Hovawart

Like every breed, the Hovawart is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Train with positive reinforcement, kindness and consistency, and handle them sensitively.
• Give them time to mature rather than expecting too much too soon.
• Socialise them carefully from an early age so their guarding instinct stays well judged around visitors.
• Channel their abilities into activities such as tracking, man-trailing, obedience, working trials or Rally.

• Children

  Often better suited to an adult home.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  Hip dysplasia is one of the conditions the breed can suffer from. The Royal Kennel Club lists hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme as best practice before breeding.

• Hypothyroidism

  The thyroid gland is underactive and does not make enough thyroid hormone, which can lead to low energy, weight gain and skin problems.

• Sebaceous adenitis

  A disease of the skin glands that causes dry skin and hair loss.

• Intestinal adenocarcinoma

  A type of cancer that arises from cells in the gut.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Hovawart home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Hovawart home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Hovawart suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Hovawarts do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.