• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Hovawart Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Hovawart so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank375
Reviews2
User Ratings
Compare the Hovawart With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Hovawart dog profile picture
OriginGermany flagGermany
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Hovawart known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Hovie
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Hovawart? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Hovawart Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Hovawart? Learn how big the Hovawart breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Hovawart weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Hovawart breed.
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Hovawart?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Height
How tall is the Hovawart? Hovawart height:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Hovawart?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

Hovawart Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Hovawart puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Hovawart costs.
$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Hovawart, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Hovawart for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Hovawart gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Hovawart? How many Hovawart are there in the world?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Hovawart Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Hovawart? Discover the Hovawart's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Hovawart ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Hovawart? Learn about the Hovawart's trainability and response to training methods.
Hovawart dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Hovawart as a watchdog? Learn about the Hovawart's alertness and guarding instincts.
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Hovawart dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Hovawart protective of its territory? Learn about the Hovawart's guarding instincts and behavior.
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Hovawart can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Hovawart will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Hovawart Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Hovawart have? Learn about characteristic Hovawart temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveDevotedOutrightTemperedWatchfulReserved
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Hovawart sensitivity:
Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Hovawart a good family dog?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Hovie need? Hovawart social needs:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Hovawart to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Hovawart roam?
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Hovawart have high prey drive?
Hovawart dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Hovawart Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Hovawart bark a lot? Learn about typical Hovawart vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Hovawart? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Hovawart breed.
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Hovawart live in an apartment? Learn about the Hovawart's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Hovawart indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Hovawart Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Hovawart to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Hovawart's flexibility to new situations.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Hovawart be left alone? Learn about the Hovawart's tolerance to solitude.
Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Hovawart Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Hovawart biting potential? Learn about the Hovawart's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Hovawart mouthy? Learn about the Hovawart's tendency to use mouth during play.
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Hovawart dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Hovawart bite? Learn about the Hovawart's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest. The Hovawart bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Hovawart measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Hovawart dogs is impressive, and their Hovawart bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Hovawart PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Hovawart bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Hovawart puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Hovawart Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Hovawart live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Hovawart breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Hovawart handle different weather? Learn about the Hovawart's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Hovawart? Discover typical conditions affecting the Hovawart breed.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Hovawart need vet visits? Learn about the Hovawart's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Hovawart breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Hovawart breed? Most common health risks of Hovawart:
Hip Dysplasia Underactive Thyroid

Hovawart Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Hovawart? Understand daily activity needs of the Hovawart breed.
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Hovawart need? How much exercise do Hovawart dogs require per day?

Do Hovawart dogs need a lot of exercises?

Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Hovawart breed need?
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Hovawart Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Hovawart prone to weight gain? Learn about the Hovawart's obesity risks.
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Hovawart weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Hovawart need daily? Learn about the Hovawart's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Hovawart Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Hovawart hypoallergenic? Learn about the Hovawart's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Hovawart dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Hovawart come in? Discover all possible Hovawart color variations.
BlackBlonde Golden
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Hovawart need? Learn about Hovawart coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Hovawart is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Hovawart drool a lot? Learn about the Hovawart's drooling habits.
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Hovawart could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Hovawart.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Hovawart smell bad? Learn about the Hovawart's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Hovawart have? Learn about the Hovawart's fur characteristics.
Silky
Bathing Needs
How often does a Hovawart need baths? Learn about the Hovawart's bathing requirements.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week.

Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Shedding Level
How much do Hovawart dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Hovie? Do Hovawart dogs shed a lot?
Hovawart dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Hovawart Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Hovawart good with children? Learn about the Hovawart's behavior around kids of different ages.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Hovawart get along with other pets? Discover the Hovawart's compatibility with other animals.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Hovawart temperament with other people:
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Hovawart dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Hovawart breed live with a cat?
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Hovawart good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Hovawart dogs get along with other dogs?
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Hovawart can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Hovawart breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Hovawart breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Hovawart dogs good office canines? Do Hovawart dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Hovawart dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Hovie temperament with senior people? Are Hovawart dogs good for elderly owners?
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.

Hovawart As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Hovawart be a service dog? Learn about the Hovawart's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Hovawart is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Hovawart good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Hovawart's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Hovawart is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Hovawart good at detection work? Learn about the Hovawart's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Hovawart is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Hovawart do search and rescue? Learn about the Hovawart's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Hovawart is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Hovawart good on boats? Learn about the Hovawart's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Hovawart pull carts? Learn about the Hovawart's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Hovawart breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Hovawart used in military service? Learn about the Hovawart's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Hovawart Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Hovawart usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Hovawart pregnant? Learn about the Hovawart's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Hovawart: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Hovawart have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Hovawart Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Hovawart in? Learn about the Hovawart's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Hovawart in? Learn about the Hovawart's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Hovawart? Learn about the Hovawart's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubFoundation Stock Service

Hovawart Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Hovawart dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Hovawart Breed

Hovawart Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Anna

    Feb 23, 2023, 10:50:15 PM:

    Even though they are really smart dogs, they are really stubborn and training has to be very consistent. I wouldn't recomend them as frist time dogs. Still they are very friendly and cuddly, but not for beginners as listed here.

  • Ryder

    Jan 5, 2020, 9:40:58 AM:

    A really good breed very friendly with all family members and reliable at guarding and are always vigilant