Hovawart

Athletic, reserved, and ready to work, the Hovawart was originally bred to protect. They are scent dogs with deep chests, large heads, and drop ears. They are kind and confident dogs that enjoy having a job to do and have found formalized work as tracking dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs.

Hovawart Breed Overview

These protective dogs thrive while working and are loyal and devoted members of their families. The Hovawart is a German breed that dates all the way to the Middle Ages, where they were used as farm dogs, protecting livestock. (Hovawart means “yard watcher” in Middle High German.) The breed was nearly extinct in the 20th century but was restored by crossing the remaining Hovawarts with German Shepherds, Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, and other similar breeds. These dogs are still relatively rare in the United States.

Hovawart Facts

• These working dogs have found employment as search and rescue dogs, tracking dogs, and guard dogs.
• Hovawart means “yard watcher” in Middle High German.
• The origins of the breed could date back as far as the Middle Ages.
• They can be black and tan, black, or blonde, with or without gold markings.
• The breed was almost extinct in the early 20th century.
• They remain a relatively rare dog in the United States.

How to Care for Your Hovawart

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and living with the Hovawart dog breed. These dogs can weigh anywhere from 65 to 90 pounds.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Hovawart

The best dog food for a Hovawart is one that contains high-quality protein, moderate healthy fats, and balanced carbs. Look for food that fits their stage of life, such as puppy food or senior dog food. Because these are highly active dogs, more tailored options, like Purina Pro Plan Sport foods, are also good to consider.  

How Much to Feed a Hovawart

The Hovawart covers a wide weight range, from 65 to 90 pounds. Consult your vet or your dog’s food label to find out how much they should be eating per day, preferably spread out over two scheduled feeds. Larger breeds with deep chests, such as Hovawarts, can be prone to bloat, so scheduled feeds with appropriate calories are important. To get the most accurate food amount for your dog based on weight, age, activity level, and more factors, try the Purina Feeding Calculator.

Treats & Supplements

Healthy, low-calorie, high-protein treats can be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement training. Treats should not account for more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Your vet may or may not recommend supplements, such as glucosamine for joint health, omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory benefits, or probiotics for gut health. Discuss all supplements with your vet before using them.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Part of being a responsible pet parent is setting up routine care, such as vet checkups. At these appointments, your Hovawart’s doctor can discuss things like vaccine schedules, spaying or neutering your dog, parasite prevention, dental hygiene, and more. Hovawarts are generally healthy dogs, but they might be prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and bloat – all issues you can discuss with your vet.

Hovawart Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Hovawarts were originally bred to protect farmland. They have high mental and physical stimulation needs and will enjoy a mix of mental challenges and exercise. You can take your Hovawart for long walks, free runs, hikes, and swims, and you can try things like scent work, agility courses, and guard training with them. They will always be looking for a job to do and will thrive when given the opportunity. A bored dog can be a destructive one, so keep your dog’s mind and body engaged to limit unwanted behaviors.

Understanding Your Hovawart’s Behavior

These dogs are loyal, loving, and always on the lookout. Because of their breeding, Hovawarts can be independent thinkers, which requires patience and consistency when training. Use positive reinforcement methods over harsh ones. Additionally, they do have a prey drive, which might see them chasing smaller animals. Give them an outlet to satisfy this instinct, such as games of fetch or tracking work.

What to Expect as Your Hovawart Ages

Healthy Hovawarts that are well cared for can live to be 10 to 14 years old. Talk with your vet about when to switch them to a senior dog food. These often have formulas with ingredients to help them retain mental clarity and give them the appropriate calories they need. Your vet can look for signs of aging, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, at your regular checkups.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

This dog’s long, dense, and slightly wavy coat needs regular brushing, especially during high-shedding seasons. Brush to remove loose and/or dead hairs and keep their coats shiny and healthy. Bathe them only when dirty to preserve their natural coat oils.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Establish a good grooming routine with your dog that includes ear, paw, nail, and teeth care. Check their ears for water, cuts, scrapes, and signs of infection, such as head shaking and redness. You can clean them with vet-approved wipes. Paw pads can be checked routinely, and nails need trimming to prevent splitting and cracking. Include dental hygiene in your grooming; tooth decay can diminish a dog’s lifespan.

Anal Gland Care

Most large dog breeds, like Hovawarts, can express their anal glands naturally. However, if your dog is scooting, excessively licking, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or having trouble going to the bathroom, they might have a blockage or an abscess. If you think this is the case, call your veterinarian.

Living With a Hovawart

Living Space

Given how large these dogs are, a rural or suburban area with plenty of access to a fenced-in, dedicated space is best for them. Their coats can bring in water and mud, so a grooming station, including a warm place to dry, is a good idea. Experienced owners are the best match for Hovawarts, especially those who can devote time and attention to their exercise and enrichment needs.

Socialization

Because they were bred to protect, Hovawarts can be stubborn or independent thinkers. Early and frequent socialization can help acclimate them to unfamiliar people and places and build up confidence. They have instincts to bark and guard, though, so reducing their exposure to windows where passersby might go can help with their reactivity. They enjoy family life, but their size might make them a better fit for families with older children or no children.

Climate Considerations

These dogs were bred to withstand harsh conditions and have a double coat to protect them. However, no dog should be left outside in extreme weather for long periods. In warmer temperatures, exercise them during the coolest parts of the day and provide plenty of shade and water.

Potential Challenges

Hovawarts are loving and devoted family dogs that love having a job to do. So long as owners can give them enough mental and physical stimulation, they will be well behaved. Socialization is crucial for this naturally suspicious breed that might bark at strangers. They also have an instinct to chase; satisfy this with scent work, games of fetch, or training. Involve them in family activities, especially anything outdoorsy, and they will be happy as can be.

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