Is a Hovawart a Family Dog?

The Hovawart is a vigilant and loyal companion. In the right hands and with good training it also fits well into a family one. But he is not a couch potato. Rather, he is looking for the athletic four-legged friends an active family, who Excursions through forest and nature do with him.

How dangerous is a Hovawart?

Due to its high vigilance, the Hovawart can give quite a fright to many a mailman. However, it is actually quite gentle. never "dangerous" or "aggressive". Its bred character traits aspects such as attention and loyalty towards his family must be consciously acknowledged and nurtured. know how to steer in the right direction through education and exhaustion.

Hunderasse Hovawart - ein wachsamer Naturbursche

Q: Is a Hovawart suitable for beginners?

Due to its confident nature, the Hovawart also requires confident owners*. He is clever and immediately sees through whether someone is just pretending or really knows about dog training. For this reason, the dog breed more suitable for experienced owners.

The Hovawart - a vigilant country fellow

Hovawart means "dogs that watch over home and yard" and was once a collective term for all farm and yard dogs. Today, the Hovawart is a strong, active breed with long, thick fur, which certainly also carries the potential of a family dog within it.

Dog breed Hovawart in portrait

Origin: Germany

Size: 58-70 cm

Weight: 25-40 kg

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Character: vigilant, willing to work, loyal, self-confident

Character and nature

As befits a true farm dog, the Hovawart is a robust four-legged friend that is not easily rattled. Its self-confident and vigilant nature is in the genes of the →large breed and can instill respect in many a postman.

However, the "Hovi" makes up for this with its fluffy fur and sweet floppy ears. Sometimes it is even referred to as an oversized Golden Retriever. And it certainly has its golden sides: Towards its people, the four-legged friend is open and friendly. It wants to belong, to be cuddled and loved. It is also a loyal companion for children, which is why it is often kept as a →family dog.

As the "guardian of the yard," the Hovawart enjoys having a task and prefers to do it outdoors. It is a true country fellow - rain or snow does not bother this four-legged friend. When the next adventure calls, the "Hovi" is ready.

Hovawart rennt durch Slalom beim Agility

Training and keeping

Due to the little guardian in the Hovawart and its self-confident nature, the breed requires equally self-confident owners. The clever four-legged friend immediately sees through whether someone is just pretending to know what they're doing. With improper handling, the animal's vigilance can go astray. A →proper upbringing from puppyhood is essential here.

However, those who are knowledgeable about its temperament and character will find in this breed a loyal and faithful friend. When properly exercised, it is a loving, cuddly companion that can also fit well into a family. A house with a garden is definitely a must for the nature-loving "Hovi."

The Hovawart wants to work. And it wants to do so satisfactorily and together with its owners. For this reason, an active hobby like agility, canicross, or mantrailing is excellent for the active four-legged friend. You can find the right snacks for training with us:

Gesund snacken war nie so lecker!

Frequently asked questions about the Hovawart

You can see: The Hovawart has many facets. With it, much depends on the upbringing and the right environment. Are you still unsure whether a Hovawart is right for you? We answer more important questions about the breed for you:

Undine Tackmann

Dog Breed Hovawart - Care, Training & Co.