Hovawart

The Hovawart is a German breed and his name translates as "guardian of the property", which is a good description of his purpose.  Along with many dogs of similar type across central Europe they protected their master's home, family and flocks.  Dogs of recognisably similar type are recorded as far back as 1200. They had their main stronghold in the Harz and Black Forest areas and as a breed they all but disappeared and it was re-created by the zoologist Dr Kurt Konig who began the task in the 1920s.

He searched the rural areas where they had been known and found a number of dogs resembling the description of the breed in the Middle Ages, and using these, together with some outcrosses to fix type registered the first litter in 1922. The Second World War saw numbers drastically reduced, but in 1947 a group of enthusiasts formed the German Hovawart Club to secure the future of the breed.  They first came to the UK in 1980 and there are still only several hundred Hovawarts in Britain.

They are a medium sized dog, dogs up to 70cm but not heavily built. They have a sheepdog-type agility and are permitted in three colours; blonde, black and black and gold. The coat is long - from 10 - 22.5cm with a fine, light undercoat.

They are very much a family dog and enjoy human company; intelligent and quick thinking they enjoy physical exercise and thrive on mental stimulus.  Obedience and agility suit him well.  He can be dominant with other dogs so early socialisation is essential. An attractive and still quite rare breed, the Club is extremely helpful to anyone interested in acquiring a puppy.

Click here to read the Breed Standard. 

Hovawart Breed Clubs

The Hovawart Club of Great Britain

Hovawart Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own pet, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.

Hovawart Breeders

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.