What is the origin of the Hovawart?
For many centuries, the Hovawart has been fulfilling its task as a guard of house and yard brilliantly. The fact that the Germanic people already appreciated this breed is proven by the fact that they dedicated a whole article in the law book Lex Baiuvariorum to these animals. At that time, they were called "Houvavart". In those days this dog was considered a very valuable animal: it was passed on for a prize of three shillings. That was a considerable amount at the time: after all, a horse cost only half a shilling on average. The proper breeding of this dog began in 1922: Pioneer in this area was the dog trainer and zoologist Kurt Friedrich König, who together with his father began to mate animals with outstanding character traits. As his breeding goal he defined an intelligent and affectionate companion, who is able to make independent decisions. In the same year the first breed association was founded with the 'Hovawart Verein für Deutsche Schutzhunde e.V. Thale'. In the beginning, König crossed in other breeds like the Kuvasz, the Leonberg, Newfoundland and German Shepherd. Since 1937, the Hovawart has been recognised as an independent breed.
What are the breed characteristics of the Hovawart?
Already by looking at the meaning of the word "Hovawart" you can assume their perfect suitability as protection dogs. After all, the name is derived from Hova (farm) and wart (guard). Whenever a stranger approaches your home, your four-legged friend will announce their arrival loudly. Typical for the breed, apart from their distinctive protective instinct, are their intelligence and independence. Another typical characteristic of the Hovawart is its great urge to move: It needs daily exercise and likes to challenged by doing dog sports.
Hovawart dogs are often confused with Golden Retrievers. Especially as puppies they look very similar to Goldies - but when they are grown up you can see a big difference, because the Hovawart is much bigger.