Hovawart Breed Guide

Nov 28, 2024

Meet the Hovawart, a noble guardian with a name that literally translates to “estate guard” in German. These majestic dogs are loyal, intelligent, and have a natural instinct to protect their families. With their strong build, elegant long coat, and a personality that’s equal parts affectionate and independent, the Hovawart is a versatile breed that’s as much a family companion as they are a working dog.

If you’re after a dog that’s loyal to a fault, excellent with children, and has a bit of that heroic watchdog vibe, the Hovawart is ready to step in and be your family’s dedicated protector (while also looking fabulous doing it).

THE BASICS:

Category: Working
Size: Large (25-40 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day (preferably with something to guard or a game of fetch)
Grooming: Moderate
Coat: Long and dense, often seen in black, blonde, or black and gold
Shedding: Moderate (they’ll leave you a little fluff to remember them by)
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye issues
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Home Needs: A large home with a secure garden for those protective instincts
Sociability: Extremely loyal to family, aloof with strangers, but great with children and other pets

HISTORY: A HISTORIC GUARDIAN

The Hovawart has been around for centuries, originally bred in Germany as a guard dog for farms, estates, and livestock. Their role was to protect property and people from intruders—whether human or animal—and they excelled at it thanks to their keen instincts, courage, and strength.

In fact, the breed was so highly regarded in medieval times that the German legal code of the period offered compensation to Hovawart owners if their dog was injured while defending its family or property! Though their numbers dwindled over time, breed enthusiasts worked hard to revive the Hovawart in the 20th century by crossbreeding them with other working dogs, including the German Shepherd.

Today, while they’re no longer defending medieval castles, they’ve found their place in homes as loving family pets and reliable guardians.

HOVAWART PERSONALITY: LOYAL, BRAVE, AND READY TO PROTECT

Often misunderstood as stubborn, these pooches are proudly independent due to their working roots. The Hovawart is, above all else, devoted to their family. They form incredibly strong bonds with their humans and have a natural instinct to protect their home and loved ones. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but it also means they’re incredibly affectionate and gentle with their family, especially children. If you’re looking for a dog who’s loyal and always looking out for you, the Hovawart has you covered.

While they’re very protective, they’re not overly aggressive. The Hovawart is known for being calm and confident in the face of threats, rather than reactive or anxious. They’ll assess a situation carefully before acting—no need for unnecessary barking, just a keen eye and protective instincts.

With strangers, Hovawarts tend to be aloof. They’re not the type to wag their tail at every passer-by, but once they decide someone is trustworthy, they can be very friendly. Proper socialisation from an early age is key to ensuring they’re well-mannered and adaptable in various situations.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A HOVAWART NEED?

The Hovawart might be a working dog, but that doesn’t mean they’re all business all the time—they love to play, too! They need around 1-2 hours of exercise each day to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Long walks, hikes, or even a game of fetch in the garden will keep them happy and healthy. Because they’re naturally intelligent, they’ll also benefit from activities that challenge their brain, like obedience training, agility, or even search and rescue games.

These dogs were bred to have endurance, so they’re perfect for active families who love outdoor adventures. Just make sure you’ve got a secure garden—if they’re on guard duty, they’ll patrol the perimeter and keep an eye on things!

To support their active lifestyle, feeding them Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food will ensure they get all the protein and nutrients they need to stay strong and energised.

HOW TO GROOM A HOVAWART?

Despite their long, dense double coat, the Hovawart is surprisingly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. A good brush a couple of times a week will keep their fur free of tangles and looking shiny, especially around the feathered areas on their legs, chest, and tail.

During shedding season (spring and autumn), you’ll want to brush them a bit more frequently to manage the extra floof, but outside of that, their coat doesn’t require too much attention.

Like all dogs, their ears should be checked regularly for dirt and debris, especially since they love outdoor activities. Regular dental care is also important, and Scrumbles Gnashers are ideal for keeping their teeth clean and their breath fresh.

HEALTH: STRONG BUT KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR HIPS

The Hovawart is generally a robust breed, but like many larger dogs, they’re prone to certain health issues, particularly hip dysplasia. Hovawart clubs around the world have strict breeding conditions in place to manage hip dysplasia through mandatory health testing. Keeping them at a healthy weight and ensuring they don’t over-exercise when they’re young can help minimise the risk of joint problems later in life. Regular vet check-ups and careful breeding practices are also key.

Hypothyroidism and eye conditions can also affect the breed, so monitoring their health and getting regular check-ups is important. With proper care, Hovawarts can live long, happy lives, often reaching 12 to 14 years of age.

Feeding them a balanced diet, like Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food, is a great way to support their joint health, coat condition, and overall well-being.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE HOVAWART

Ancient Defenders: The Hovawart’s guarding skills were so valued in medieval Germany that their owners were legally compensated if the dog was injured while protecting property.
Three Flavours: Hovawarts come in three distinct colours—black, blonde, or black and gold. Each one is as stunning as the next, but the black and gold variety often gets compared to the look of a larger, fluffier German Shepherd.
Born Leader: Don’t be surprised if your Hovawart tries to organise the household—they’ve got a natural instinct for leadership and love to take charge of their surroundings.

LIVING WITH A HOVAWART: THE ULTIMATE LOYAL COMPANION

Living with a Hovawart is like having your own personal bodyguard, who’s not only ready to protect but also loves a good game of fetch. They’re affectionate, intelligent, and loyal to the bone, making them fantastic companions for families, especially those with children. While they’ve got a bit of an independent streak, they’re deeply attached to their families and will always be watching over you.

Because of their protective nature, Hovawarts need an experienced owner who can provide them with consistent training and mental stimulation. Early socialisation is essential to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults who can tell the difference between a friend and a foe.

For rewarding their excellent behaviour, Scrumbles Training Treats are the perfect way to keep them motivated and happy.

IS THE HOVAWART THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a large, loyal, and protective dog who’s fantastic with kids and can also handle a bit of independence, the Hovawart could be your ideal match. They’re best suited to homes with plenty of space, a secure garden, and an active family who can meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs.

With the right care, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Hovawart will be a healthy, happy, and devoted companion for many years to come.

RECOMMENDED SCRUMBLES PRODUCTS FOR THE HOVAWART

Scrumbles Chicken Wet Dog Food: Packed with high-quality protein to support their strong, active lifestyle.
Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food: Rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support their joints, skin, and coat health.
Scrumbles Duck Wet Dog Food: A delicious and nutritious option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Scrumbles Training Treats: Ideal for rewarding good behaviour and keeping them motivated during training sessions.
Scrumbles Gnashers: Great for maintaining dental health and keeping their teeth clean and breath fresh.