A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
OF THE BREED
HISTORY:
Popular in Germany, but not as widely spread outside its
borders. This is a versatile, intelligent breed of working
dog. Original records indicate that the breed was first
written about in 1200 and it somewhat faded away. In 1920
Kurt Konig was instrumental to bring the breed from the
near extinction back into the prominence. The Hovawart
was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club in
1937. This breed is a fine working dog, great watchdog,
excellent family companion and is an excellent tracker.
DESCRIPTION:
A rather large, and robust dog, with some resemblance
of a Golden Retriever with a rather low set triangular
pendant ears. The chest, legs, undersides and the tail
are subject to some feathering. This is a rather longer
than taller dog with a straight back. The hairy tail hangs
past the hocks. It displays a powerful head with a rounded
forehead. The muzzle is in proportion to but never longer
than the skull. The eyes are dark an the coat comes in
three main colors blonde, black, and tan or the combinations
of these colors. Certain markings are specified in the
standard of the breed. The teeth should meet in a scissor
bite – level bites are accepted but not preferred.
PERSONALITY
and GENERAL NOTES:
A calm animal at home. Very energetic outdoors. Intelligent
and highly trainable as most of good working dogs are.
Brave and alert. Has a tendency to be puppy like for a
rather long time. Very protective and affectionate. Unneutered
(spaded) male animal can be a rather demanding challenge
to handle. This large dog needs a firm, experienced master.
On occasions it may be aggressive with some dogs of same
sex but does coexists well with other animals in the household.
Good with children if well socialized with them as a puppy.
In general a healthy animal not predisposed to any specific
genetic problems and diseases. Hip dysplasia is present
in the breed, strict breeding practices have kept this
problem at the minimum. Lives about 11-12 years. Loves
hiking and back packing.
