Meet the Breed: Five Things to Know Before Getting a Hovawart
There are few breeds that can be doppelgangers of one another quite like the Hovawart and the Golden Retriever. The two breeds can look remarkably similar, but they are hardly related. The comparison of the two is pretty superficial, and only applies when the Hovawart is blonde and female.
Although both breeds are great in their own way, they differ from each other in many aspects and likely require two equally different types of owners. The Golden, of course, is well known for its affable nature and retrieving skills, whereas the lesser-known Hovawart could be a gem for those who have experience with canines originally bred to guard livestock and protect property.
The FCI Breed Standard for the Hovawart describes these dogs, affectionately referred to as “Hovies” by those who know them best, as having a “kind and even disposition.” The words “hova” (yard) and “wart” (watchman) in Middle High German (an old form of German) refer to the breed’s original purpose.
“Recognized working dog with versatile usage,” is how the Standard describes this German breed. “Has protective instinct, self-confidence and ability to take stress; of medium temperament; combined with a very good nose. His balanced body proportions and special devotion to his family make him an outstanding companion, watch, guard, tracking and rescue-dog.”
Does this sound like a breed that could be a match for you? Here’s a look into five things to know before getting a Hovawart:
1. More than just a look-alike.
One popular Google search suggestion that comes up for the Hovawart is “Hovawart vs. Golden Retriever.” Females of the breed can look somewhat like a Golden, but this only applies to the blondes. The similarity is a common talking point, but the differences between the two breeds are significant, even when there’s long hair and coat similarities. Their origin stories, too, couldn’t be more dissimilar.
The Golden Retriever originates from Great Britain, developed in the 19th century to retrieve gamebirds. These happy-go-lucky dogs have a very eager-to-please personality and are highly trainable. In addition to being one of the best-known family dogs, Goldens frequently participate in a variety of dog sports and are employed extensively in service work.
Male Goldens typically stand between 23 and 24 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females generally stand between 21½ and 22½ inches tall and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds.
The Hovawart, on the other hand, is a very old breed hailing from Germany, with a very different genetic background. “Since 1922, the breeding of this breed, by using dogs similar in type still found on farms, has been restored,” according to the parent club’s documented history of the breed. “Apart from this, in the early years of breeding, crosses with German Shepherd Dogs, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers and other breeds were admitted. Due to the strict measurements taken in selecting the breeding stock, the original working type was attained again.”
Hovawarts live to please their owners, but they also come with a certain level of stubbornness and wariness of strangers that the Golden Retriever does not have. In addition to shades of gold and yellow, the Hovawart also comes in a variety of other colors, including black, black and gold, and blond.
Males and females of this continental breed typically stand between 23 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds.
2. A true jack-of-all-trades.
The Hovawart is one of the most versatile breeds in the dog world, with the ability to serve as a watchdog, service dog, tracker, search and rescue dog, or simply as an in-home companion.
This has everything to do with what the breed brings to the table mentally.
“They are alert, faithful, trustworthy, extremely intelligent, fun loving, and stubborn,” according to the Hovawart Club of North America website. “A Hovawart likes to have a job to do, or he will use his creative nature to find one. They take approximately two years to mature.”
Currently, Hovawarts in North America participate in Search and Rescue organizations, Service Dog training, Therapy Dog activities, Obedience Trials, Agility Trials, and Flyball.
3. Not the best option for first-time pet owners.
Unlike the Golden Retriever, which is a strong option for individuals looking to take home a dog for the first time ever, it’s recommended that those looking to bring a Hovawart into the picture already have experience with the breed or are seasoned dog owners—especially with working breeds that are similar to this one.
Most breeds that were bred for protective purposes, like livestock guarding, require a dog-savvy person who is very keen on reading canine body language.
“We do not usually recommend them for first-time owners because of their strong-willed personality, their guarding instincts and their intelligence,” the parent club suggests. “Owning a Hovawart can be quite a challenge, and they require significant time and attention from their owners. However, for an owner who is willing to expend the effort to teach their dog appropriate behaviors in different situations, the reward is a faithful companion.”
4. Keep an assertive mentality.
Hovawarts are very loving and loyal to their families, but they can display stubbornness in training. It’s important to be assertive and make sure your “Hovie” knows who is in charge from a young age.
This is not to say the Hovawart is not a very trainable and intelligent dog. These attributes are the reason why this breed is able to excel in service work and dog sports.
Given the Hovawart’s naturally protective nature, it’s important to start socialization early and use positive reinforcement methods in training. Remember, the name “Hovawart” generally means “guardian of the hearth.” This refers to a dog that can make a great companion for both children and adults, developing an inseparable bond with the family it calls its own. But getting the “Hovie” out and about around a variety of people, animals, and stimuli is of paramount importance.
5. A generally healthy breed, but make sure all health screenings are taken care of.
The typical Hovawart is healthy and robust, especially for a breed that is on the larger side, living between 10 and 14 years on average. There are no breed-specific diseases that have been identified, with hip dysplasia rates calculated at a remarkable five percent or less.
Still, as with so many other breeds, make sure to seek a reputable Hovawart breeder who does OFA hip and elbow testing before selecting their breeding pairs. And once you’ve acquired your puppy, be sure to stay up to date with vet checkups and training sessions to ensure your “Hovie” leads a happy and healthy life.
