Description: Hovawart
The Hovawart is a versatile and intelligent working dog that originated in Germany. Bred as a guard dog for farms and estates, the Hovawart’s name literally means 'guardian of the estate.' Hovawarts are medium-to-large in size and are known for their loyal and protective nature, making them excellent family companions as well as vigilant watchdogs. They are active and need regular physical and mental stimulation. With a flowing, medium-long coat that comes in several colors (black, blonde, or black and gold), Hovawarts are striking in appearance. While they are affectionate with their families, they can be reserved with strangers. This breed thrives on positive training and early socialization to bring out its best qualities. While not as widely known as some other breeds, the Hovawart is cherished by those who appreciate its balanced temperament, intelligence, and strong work ethic.
Hovawart ratings
Properties
The Hovawart is a versatile and ancient working dog breed that originated in Germany, renowned for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. This breed's name is derived from the German words 'Hof' (farm or yard) and 'Wächter' (watchman or guardian), highlighting its primary role as a reliable estate and livestock guardian. The Hovawart is a large, powerful, and robust breed, with males typically weighing between 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs) and females slightly lighter. Their well-balanced and athletic build allows them to excel in various activities, including search and rescue, tracking, obedience, and competitive dog sports.
One of the most distinctive features of the Hovawart is its luxurious, long, dense, and slightly wavy double coat, which is weather-resistant and helps protect the dog in outdoor environments. The breed comes in three recognized color varieties: black, black and gold, and blond. This coat requires regular grooming at least once or twice a week to prevent mats and tangles, especially behind the ears and on the legs.
Temperamentally, the Hovawart is known for its deep loyalty and protective nature towards its family. This breed forms strong bonds with its human companions and is typically reserved but friendly with strangers. Hovawarts have an innate guarding instinct without being unnecessarily aggressive, making them reliable watchdogs. However, early socialization and positive reinforcement training are essential to ensure they remain well-adjusted and confident in varied settings.
While they are highly intelligent and eager to please, Hovawarts are independent thinkers and require consistent, firm, yet gentle training. They thrive in environments where they have a job to do and benefit greatly from physical and mental stimulation. The breed does best with active families who can provide plenty of exercise, such as long walks, play sessions, and opportunities to participate in canine sports or work.
The Hovawart generally enjoys good health, with a lifespan of 10-14 years. However, as with many large breeds, owners should be aware of potential issues such as hip dysplasia. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings to reduce the risk of inherited diseases. Overall, the Hovawart is an affectionate, courageous, and versatile companion that excels in active, experienced households.
Appearance
The Hovawart is a powerful and imposing working breed with a well-balanced and robust structure. As a medium to large-sized dog, the Hovawart has a strong, rectangular frame that exudes both agility and endurance, traits for which this breed is well-regarded.
The head of the Hovawart is strong, with a broad and slightly rounded skull. The stop is well-defined but not abrupt, and the muzzle is straight and almost as long as the backskull, giving a noble and alert impression. The Hovawart's eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set well apart, with a lively and friendly expression. Eye color can range from dark to medium brown. The ears of this breed are triangular, set high and wide apart, falling close to the head, and ending in a slightly rounded tip. When the Hovawart is at attention, the ears may turn slightly forward.
The coat of the Hovawart is one of its most distinguishing features. It is long, slightly wavy, and dense, lying close to the body without forming separate patches of hair. There is a well-developed undercoat, offering good protection from harsh weather. The coat is especially longer on the chest, belly, rear of the forelegs, hind legs (where it forms 'trousers'), and under the tail. Three color variants are accepted: black and gold (the most well-known), solid black, and solid blond. The black and gold variety features clearly defined markings of golden tan on the muzzle, chest, legs, and vent area, while black is glossy and deep. Blond Hovawarts are a rich golden shade with variations in tone.
The body is slightly longer than tall, with a straight, strong back and a broad, deep chest that reaches at least to the elbows. The neck is moderately long and muscular with no dewlap. The tail is bushy, carried low or level in repose but may rise when the dog is alert or moving. Hovawarts have strong, straight legs with compact, well-arched toes, providing excellent support and agility. Males stand about 63-70 cm (25-27.5 in) at the withers and females 58-65 cm (22.8-25.6 in), with a sturdy, harmonious build that should never appear cumbersome or coarse. Overall, the Hovawart’s appearance reflects its history as a versatile farm and guardian dog: powerful yet elegant, with an imposing and noble presence.
History
The Hovawart is a German working dog breed with a lineage tracing back to the Middle Ages. The breed's name, "Hovawart," is derived from the German words for "hof" (farm or yard) and "wächter" (watchman or guardian), reflecting its historical role as a reliable estate guard dog. The earliest mentions of the Hovawart appear in medieval documents and castle records, where they were prized as protectors of homesteads and livestock. In literature and law texts of the 13th and 14th centuries, the Hovawart was often listed among the most valued and respected of estate dogs, known for their bravery and loyalty in defending their territory against theft and predation.
Unfortunately, as time passed and the popularity of other breeds—like the German Shepherd—rose, the Hovawart's numbers began to dwindle. By the early 20th century, the breed was nearing extinction. However, a revival effort began around 1915, led by a German zoologist and cynologist, Kurt Friedrich König. König, along with fellow enthusiasts, combed rural areas and farms in the Black Forest and Harz Mountains searching for dogs that retained the traditional traits and appearance of the old Hovawarts. These dogs were then selectively bred with other working breeds—such as the Newfoundland, Leonberger, and possibly some more ancient German breeds—to recreate and stabilize the breed type.
The Hovawart was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1937. During World War II, their robust health, intelligence, and courage led to the breed being extensively utilized by the German military for search and rescue, messenger duties, and police work. Unfortunately, the breed suffered heavy losses during the conflict, but after the war, dedicated breeders once again worked to restore their numbers.
Today, the Hovawart is regarded as an excellent family companion, protector, and versatile working dog, recognized internationally by major kennel clubs such as the FCI and the UK Kennel Club. Its centuries-old guarding instincts, intelligence, and devotion continue to define the breed. Hovawarts are still relatively rare outside of Germany but have slowly gained appreciation worldwide for their loyalty, temperament, and adaptability.