HovawartCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Hovawart is a very old German working breed. The name comes from Middle High German: “Hova” (yard, farm, estate) and “wart” (guardian).

From 1922 the breed was rebuilt from dogs of the same type still found on farms, crossed with German Shepherds, Newfoundlands and Leonbergers, among others. It was recognised as a breed in 1937 and as a working dog in 1964. Through careful selection, started in the 1960s, hip dysplasia has been almost eliminated.

How the breed developed

• Middle Ages – The dogs guard German yards and farms.
• 1922 – The rebuilding of the breed from farm dogs begins.
• 1937 – The breed is recognised in Germany.
• 21 November 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1964 – It is recognised as a working dog.
• 21 March 2025 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a powerful, medium to large, long-coated working dog, slightly longer than it is tall. Males and females differ clearly, especially in the shape of the head and body.

General appearance

Wikipedia says the oval eyes are brown and the triangular ears hang down. The tail reaches the hock, but not the ground. The coat is feathered on the front of the neck, under the body, on the back of the legs and under the tail.

The Hovawart comes in three colours: black and gold (the most common, according to Wikipedia), black and blond. Large white patches, brown or blue are not accepted.

The standard describes it as a versatile working dog with a good, well-balanced nature, a protective instinct, self-confidence and resilience under stress, a medium temperament and a very good nose. Its devotion to its family makes it an excellent companion.

The AKC says the guarding instinct is best managed through socialisation and exposure to different situations. Without guidance, the Hovawart makes its own decisions, which may not be the ones you want. It is intelligent, but also stubborn.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it thoroughly. The AKC says this is how the guarding instinct is managed.
• Give it a job. Otherwise it will invent one for itself.
• Be consistent. It can be stubborn.
• Try dog sports. It is good at tracking, rescue and obedience.

The AKC says it needs at least a one-hour walk every day, plus 3–4 short outings. A large, fenced garden is preferable, but hikes and dog parks can make up for it.

Tips for a balanced life

• A large, fenced garden is ideal.
• It suits an active family.
• It copes well with cold.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, as it has little undercoat, it does not need much grooming. Outside the moulting season, an occasional brush and the odd bath are enough. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says Hovawarts are very healthy and long-lived. There are no known diseases specific to the breed, and the rate of hip dysplasia is under 5%, very low for a large breed. Still, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check the ears and teeth weekly.
• Brush it more often during the moulting season.

A large, active dog needs good-quality large-breed food, suited to each stage of life.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “Guardian of the yard”. That is how its name translates from Middle High German.
• No dysplasia. Careful selection has made hip dysplasia very rare.
• Three colours. Black and gold, solid black, and blond.
• It barks little. The AKC gives it the lowest score for barking.
• A rescue dog. It is also used for search and rescue and tracking.

What does “Hovawart” mean?

It means “guardian of the yard”, from Middle High German.

How big does it get?

Males measure 63–70 cm and females 58–65 cm at the withers.

Is it a good guard dog?

Yes, it has a protective instinct, but it must be well socialised.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–14 years.