Hovawart

The Hovawart is a breed of dog originating in Germany, whose name means "farm guardian" in German. It is a versatile and reliable dog that has been used in a variety of tasks, from property protection to hunting and rescue.

General details

The Hovawart is a large dog breed that can weigh between 25 and 45 kg and reach a height of up to 70 cm in males and 65 cm in females. Its average life expectancy is 10-12 years. This breed belongs to group 2 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molosser and mountain dogs, and Swiss Cattle Dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Hovawart is an ancient dog breed originating in Germany dating back to the 13th century. The breed developed in the mountainous regions of Harz, Black Forest and Swabia, and was originally used as a guard dog to protect farms and houses from the threats of intruders and predators. In the Middle Ages, the Hovawart became the dog of choice for German nobles and royalty, and was used to protect castles and other properties. Throughout its history, the Hovawart has been valued for its intelligence, loyalty and ability to protect. It is a versatile working dog that can perform a wide variety of tasks, including herding, hunting, search and rescue, and police and customs work. Today, the breed is used as a working dog in many parts of Europe and is recognized as an excellent pet for families with children.

Breed characteristics

The Hovawart is a large and powerful dog with an imposing and elegant appearance. The head is proportional to the body and has a noble appearance with an intelligent and friendly expression in the dark brown eyes. His ears are triangular, medium sized and drooping. Its tail is long and straight, hanging down when relaxed. Its coat is dense and glossy, with a soft, silky texture. The coat color can range from black, blond to reddish brown, and may have white markings on the chest and toes. In addition to their stunning appearance, the Hovawart is also known for their protective, loyal and obedient personality. They are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly, making them excellent companions for sporting and training activities. Although they are good watchdogs and can be reserved with strangers, they are also gentle and affectionate with their family and close friends.

Common health problems

Some of the diseases that can affect this breed are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, von Willebrand's disease, epilepsy, eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, among others.