The
Hovawart is a large, robust, but not heavy
dog, looking somewhat like a Golden Retriever. It
has a strong, deep-throated bark. The
pendant ears are fairly low-set and triangular.
There is feathering on the chest, legs,
undersides and tail. The body is slightly
longer than tall with a straight back
and gentle slopping croup. The well-feathered
tail is carried low and hangs past
the hocks. The head is powerful with a
rounded forehead. The muzzle is never
longer than the skull. The teeth should
meet in a scissors or level bite, (scissors
is preferred by breeders). The eyes are
dark. The single, dense, long-haired,
wavy coat lies flat. It comes in blonde,
black, or black & tan, with certain
markings specified in the standard. The
color of the eyes, nose, and nails are
harmonious with the coat.
Temperament
The
Hovawart is calm at home, but energetic
outdoors. Determined, obedient, and affectionate,
especially towards its master. Loyal to
the family but with the tendency to become
strictly devoted to one person in the
family. Excellent with children when they
are well-socialized with them from puppyhood.
Remaining playful and puppy-like in its
old age. Reserved with strangers but is
a pleasant family dog. Good natured, even-tempered
and demanding of itself. Brave, this dog
is protective, alert, and a good watchdog.
It will protect your property against
intruders with great passion. When its
handler indicates that visitors are welcome,
it will accept them immediately. Hovawart
have good scenting noses. Intelligent
and highly trainable, it learns quickly
what you expect of it. The best results
are achieved with extremely consistent,
loving and well-balanced training. Unneutered
males can be quite a challenge to handle.
This dominant breed needs a firm, experienced
master. May be aggressive with same sex
dogs but does well with non-canine pets
in the household if it is socialized with
them from puppyhood. Some strains are
prone to fear biting, and others may be
rather timid. Hovawarts are ideally suited
for tracking, avalanche rescue, watchdogging,
and defense situations.
This
is a very healthy breed. However
an
underactive thyroid is wide spread in
European lines. Hip dysplasia is
present in the breed; however, stringent
breeding practices have kept this debilitating
disease to a minimum.
Living
Conditions
Hovawarts
are not recommended for apartment life.
They are moderately active indoors and
will do best with at least an average-sized
yard. They prefer cool climates and can
sleep outdoors. It is an outstanding watchdog,
especially for stables, fields, and country
houses.
Exercise
The
Hovawart will adapt itself to the circumstances,
so long as they are taken on a daily walk,
jog or run. Regular long
walks and chances to run and play off
the lead will be greatly enjoyed and will
keep it healthy. They like to hike and
go backpacking. It has the ability to
run easily over difficult terrain. They
are highly devoted and have a strong sense
of territory and will not readily desert
your property.
Life
Expectancy
About
10-14 years.
Grooming
The
Hovawart's coat is easy to groom. An occasional
brushing and combing, taking extra care
in the places where tangles might form,
is all this breed needs. It is an average
shedder.
Origin
The
Hovawart is a classic example of the diligence
of German dog breeding 100 years ago.
In an attempt to re-create the great estate
guarding dog of the Middle Ages, a group
of dedicated breeders used selected farm
dogs acquired in the Black Forest and
Hartz mountain regions of Germany, and
perhaps the Hungarian Kuvasz, German Shepherd,
and Newfoundland, to produce this elegant
worker. The Hovawart is popular in Germany,
but virtually unknown in the USA. It is
a versatile, intelligent breed. Written
evidence of the existence of the "Hofewart,"
an estate guard dog, is first mentioned
in Eike von Repgow's Sachsenspiegel.
In the 1200's the breed became nearly
extinct and was reconstructed in the 1920's
by Kurt Konig. Konig's efforts were successful,
and the Hovawart was recognized by the
German Kennel Club in 1937. Records from
the 1400's illustrate and describe this
breed tracking robbers. The Hovawart is
a fine watchdog, excellent family companion,
and excels in schutzhund, search &
rescue and tracking. There are currently
only about 100 Hovawarts in the USA.
