Hovawart
- SIZE: 7
- GROOMING:: 7
- EXERCISE NEEDS: 9
- GOOD WITH DOGS: 6
- WATCHDOG: 9
- BREED: Hovawart
- COLOR(S):Yellow, black, black and tan.
DESCRIPTION
The Hovawart is a large, robust, but not heavy dog, looking somewhat like a Golden Retriever. This breed makes a fine watchdog, it is an excellent family companion, and excels in search & rescue and tracking. It is determined, obedient, and affectionate especially towards its master. The Hovawart is versatile, intelligent, and highly trainable, it learns quickly. This breed is popular in Germany, but virtually unknown in the USA; there are currently only about 100 Hovawarts in the USA.
TEMPERAMENT
The Hovawart is loyal to the family but with the tendency to become strictly devoted to one person. It is excellent with children when it is well socialized with them at an early age. Remaining playful and puppy-like in its old age. It is good-natured, even-tempered and demanding of itself. It is reserved with strangers. It makes a good watchdog; it is brave, protective, and alert. It will protect your property against intruders with great passion. This breed needs an experienced master; you can reach the best results with extremely consistent, loving and well-balanced training. It may be aggressive with same sex dogs but does well with non-canine pets in the household if it is socialized with them from puppyhood. Some strains are prone to fear biting, and others may be rather timid. It is calm at home, but energetic outdoors. The Hovawart is ideally suited for tracking, avalanche rescue, watchdogging, and defense situations. It has the ability to run easily over difficult terrain. It likes to hike and go backpacking. This breed is highly devoted and has a strong sense of territory and will not readily desert your property.
GROOMING
Single, dense, long-haired, wavy coat lies flat. It is easy to groom. An occasional brushing and combing, taking extra care in the places where tangles might form, is all this breed needs. It is an average shedder.
HEALTH
The Hovawart breed requires regular brushing to prevent the coat from matting and tangles. Bathing should be done when necessary. The Hovawart is relatively healthy, although there are some instances of hip dysplasia and underactive thyroid.
EXERCISE
Hovawart\'s are not recommended for city or apartment dwelling. They do best in a rural setting with ample space to roam and run. They thrive on having a job to do and will become destructive if bored. The Hovawart is ideal for rescue, tracking, watchdogging, hiking, and backpacking.
TRAINING
Highly intelligent, the Hovawart excels in Schutzhund. Early obedience and socialization is recommended. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency.