In this sense, if you are one of those who like to go out for long walks, run or cycle through quiet areas, the Hovawart will have a great time with you; yes, yes, also cycling. Keep reading to read more of this beautiful breed.
Origin and history of the Hovawart
The Hovawart is a dog originally from Germany which, before the World Wars, was highly regarded, so much so that in the Der Schabenspiegel (1275), which is a compilation of civil laws written by a Franciscan monk and used in medieval times in southern Germany , it was contemplated that Anyone who attempted to take the life of this animal would be fined. to pay a very high amount.
At the end of the wars, it is a race that was about to disappear, but fortunately by then there were still people who adored it, such as Otto Schram, together with breeders and cynologists such as Kurt F. König, who worked with rural lines from the Harz Mountains and the Black Forest to rescue the type. Starting from farm dogs with a strong guarding instinct and, through selective breeding and occasional crosses with robust breeds (such as the German Shepherd, Newfoundland or Leonberger, among others), the functional and character characteristics that define the modern Hovawart were reestablished.
The name of the breed itself has medieval roots: it comes from terms such as "Hovewart»Or«Hofwart», which in Old German refers to farm guard dogThat spirit of protecting home and family is still very present today.
Physical characteristics
The Hovawart is a large size dog, with a maximum weight of 35-40 kg for males and 30-35 kg for females. It has a robust body, slightly longer than it is tall, designed to easily withstand the long walks this animal can take. The head is wide and well proportioned, with a marked stop and a powerful nose; the ears, set high, are triangular and drooping; the eyes, oval and coloured brown, show an attentive and friendly expression.
As for size, the Males usually measure 63-70 cm to the cross and the females 58-65 cm. Its legs are wide and strong, its back firm and its the tail is long, well-populated, carried hanging down when at rest and taller when alert.
the fur is double, with a moderately long, somewhat wavy outer coat, with a weather-resistant texture, and a finer, insulating inner undercoat. Recognized colors are black, black with blond markings (black and tan) y blondThe hair is long and soft, with fringes at the tail and ends, and requires a regular maintenance to make it look clean and knot-free.
Their life expectancy, with good care and preventive check-ups, is usually around 10-14 years, with specimens reaching older ages in good condition.
Behavior
The Hovawart is, as we would say colloquially, a piece of bread. He is very sweet, calm and happyHe gets along well with children, with whom he will have a great time running or playing. In addition, he is very protective and an excellent guardian, although that does not mean that it should always be outside, but quite the opposite: if it does not live with humans, it can become a dog nervous and unsociable.
If we have to say something to watch out for, perhaps we would highlight that tends to form a special bond with a person, who will in turn be the one he will obey the most, but will be attentive and affectionate with all members of the family. He is a dog balanced and safe who tends to be wary of strangers at first without becoming unreasonably aggressive. With a early socialization and positive, grows into a confident and stable adult.
Another thing that will surely interest you, especially if you are one of those who goes to the beach and wants (and can) take your friend, is that the Hovawart loves waterIf you don't have a beach or pool nearby, you can buy a large dog pool and fill it with water. You'll see how much your dog will enjoy it! However, be extra careful near fast-flowing rivers or areas with currents. caution.
For his intelligence and desire to please, learns fast the good… and also what is not convenient. maturation may be somewhat slower than in other breeds, retaining youthful features until around two years of age. It is advisable to maintain clear routines, reinforce desirable behaviors and offer mental challenges frequent to avoid boredom and destructive behavior.
Hovawart care
The Hovawart is a pet that need to do a lot of exercise. Due to its size, it is not very advisable to have it in a flat, unless you take it for a walk or, better yet, run it at least 5 times a day, and you dedicate time to play with it. In urban homes it can adapt if your activity level is well covered and has mental enrichment on a daily basis.
If you don't have much time, you can take him for a run with the bike, putting on a harness and a long leash (2-3 m). Of course, you have to teach him from when he's a puppy, since once he grows up it will be a little more complicated. To ensure both his and your safety, it's advisable to put a leash on the bike. bar with shock absorber spring and always drive in safe areas. They also enjoy the canicross, jogging alongside you, and sports such as agility, obedience or rally-o.
Beyond physical exercise, his privileged sense of smell turns games into search and trace It is an ideal tool for calming, concentrating, and mentally tiring. It is advisable to combine short sessions of positive cooperative training with quality walks in natural environments, allowing sniffing and exploring.
But in addition to the walks, we also have to provide you with a very good quality diet, with a high content of animal protein (minimum 60%), which will help keep their coat and body strong and healthy. Puppies may require most frequent meals and controlled to grow without being overweight; adults generally benefit from two daily servings. Divide the food to reduce the risk of gastric torsion and avoid strenuous exercise just after eating.
And continuing to talk about hair, you have to get used to brushing from the first day you get home, as this will prevent tangles. For this purpose, it is advisable to use a double brush, or one called the FURminator that has stiff bristles and will not only keep your dog untangled, but also free of dead hair. In times of changes, increase the frequency of brushing to remove loose undercoat and facilitate skin ventilation.
As for cleanliness, a occasional bath With specific shampoo for dogs, spaced every few weeks and adapted to the level of activity and dirt, it keeps the coat clean without removing the natural oils of the skin. Check and clean ears y eyes with appropriate veterinary products, brush the teeth regularly and short Nails when necessary to prevent discomfort.
If we talk about veterinary expenses, it is important take him to get the mandatory vaccinations, the microchip and, in the event that you do not want to have it raised, neutered or sterilized Starting at 8 months for females and one year for males. Regular checkups help detect the disease early. joint problems, ocular or endocrine.
Hovawart Health
This is a dog that, if provided with the care mentioned above, will not have major health problems. However, as with other medium-large breeds, some specimens may present hip dysplasia o elbow, so it is recommended to acquire puppies with parents evaluated radiographically and certified. Maintain a adequate body weight and regular activity, without jumping or overexertion during growth, is key for their joints.
In the ocular section, it is advisable to periodically check for the possible appearance of Cataracts o progressive retinal atrophyThere is also a predisposition in some individuals to Hypothyroidism, detectable with analytics if you notice apathy, weight gain or skin changes.
As a deep-chested dog, he may suffer gastric torsion/dilatationTo reduce risks, divide your mealtimes, avoid drinking large amounts of water afterward, and avoid strenuous exercise afterward. Other less common problems that have been described in the breed include idiopathic epilepsy, certain coagulation disorders such as von Willebrand disease, cardiomyopathies and, with a lesser incidence, liver disorders such as portosystemic shunts.
Prevention involves a comprehensive health plan: vaccination and deworming up to date, annual veterinary check-ups, control of weight, balanced nutrition and an active life. If you practice dog sports, incorporate a heating pre and post cooling, and take breaks to avoid overloads.
Buying tips
Would you like it live together with one of these magnificent animals? If so, we'll give you a series of tips so you can bring home a healthy Hovawart:
Buy in hatchery
Fortunately, it is a breed with stable demand And it's relatively easy to find breeders. But of course, how can you know they're serious and aren't breeding dogs solely for the sake of money?
- When you visit it, you must find the facilities clean.
- Dogs They must be healthy and active and well socialized.
- The responsible must answer all questions that you have with transparency.
- You must be able to learn the history of the puppies' family and, above all, if they have or have had any illness. Request hip and elbow certificates, as well as eye exams and endocrine tests if necessary.
- The owner of the center must show concern for the fate of the puppies, which will not be less than two months old and will deliver wormed and with firsts Vaccines.
- When the appointed day comes, will deliver your new friend with all the documentation in order (passport and pedigree) and a sales contract.
Buy from a pet store
If you choose to buy it from a pet store, you should know that You will not know which parents it comes from nor will you have the pedigreeThe price is usually cheaper, but you will rarely be able to check health tests of the parents or know their early socialization. Consider this option with caution and always look for verifiable origins.
Buy from an individual
You may well have seen some Hovawarts sale ads, but you have to be very careful with online ads, Well, there are many (too many) that have been posted by people who want to scam those looking for a furry friend. So how do you identify the ones who are truly serious?
- The advertisement must be written in only one language. and coherently. Be wary of texts with strange translations.
- In the ad contact details must be visible of the person, at least the phone number and the province.
- You to be able to meet her to see the puppies And as a mother, make sure that they are well cared for and, therefore, that their health and socialization are good.
- This person will not give you the puppies with less than two months of age.
- They won't ask you for money up front without contract or guarantees.
Price
The price of the Hovawart will vary depending on where you buy it. For example, if it is from a farm, the price is around 800-1000 euros; however, if it is in a pet store or from a private individual, it can cost about 400-500 euros. In addition to the purchase price, take into account shipping costs eating, veterinarian, payments, accessories and training throughout their lives.
Hovawart Photos
To finish, we attach a gallery of images of this lovely dog:
The Hovawart combines customer, protective instinct and a work capacityBut above all, he's a close companion who needs daily involvement: quality physical exercise, mental stimulation, positive training, and preventative care. If you can provide all of this, his friendly nature and versatility will make him an exceptional friend for almost any outdoor activity or canine activity.