Hovawart

Hovawart

The Hovawart is a spirited and intelligent working dog and is suitable both as a guard dog and as a family dog. With strong and confident leadership, the animal develops into a loyal being and can fit in well with the "family pack".

Content: Hovawart

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Hovawart - Profile

  • Character: Confident, resilient, loyal, active
  • Size: Large
  • Height: 58-70cm
  • Weight: 30-40 kg
  • Life expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Coat type: Medium-length coat, wavy, little undercoat
  • Color: Black-Brands, Black, Blonde
  • Special features: Stubborn
  • FCI Group: Pinschers and Schnauzers – Molossoids – Swiss Cattle Dogs

Hovawart - Special characteristics

The Hovawart is a large, very versatile dog with a lot of strength and temperament. The slightly elongated body is covered with medium-length and slightly wavy hair. The coloring is limited to black with blond markings, black and blond. For its size of up to 70 cm, the Hovawart is a relatively light dog at around 40 kg.

The dog has a variety of characteristics and can be used as a working, guard and protection dog. A real all-rounder. Because of its remarkable nose, the Hovi is often used as a rescue and tracking dog. Its affectionate and sensitive nature makes the Hovawart an interesting family dog.

For an active dog, you should definitely have a large property with a garden that the dog can guard. In addition to its high need for free running, the dog should get the exercise it needs on daily walks.

The dog absolutely needs strict training from an owner with a lot of dog sense and a natural authority. The dog respects people because of their charisma, not because of a supposedly strong demeanor. The respect of this dog must be earned. Therefore, the Hovawart is not suitable for people who have little or no experience with training dogs. If possible, you should attend a dog school to socialize the Hovawart from an early age and get him used to dealing with other dogs.

Hovawart - What should be considered regarding nutrition?

A diet with a high meat content of around 70% is best for the Hovawart. A large amount of fruit and vegetables should also be fed. The grain content should not exceed 10 percent. Hovis can be fed with both wet and dry food. Biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) is also suitable for feeding large dogs, provided the quality of the raw food is high enough. A balanced diet that is based on the dog's age, weight and activity level is important. In any case, excess weight should be avoided in order to prevent health problems. If there are signs of deficiency, you should always consult a veterinarian and discuss the dog's diet with them.

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Hovawart - Health and Care

The Hovawart is one of the easier dogs to care for because of its thin undercoat. Its coat does not tend to mat and does not shed unusually much. It is best to brush the Hovawart thoroughly twice a week. This also strengthens the bond with the animal. Get your dog used to staying calm while you are brushing it when it is still a puppy. During the shedding period, the hair must be brushed daily.

A dog as active as the Hovawart should definitely be walked every day and needs an above-average amount of exercise. They also make good companions when jogging or cycling. With a good diet and enough exercise, the dogs are considered to be a very robust breed with few hereditary diseases. Occasionally there are diseases of the cartilage of the knee joint or hip dysplasia, although these are rare these days. Nevertheless, avoid regular climbing of stairs to protect the animal's physique.

Hovawart - The right accessories

The following basic equipment is the most important for keeping a Hovawart: water and food bowls, a dog basket, leash , harness or collar and a first aid kit for dogs. In addition, you need a good brush, which is best made of natural bristles.

Of course, you can also bring your dog toys to keep him busy in the garden. Chewing items are also good for dental care. When choosing treats, make sure they are of high quality.

Hovawart - Origin & History

The Hovawart is a very old dog that is said to have been popular with the Germanic tribes. "Hova" means farm, "wart" means guard. The farm guards were mentioned as early as the Middle Ages. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the breed of today's Hovawart was specified. Today's breeding lines go back to father Bertram and son Kurt Friedrich König, who made the first attempts to breed the breed in 1922. To do this, they crossed German shepherd dogs with dogs such as the Newfoundland, Leonberger and Kuvasz. The resulting guard dogs were characterized by their protective instinct, intelligence and independence. In 1937, the dog breed was officially recognized as the Hovawart. Like many dog ​​breeds, the dogs almost died out during the world wars. After "zero hour", the breeding of house and farm dogs was resumed by the "Breed Association for Hovawart Dogs eV" and a corresponding breeding standard was developed. When breeding these popular dogs, the breeding goal of family and companion dogs is increasingly coming to the fore.

Conclusion

The Hovawart is a versatile and intelligent working dog that excels both as a guard dog and as a family dog. With its robust health, loyalty and willingness to work, it is a real all-rounder. Training it requires experience and natural authority. A large property and plenty of exercise are ideal to meet its needs. The medium-length, easy-care coat must be brushed regularly. The Hovawart requires a diet rich in meat and low in grain. Overall, it is an excellent companion for active and experienced dog lovers who are prepared to invest time and commitment in training and caring for it.

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