The Hovawart, a great dog from the Black Forest

The Hovawart it is a dog that everything that is big is also affectionate. It is a stuffed animal that loves to hug and be hugged. But in addition to being an ideal companion and friend, it is also a guard and defense dog, qualities that make it a dog that needs a lot of exercise to be happy.

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 talk to us 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 Whoever attempts against 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 who managed to remove it from the list of endangered animals.

Physical characteristics

The Hovawart is a large-sized dog, with a maximum weight of 35-40kg for males, and 30-35kg for females. It has a robust body, designed to withstand the long walks that this animal can take without problems. The head is broad and rounded, with the ears in the shape of a triangle that hang down. Its legs are wide, strong, and the tail is long. The hair is long and smooth black, blonde or black with blonde spots (you can see one of each color in the image above).

His life expectancy is 20 years.

Behavior

The Hovawart is, as we would say colloquially, a piece of bread. It is very sweet, calm, cheerful. He gets along well with children, with whom he will have a great time running or playing. In addition, it 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 nervous and unsociable dog.

If we have to say something bad about him, perhaps we would highlight that has a tendency to become somewhat more attached to a person, which in turn will be the one he will obey the most, but you also have to know that he will be attentive and affectionate with all members of the family.

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 water. If you don't have a nearby beach or pool, you can buy a large dog pool and fill it with water. You will see what he enjoys! 😉

Hovawart care

The Hovawart is a pet that needs a lot of exercise. For its size, it is not very advisable to have it in a flat, unless he takes a walk or, better still, jogs at least 5 times a day, and takes time to play with him.

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 (2-3m). Of course, it must be taught since it is a puppy, since once it grows up it will be a little more complicated. To guarantee both his and your safety, it is advisable to put a bar with a shock absorbing spring on the bicycle.

But in addition to the walks, we also have to provide you with a very good quality diet, with a high content of protein of animal origin (minimum 60%), which will help keep your hair and your body strong and healthy.

And still talking about the hair, you have to get used to brushing from the first day you get home, as this will avoid tangles. For this, it is advisable to use a double brush, or one called FURminator that has stiff bristles and that will not only keep it detangled, but also free of dead hair.

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 from 8 months the females and the year of age the males.

Hovawart Health

It is a dog that, if the aforementioned care is provided, will not have any health problems. However, some specimens may have hip dysplasia or thyroid problems, But it is not usual.

Buying tips

Would you like to live with one of these magnificent animals? If so, we are going to give you a series of tips so that you can take home a healthy Hovawart:

Buy in hatchery

Fortunately, it is such a sought-after breed that it is fairly easy to find breeders. But of course, how do you know that they are really serious and do not breed dogs thinking only of money?

When you visit it, you must find the facilities clean.
Dogs they must be healthy and active.
The one in charge must answer all questions that you have.
You must be able know the history of the puppy family, and above all, if they have or have had any disease.
The owner of the center must be concerned about the fate of the puppies, which will not be less than two months old.
When the appointed day comes, will deliver your new friend with all the documentation in order (passport and pedigree).

Buy from a pet store

If you choose to buy it in a pet store, you should know that You will not know which parents it comes from nor will you have the pedigree. However, the price is cheaper as we will see below.

Buy from an individual

You may well have seen some Hovawarts sale ads, but You have to be very careful with online ads, as there are many (too many) that have been placed by people who want to scam to those looking for a furry friend. How then to identify those who are really serious?

The advertisement must be written in only one language. It may seem like a no-brainer, but many people have been misled into believing that this "rule" was being met. You should know that often these people write a text in their language, translate it with the help of an online translator, and copy and paste that text in the ad. Web translators have improved a lot, but they continue to make mistakes, so if you read a word that is not very coherent (or not at all), be suspicious.
In the ad contact information should be seen of the person, at least the phone number and the province.
You must to be able to meet her to see the puppies, and thus be able to make sure that they are well cared for and therefore, that their health is 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.

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; On the other hand, if it is in a pet store or to a private individual, it can cost about 400-500 euros.