Hovawart - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 58 - 70 cm (23 - 28 inches)

Weight: 25 - 41 kg (55 - 90 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Simple

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Hardy & obedient

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Not registered

Temperament:

The Hovawart is energetic, obedient, affectionate, loyal, playful, alert and loving. Hovawarts make good-natured and intelligent family pets. They get along well with children and household pets if they have been socialized with them from an early age. Hovawarts tend to be protective and are rather wary of strangers, but will quickly accept anyone once their owner indicates they are welcome. They can be dominant and for this reason they should have an experienced owner. Hovawarts are very trainable and learn quickly. They can be aggressive towards other dogs, but this can depend on their upbringing and socialization. Hovawarts often become attached to a particular family member and are calm when indoors but very active when outside.

Grooming:

Hovawarts don't need a great deal of grooming, despite their longish coats. Periodic brushing and combing is adequate to keep the coat tangle-free and remove the loose hairs. These dogs are average shedders.

Exercise:

This breed has average demand for exercise and usually adapt themselves to the family activities for a lot of their exercise needs. The Hovawart enjoys long walks, hikes and playing and they usually stay playful up until old age. They are not suitable for apartment living and should at least have a medium-sized backyard.

History:

The Hovawart evolved after German breeders attempted to re-create the ""Hofwarth"" an estate guard dog of the middle ages. The breeders selectively used farm dogs from the Black Forest and Hartz mountain region in Germany and possible incorporated the German Shepherd, Newfoundland and Hungarian Kuvasz into the mix. The Hovawart is a popular breed within Germany but very rare in the United States. These dogs were recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1937 and are ideal for tracking, guarding and avalanche rescue.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Strong, agile and similar to a Golden Retriever.

Color: Black/gold, blond or black.

Coat: Double-coat, long in appearance but the hair is short on the face and front legs. A small white marking on the chest and tail tip is accepted. The coat should not be trimmed, except for around the feet.

Tail: Long, bushy and carried high when active, loosely curled over the rump. The tail hangs straight down when at rest.

Ears: Set high, triangular and hanging. The ears can be covered in short or long hair.

Body: The body is well balance and slightly longer than tall. The topline is level from the withers to croup. The foreribs are reasonably flat and the loin is moderately deep.

Additional Comments:

* The Hovawart is brave, protective, alert and a very good watchdog. It will protect its family and property against intruders with great passion.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/hovawart/