and blonde. Dogs are 63–70 cm (25–28 in) at the withers and bitches are 58–65 cm (23–26 in)
Personality
Hovawarts are protective dogs who can make good family pets when trained due to their guarding instincts and desire to be part of a pack.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Hovawart?
The Hovawart is a medium to large-sized German dog breed. They have a muscular build, a broad head, and a distinctive coat that can be black, fawn, or white. Their eyes are dark brown, and their ears are triangular and erect. Hovawarts are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature.
Is the Hovawart a good family dog?
Hovawarts can make excellent family dogs due to their loyalty and protective nature. However, they may be wary of strangers and require early socialization. With proper training and care, they can be a loving and devoted companion for families with children. They do require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
What health problems do Hovawarts have?
Hovawarts are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the risk of inherited health problems.
How much does a Hovawart puppy cost?
The cost of a Hovawart puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Hovawart puppy can cost between $800 and $1,500. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the costs of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Hovawarts come from?
The Hovawart comes from Germany. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Hovawart, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.