Hovawart

Recognized working dog with versatile usage. Kind and even disposition. Has protective instinct, self-confidence and ability to take stress; of medium temperament; combined with a very good nose. His balanced body proportions and special devotion to his family make him an outstanding companion, watch, guard, tracking and rescue-dog.

The Hovawart is a very old German working dog breed. The name?s origin stems from Middle High German (an old form of German); Hova = Hof (= yard, farm) and wart = Wächter (= watchman). Since 1922 the breeding of this breed, by using dogs similar in type still found on farms, has been restored. Apart from this, in the early years of breeding, crosses with German Shepherd Dogs, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers and other breeds were admitted. Due to the strict measurements taken in selecting the breeding stock, the original working type was attained again.

In the country of origin very great importance is attached to the health of the Hovawart. Especially the presence of hip dysplasia has been reduced to a small percentage by selecting, for decades, breeding stock free from dysplasia. It is to be expected that all other Hovawart breed clubs will aim for this exemplary goal

Recognized working dog with versatile usage. Kind and even disposition. Has protective instinct, self-confidence and ability to take stress; of medium temperament; combined with a very good nose. His balanced body proportions and special devotion to his family make him an outstanding companion, watch, guard, tracking and rescue-dog.

German Hovawart's are not recommended for city or apartment living. They do best in a rural setting with ample space to roam and run. They must have a job to do. The German Hovawart is ideal for escue, tracking, watchdogging, hiking, and backpacking.

Regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling is required for the German Hovawart. Bathing should be done when necessary. This breed is relatively healthy. However, there are low incidences of hip dysplasia and underactive thyroid.

It is a dog which is easily to train because it is intelligent and obedient. A well-balanced training, consistent, made with a gentle tone of voice, but firm will give very good results.

This fur of this dog doesn't require to much grooming. It must be brushed when is tangled still more often in the moulting period.

A very healthy breed, the Hovawart is not predisposed to any specific genetic diseases. While hip dysplasia is present in the breed, stringent breeding practices have kept this debilitating disease to a minimum. Lives about 11 to 12 years. Likes backpacki