Main Index
In Store
Our Web Store
Miniature Schnauzer Picture Gallery
Latest Dog Blogs
- What Are The Basic Commands To Train A Dog?
- PaySafe As The Most Popular Type Of Deposit
- Everything You Need To Know About Pet Sales
- Dogs Contribute To Our Physical And Mental Well Being
- How To Choose Where To Bet On Greyhounds In 2022
- Volunteer With Animals - How To Help Dogs Around The World
- Basic Understanding Of The House Edge
- Why You Should Get A Dog
- Top 20 Popular Dog Names Around The World
- Constipation in Dogs and How to Find Solutions
Hovawarts (Hovies)
- 20/11/2010
Hovies are a reasonably large dog, and come in three shades: blonde, black, and black and tan. Their defining characteristics are a fairly long back, and a longish coat with feathering on their legs (front especially), ears and tail, which is held in a curve over their backs when they move.
Most people (in the UK) have never heard of a Hovawart (pronounced "Hoff-a-vart"), and initially assume they are some type of crossbreed. The black and tans are often thought to be a Rottweiler/German Shepard cross, probably because they are roughly German Shepard size and shape, but with Rotti colouring and a strong and square back end. Hovawart breeders will hate me for saying this, but blonde Hovies resemble large Golden Retrievers.
Their coats, while long, require very little maintenance. The things to watch for are tats behind the ears, and in armpits.
Hovies supposedly have few health problems. However, both my Hovies have suffered with sensitive stomachs.
I exercise my dogs for 2 to 3 hours a day. I don't think they would be happy with significantly less activity.
Both my dogs had poor bite inhibition as puppies, and I suspect that this is a breed trait? They take a while to mature, and remain playful well into adulthood.
Their heritage is guarding, and they are extremely good guard dogs, with a loud deep bark. They can be slightly aloof with strangers (the bitches more so than the dogs), and need a moment to checkout new people before accepting them.
Hovies tend to be dominant with other dogs: not necessarily aggressive, but just a little too pushy. This can become a problem if not properly managed. They need to be well socialised at an early age, and throughout their first year. They are however very affectionate and loyal to their immediate family. They would prefer to be with you than off hunting.
Hovies are intelligent, but this can work both for and against their trainability. They were originally bred to be freethinking, so the Hovie owner needs to establish respect and leadership, otherwise the dog will make their own decisions (some of which many not be good). They respond well to praise and encouragement, but rebukes are unproductive and damaging. They get bored quickly with repetitive tasks. The Hovie will work with you, but is not so keen on working for you.
Hovies are a breed in which there is a noticeable size difference between dogs and bitches. Dogs are larger and more heavily built. While the sexes share the same broad character, the dogs are more extreme than the bitches. Expect a dog to guard more zealously, and be extra dominant with other dogs.
Would I recommend Hovie ownership?
If you can be a pack leader, and want a dog with a free sprit and a strong inclination to guard, then the Hovie is a most fantastic companion. If you have little experience of handling a large and wilful canine, don't get a Hovi. The difficult aspects of ownership include the following.
Puppy/adolescent biting
With other breeds, a yelp by the owner will usually stop this behaviour. With a Hovie, it just excites and provokes. A great solution is to bring a Hovie pup into a home that already has a mature dog. The adult will take the brunt of the biting, and teach the puppy what is unacceptable far quicker than any human can.
Training
Hovies need to be trained and under control; they are big dogs. Always remember that they have been evolved to guard without the need of a master to tell them how to do it, so strong leadership must be established: they may resist at first. Good training skills are necessary and will reap quick results, but inexperience will lead to conflicts between master and dog.
Dominance
Animal socialisation is very important, especially with males, to curb their dominant tendencies. Unfortunately, the males can exhibit dog-on-dog aggression, and an untrained hostile 100 lbs dog is not a pleasure to walk.
Please Help Us
IrishDogs.ie takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters because it might well be your perspective, too.
Our future could be much more secure with your help. Please SUPPORT us by clicking on the Donate Button at the Top Right of your screen.
Quick Search
Donate
Latest Dog Pods
- Tips on How to Stop Your Dog from Biting
- Beware - Not All Advertised Dog Rescues Really Are! How Can You Know The Truth?
- Helpful Tips For Dog Obedience Problems
- How to Keep Dogs From Eating Poop
- Dog Grooming Tips - A General Overview of the Very Basics of Dog Grooming
- Recognising Different Types of Dog Obedience Problems
- 5 Important Tips On Feeding A Puppy