Friendly and steady at home, self-confident and able to handle pressure, with a natural wish to protect its family and property. It is a versatile worker with a very good sense of smell and responds well to early socialisation and consistent training.315
how to spot oneHovawart coat and colours
long, slightly wavy coat
A strong, well-balanced dog with a long, dense coat that lies flat and may wave slightly, with light undercoat and feathering on the chest, belly, backs of the legs and tail.31
Comes inblack and gold (black and tan)blackblond34
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Hovawart. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 3 days
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksHovawart exercise needs
High: more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally with training or scent work such as tracking or mantrailing.41
who they like aroundHovawart with people and other pets
Very devoted to its household; its guarding instinct means it benefits from experienced handling and early, varied socialisation.1
the hands-on bitsHovawart grooming and care
Brush two to three times a week to keep the coat free of tangles.14
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Hovawart, and at what times?
Feed your Hovawart adult dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Hovawart eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Your Hovawart thrives on high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.7
How often should I bathe a Hovawart?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing your Hovawart every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.8
How often does a Hovawart need brushing?
Brush your Hovawart two to three times a week to keep their long coat tangle-free, as breed experts advise. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing, but more frequent brushing may be needed. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.14
How do I trim a Hovawart's nails, and how often?
Trim your Hovawart's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.8
How much exercise does a Hovawart need?
Your Hovawart needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including training or scent work like tracking. They are active and intelligent, so keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.41
How do I look after a Hovawart's teeth and ears?
Brush your Hovawart's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their ears weekly for moisture or debris. Their floppy ears need extra care to stay dry. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal.8
How long does a Hovawart live?
A Hovawart typically lives between 10 and 14 years. With proper care, they can enjoy a long, happy life by your side.14
Is a Hovawart good with children and other pets?
Hovawarts are friendly and steady at home, and with early socialisation they can be wonderful with children and other pets. Their protective nature means they need consistent training and supervision. They are devoted family dogs.315
Can a Hovawart be left alone?
Hovawarts are very devoted to their family, so being left alone for long periods may be challenging for them. It varies by individual dog; ask a good breeder or trainer for advice tailored to your Hovawart.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Hovawart costs
Running costs for a Hovawart, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Hovawart legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Hovawart in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The name comes from Middle High German for 'guardian of the yard' or farm.2
2
Medieval German law in the Sachsenspiegel set out compensation for anyone who stole or killed one of these farm dogs.1
3
It comes in only three colours: black and gold, black, and blond.3
4
Hovawarts do especially well in search and rescue and tracking work.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Hovawart is a German dog breed of medium-large size which originated as a guard dog, belonging to Group 2 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The breed name comes from the German words 'Hova' (an old word for 'farm') and 'wart' (meaning 'guardian'), reflecting its historical role as a farm and guard dog.9
I wake up as the sun peeks through the curtains, and I stretch my big body with a happy groan. Breakfast is a quick affair, then I'm ready for my morning patrol around the garden. I sniff every corner, making sure all is well. My human throws a ball, and I fetch it with enthusiasm, my tail wagging. Then we go for a long walk in the woods, where I follow a scent trail, my nose to the ground. I pause to listen, then trot back to my human's side. In the afternoon, I guard the house while they work, my eyes sharp. At dusk, we play a game of tug, and I settle at their feet, proud and content.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganHovawart history
Farm guardian dogs of this kind are recorded in Germany from the Middle Ages, but by the early 1900s they had nearly vanished. Zoologist Kurt Friedrich König gathered suitable farm dogs and crossed in other working breeds, and the first litter was registered in 1922. The breed survived a difficult wartime period and was accepted as a German working breed in 1964.324
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