A Hova-What?

Hovawart in the German language means “guardian of the home”. The Hovawart dog is quite similar in appearance and size to the Golden Retriever, however the Hovawart can also be black or black and gold in color. The similarity of the two breeds ends with the coat color, for the Hovawart, although not aggressive, is considered very definitely to be a guardian and protector and is often a one person dog, while the Golden Retriever is a gun dog and hunting companion and quite outgoing and friendly by nature.

As early as the 17th century there were paintings that depicted a similar breed, always this dog was shown in a household or farm setting as a watchdog. It is said that these dogs were closely attuned to living within the household or on the farm property and never strayed far from home. They had weatherproof coats and were “guardians” of the home by nature. The man responsible for researching this breed and trying to resurrect this dog was a man by the name of Kurt Konig. He introduced various “shepherding” bloodlines and the Leonberger into the local dogs which he found in the Odenwald region of Germany in an attempt to re-establish the breed. He bred his first litter in 1922 and by 1937 the breed was well established and was recognized as a separate German breed.

As was the case with many of the European breeds, the development of the dog suffered serious setbacks during World War II but directly after the war a Hovawart club was formed and now there are many fanciers. The breed was imported into England in 1980 and the first Hovawart Breed club was established in Great Britain in 1982. The Hovawart has not made strides in the American Kennel Club at this time.

The Hovawart has some health issues with hyperthyroidism and also with hip dysplasia. Both of these problems can be debilitating but are not life threatening and both are problems which can be corrected by careful breeding and genetic testing before breeding.

The Hovawart is an impressive and thoughtful dog, often a “one person dog” with outstanding qualities for it is easy to train, eager to please and yet with an aristocratic bearing and calm manner that demonstrates great intelligence. This is definitely a “thinking” dog. It is a breed that is noted for being protective and easily lives up to its name of “guardian of the home”, for it is considered an excellent watch dog with a deep bark. It is a breed that has slowly gained enthusiastic followers but will most likely never be considered an “all around” family dog for this is a dog that can be dominant and strong willed and needs early training. However it is a dog that strives to please and with a good trainer this breed makes a good search and rescue dog and can be outstanding in police work or as a watchdog.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs

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