Hovawart Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Hovawart is a large, powerful German farm guardian with a long, wavy coat in blond, black or black and gold. Its name means "farm guard", and it is known for a loyal, watchful and fairly calm nature.

Origins and appearance

The breed is described in medieval texts as a guardian of castles and farms, and it was revived in the twentieth century by German breeders who used several types of farm dogs. Hovawarts are large and sturdy, with a broad head, drop ears, a long, slightly wavy coat and a bushy tail.

Temperament

They are loyal, watchful and confident. They bond closely with family and are protective. They are reserved with strangers and may be dominant with other dogs. They are intelligent and mature slowly. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need an hour or so of daily exercise, with walks, hiking and play. They enjoy tracking and obedience. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive, consistent methods, early socialization and calm leadership. Avoid harsh corrections. Teach a reliable recall and polite greetings. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The long coat needs brushing several times a week, with seasonal shedding. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Cancer. See signs of cancer in dogs
• Eye conditions, with exams

Living with a Hovawart

They suit experienced owners with space and time for training and socialization. They do best in calm, consistent households. They are poorly suited to first-time owners or long hours alone.

A typical day

A Hovawart wants a morning walk, training, a long rest, family time and an evening outing. Many are calm and watchful indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are large and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training early. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a large dog, grooming tools, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well but overheat in hot weather. Provide shade and water. They travel well with a sturdy crate.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include skipping socialization, neglecting the coat, underexercising and leaving the dog alone.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, elbow and thyroid testing and the parents' temperaments. Meet the parents and see how they live.

A guardian with a history

Hovawarts are named in medieval German law texts, which suggests farm guard dogs of this kind were valued for centuries. Modern breeders revived the type in the twentieth century, selecting for a stable, trainable guardian.

Slow maturity

Many Hovawarts take two to three years to mature mentally. Expect adolescent testing and keep training consistent. Early, gentle socialization helps the dog grow into a calm, discerning adult.

Daily care checklist

• A walk and a training session.
• Brushing, more in shedding seasons.
• Calm socialization practice.
• Ear checks and nail trims.
• Company and a comfortable bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Hovawart suits experienced owners who want a loyal, watchful guardian and will train and socialize. It may not suit first-time owners. For a related guardian breed, see the Rottweiler.

The takeaway

Hovawarts are loyal, watchful and slow to mature, and they need training, socialization and experienced owners.