The Hovawart: Noble Guardian and Devoted Companion
If you‘re looking for an intelligent, loyal, and protective dog to join your family, consider the regal yet little-known Hovawart. With their striking good looks, keen working abilities, and devoted nature, these versatile German dogs can make wonderful companions for the right homes.
History and Origins of the Hovawart Breed
The Hovawart is an ancient breed with a storied past as a guardian of castles and estates in the Black Forest region of Germany. The name "Hovawart" comes from the Middle High German words "hova" meaning yard or farm, and "wart" meaning watchman, perfectly describing their original role.
"Hovawarts were prized by German nobility as early as the 13th century for their intelligence, trainability, and unwavering loyalty," says Hans Schmidt, president of the German Hovawart Club. "They guarded the grounds of medieval castles and manors, acting as an early warning system against intruders."
For centuries, Hovawarts served nobly in this role, but by the early 20th century, the breed had nearly died out. Many were lost in the chaos of the World Wars, and those that remained were overshadowed by the rising popularity of other German breeds like the German Shepherd.
In the 1920s, a group of dedicated breeders led by zoologist Kurt König launched efforts to save the Hovawart from extinction. Using the few remaining purebred Hovawarts, they carefully reconstructed the breed, crossing them with dogs of similar type and ability such as the Leonberger, German Shepherd, Newfoundland, and Kuvasz.
Their painstaking work paid off, resulting in the re-establishment of the Hovawart breed along the same lines as the original medieval guardian dogs, with a stable temperament, keen intelligence, and strong protective instincts. The first Hovawart breed standard was written in 1937, and the breed was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club.
Hovawart Breed Standard and Appearance
The Hovawart is a large, muscular, agile dog with an air of elegance and nobility. According to the FCI breed standard, males should stand 63-70 cm (25-28 inches) at the withers and weigh 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs), while females are 58-65 cm (23-26 inches) tall and weigh 25-35 kg (55-77 lbs).
Their lustrous double coat is medium-length, thick, and slightly wavy, coming in three striking color varieties:
- Solid black
- Black and gold (similar to a black and tan German Shepherd)
- Blonde (ranging from light cream to deep reddish gold)
Hovawarts have a noble, balanced appearance with a moderately long head, expressive oval eyes, triangular pendant ears, and a slightly curved, bushy tail. Their bodies are slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest, straight back, and strong, muscular limbs.
When in motion, Hovawarts showcase a smooth, free, and far-reaching stride. Their movement should be efficient and tireless, reflecting their athleticism and endurance as working dogs.
One unique attribute of the Hovawart coat is its relative lack of doggy odor. They tend to stay quite clean between baths and only shed moderately, with a more pronounced shedding period once or twice a year.
Hovawart Temperament and Working Traits
Hovawarts are known for their self-assured, even-tempered, and fearless nature. True to their heritage as guardians, they have strong protective instincts and a keen sense of discernment, making them excellent watchdogs and defenders of home and family.
With their human family, Hovawarts are deeply devoted, affectionate, and gentle. They form strong bonds but can be somewhat independent and aloof at times, prizing their role as vigilant guardians. Hovawarts tend to be especially patient and protective with children in their family.
"Hovawarts have an innate sense of who belongs and who doesn‘t," explains Margaret Jones, a longtime Hovawart owner and trainer. "With proper socialization, they should be accepting of friendly strangers, but they are always alert and watchful. It gives you a tremendous sense of security."
As highly intelligent working dogs, Hovawarts need a job to do and plenty of mental stimulation to thrive. They excel in a wide variety of roles, including:
- Protection and security work
- Search and rescue
- Therapy and assistance dog work
- Tracking and scent detection
- Obedience and rally competition
- Agility and athleticism sports
According to a survey by the German Hovawart Club, 60% of Hovawarts in Germany are employed in some kind of working role, a testament to their versatility and trainability.
"Hovawarts have a keen mind and strong work ethic," says Sarah Thompson, a search and rescue trainer who works with Hovawarts. "They are quick learners and very determined. With the right training and direction, they‘ll give their all to any task."
Caring for a Hovawart
As large, active working dogs, Hovawarts have significant exercise needs and require an engaged owner committed to training and socializing them properly.
Exercise and Activity Needs
Adult Hovawarts need a minimum of 60-90 minutes of physical activity each day, preferably divided into multiple sessions. Long walks, hikes, swimming, and energetic games like fetch all help keep Hovawarts in top shape. Having access to a securely fenced yard where they can run and play is ideal.
In addition to their physical exercise needs, Hovawarts require lots of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Training in obedience, tricks, nose work, or dog sports is an excellent way to challenge their agile minds while strengthening the bond with their handler.
Grooming and Coat Care
Despite their thick double coats, Hovawarts are relatively low-maintenance in the grooming department. Brushing them several times per week with a pin brush and undercoat rake will keep their skin and coat healthy, with more frequent brushing needed during shedding season.
Hovawarts only require occasional bathing, as they tend to stay quite clean between baths. When they do need a wash, use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo to avoid drying out their skin and coat.
Other grooming needs include:
- Weekly ear cleaning to prevent infections
- Daily tooth brushing or providing dental chews
- Monthly nail trims to keep nails short
- Inspecting paws and skin regularly for injuries or parasites
Training and Socialization
As intelligent, powerful dogs with guarding instincts, Hovawarts require committed training and socialization from an early age. Enrolling in a positive reinforcement-based puppy class is an excellent way to start socializing them to different people, animals, sights, and sounds.
"Hovawarts can have a stubborn streak, so patient, consistent training with lots of rewards is key," advises professional dog trainer Mike Simmons. "They respond best to upbeat methods that challenge their minds and strengthen their bond with you."
Ongoing training in obedience, manners, and impulse control is a must to ensure a well-behaved Hovawart. Participating in dog sports or work provides an excellent outlet for their mental and physical energy.
"Hovawarts thrive when they have a job to do," says Simmons. "Whether it‘s learning agility, practicing nose work, or training in protection sports, keeping their minds engaged is key to a content Hovawart."
Ideal Home Environment
The ideal home for a Hovawart is one with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run and play. They are best suited to houses rather than apartments, as they need space to move and freedom to patrol their territory.
Hovawarts crave companionship and belonging with their families. While they can be left alone for reasonable periods, they will not thrive if isolated from their people for long hours each day. Having another canine companion can help alleviate loneliness.
With their watchful, protective nature, Hovawarts may not be the best fit for very busy households with lots of visitors coming and going. They need a stable environment and ample socialization to feel secure in their role as guardians.
As a large, powerful breed, Hovawarts can accidentally knock over small children or frail adults. Homes with older, sensible children tend to be the best match. That said, Hovawarts are renowned for their gentle, patient way with kids in their family.
"My Hovawart is the ultimate nanny dog with my boys," says owner Julia Müller. "He follows them from room to room, sleeps by their beds, and tolerates all their roughhousing. I‘ve never seen a more devoted protector."
Hovawart Health and Lifespan
Hovawarts are generally a hardy, long-lived breed with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. Like all breeds, they are prone to certain hereditary health issues, though responsible breeders screen for these conditions to minimize their occurrence.
Some health concerns seen in Hovawarts include:
- Hip dysplasia: Abnormal development of hip joint, causing pain and lameness. Reported in 7% of Hovawarts screened.
- Elbow dysplasia: Malformation of elbow joint, leading to arthritis. Affects an estimated 4% of the breed.
- Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland, causing weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Seen in 2-3% of Hovawarts.
- Eye disorders: Including entropion (inward rolling of eyelid), ectropion (outward drooping of eyelid), and distichiasis (abnormal eyelash growth). Affect a small percentage of breed.
- Certain cancers: Including lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. Underlying cause not yet known.
To protect Hovawart health, experts recommend the following:
- Choose a puppy from health-screened parents with certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP for hips and elbows.
- Feed a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for large breeds, with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels for proper bone development.
- Keep Hovawarts lean and fit with ample exercise and avoid overfeeding, as excess weight strains joints and organs.
- Provide ramps or steps to avoid jumping stress on still-developing joints in Hovawart puppies and adolescents.
- Schedule yearly or twice-yearly veterinary check-ups with blood work and screenings to catch any developing issues early.
- Brush teeth daily, keep ears clean and dry, and check skin and coat regularly for lumps, bumps, or parasites.
- Consider health insurance or setting aside a savings fund for unexpected veterinary expenses.
"With attentive care, screening, and a bit of luck, Hovawarts can enjoy a long, healthy life free of major issues," says veterinarian Dr. Rudolf Neumann. "The oldest Hovawart I treated lived to be 17, still hiking mountains with his devoted owner."
Is a Hovawart Right For You?
As magnificent and tempting as the Hovawart may be, this breed is not the right fit for every owner or lifestyle. If you‘re considering bringing a Hovawart into your life, carefully weigh the following factors:
You may be a great match for a Hovawart if:
- You are a confident, experienced dog handler willing to commit significant time and effort to training, socializing, and exercising a large, intelligent working breed.
- You are seeking a devoted family protector and watchful guardian for your home.
- You live an active lifestyle and want an athletic, trainable dog to join you in outdoor adventures and dog sports.
- You have a securely fenced yard and a household where someone is home for most of the day to keep your Hovawart company.
- You appreciate an aloof, self-assured dog with strong work drive and an independent mind of their own.
A Hovawart may not be the best choice if:
- You are a first-time or timid dog owner easily overwhelmed by a strong-willed, powerful breed.
- You live in a small space like an apartment without easy access to outdoor exercise areas.
- Your household is very busy with visitors frequently coming and going.
- You work long hours away from home and can‘t commit to spending several hours per day training and exercising your dog.
- You prefer a mellow, couch potato dog content with just a walk around the block.
- You want a demonstrative dog who greets everyone with happy face licks and enthusiasm.
"Living with a Hovawart is immensely rewarding, but it‘s also a serious responsibility," says breeder Annette Fischer. "These noble guardians will give you their unwavering loyalty and protection, but they count on you to give them the structure, guidance, and mental stimulation they need to thrive."
With their strong work ethic, keen intelligence, and steadfast character, Hovawarts are truly special dogs requiring commitment and understanding from their owners. But for those prepared to meet their needs, the payoff is immense: a once-in-a-lifetime bond with an exceptional canine companion.
"My Hovawart is more than a pet; he‘s my partner and soulmate," muses long-time owner Markus Schneider. "He‘s challenged me to become a better trainer and a better person. I can‘t imagine my life without his quiet wisdom and faithful presence by my side."
If you are considering making a Hovawart part of your family, be sure to do thorough research and connect with knowledgeable breed advocates to determine if you are up for the challenge—and the adventure—of sharing your life with one of these remarkable dogs.
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