Hovawart - breed description and dog character

In this article you will learn everything about this breed, starting with the coat color and ending with the character of the dog. Hovawart is not a very popular dog among ordinary people, but real dog breeders will appreciate this breed. If suddenly you had a desire to get this dog as a companion and life partner; or if you just want to broaden your horizons, then stay with us and read the article to the end.

Let's turn to the history

The word "Hovawart" is far from Russian origin and has German roots. If you look literally at the translation, then the name of the breed means "castle keeper". We can find mention of this dog in books of the thirteenth century (1274). Hovawarts were accessible only to aristocrats and strata of high society, were very popular at that time not only as a fashionable pet, but also as a house guard. With the disappearance of the aristocracy in the seventeenth century, dogs also disappeared for a while, but then they were again talked about in the twentieth century.

Appearance

Scientists suggest that the breeding of this breed was the crossing of three others: kuvas, Leonberger, Newfoundland. Indeed, if you look closely, we will find similarities in each of these dogs.

1. The size of this breed is medium or slightly above average. Bitches grow up to 60 centimeters, males up to 80 in length.
2. Such dogs are not heavy (only 40 kilograms in males is the maximum), but, nevertheless, they are very strong and hardy.
3. Representatives of this breed have thick long hair (does not extend to the head and forepaws), a wide skull, and medium-sized dark eyes.
4. The ears are in the shape of two acute-angled triangles.
5. They have a strong, sturdy, straight back and strong chest.
6. The color is exclusively of these three colors: black, fawn or black and tan.

Character

Many people are accustomed to the fact that dogs grow up quite early, from about seven months turn into calm and reasonable individuals, but such a trick will not work with this breed. With the childish character of a naive and playful puppy, they are in this world for the first three years of their lives, and you can not do anything about it. Be patient and do not reproach the dog for childish antics, this will pass only after 3 years.

During the upbringing process, do not resort to an aggressive and powerful scream, and even more so to physical punishments (which is not permissible in the upbringing of either animals or people). The dog will cease to obey the aggressors and it will become impossible to persuade it to train and change its decision. Treat her gently and gently, and then you will achieve the desired result in the form of an obedient and executive dog.

This breed corresponds to its name - excellent house guards and host protectors grow out of puppies. Also, representatives of this breed often turn out to be search and rescue dogs. They have excellent scent and other useful instincts. In one book, it was even described how the owner of the castle entrusted the life of his own child to his dog during the fire (not because he was a poor irresponsible father, he just realized that he was putting the child in the clutches of a professional who knows his job and will hurt himself for the sake of cake favorite people).

In order for a dog to respect you, you must be an unwavering authority for it. Hovawart is a very proud and strong-willed dog with a high sense of dignity, so you will have to demonstrate the strength of your spirit.

This dog is used to dominating among other breeds, but again, we repeat, without any aggression.If you want to connect your life with Hovawart, then forget that there is such an emotion as anger.

The dog is self-confident, therefore it is not capricious and is ready to work in any weather, because, as she thinks, she can do everything (and most often she is right).

Fact! Hovarats have speed in running and reactions, which is perfectly combined with the strength of the animal.

These dogs are endowed with high intelligence, therefore, if they notice neglect and bad attitude on your part, they will become uncontrollable and angry.

How to care?

A dog can live both in a booth on a private plot and in an apartment (but remember that an apartment should not be a one-room apartment). The animal has far from dwarf and small sizes of any pugs and dachshunds. And therefore he needs a place and space. In no case do not keep the Hovawart on the chain, as this is a free dog, which constantly needs to move long distances.

With long and thick hair, there will not be much trouble. Get a special comb and scratch it with the dog once a week, so that it does not form tangles of fallen wool, which then have to be cut with scissors. Also, remove wool from your fingers every winter so as not to impede the dog’s running and walking.

What to feed?

Although the dog is not whimsical to food, you will have to force it to follow a certain diet. Surprisingly, a two-month-old puppy can eat a serving larger in size than an adult dog of the same breed. These dogs are very voracious and do not know the measure, so measure them the amount of food consumed with a special measuring cup or kitchen scale.

Puppies need food rich in protein (at first it should be 30%, but with age, the ratio should be gradually reduced). It is customary to feed Hovawarts with dry food, as well as be sure to add nutritional supplements and vitamins for a balanced and healthy diet.

A small puppy should be fed four times a day; eight months - three, and then the rest of his life - twice a day. Feeding should occur between physical activity, but only after an hour of rest from exercise. After eating, you also need to distract the dog with some kind of calm business. Otherwise, your beloved pet will have a bloated stomach, which will lead to health problems.

Due to increased activity, the dog should always have access to fresh water in unlimited quantities, so check the availability of water in the drinkers and always take supplies with you for a walk. Prohibit the dog from drinking from dirty street puddles.

Disease

Despite the strong health that this breed is famous for, the presence of diseases cannot be avoided even with the strongest immunity and resistance to viruses. The dog may have problems with the hip joints, but the chance of developing such a disease is negligible. Your dog may also become infected (through the bite of another Hovawart) with rabies.

Fact! These animals lack congenital malformations that are inherited from generation to generation.

Observe the dog’s diet and make sure that they don’t take dirty objects into the mouth from the street. It causes diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The life expectancy of a dog with proper care and gentle handling averages from twelve to fifteen years. Remember that the dog is the same living creature that needs love and affection, so do not forget about the psychological problems that the dog may develop alone or in rough treatment.

Training process

Although this breed is prone to strict discipline, learns without much difficulty and has obedience, the Hovawart dog is not an angelic creature. Most often, because of their pride and self-confidence, they try to make an independent decision and be independent of your orders.Despite the children's nature, puppies should be trained at an early age, otherwise it may be too late. A young, much less an adult hovawart will almost never recognize someone as his master, unless he is accustomed to this idea from childhood.

The puppy is most easily trained as a guard and guard, because the dog has a predisposition to this work. Puppies are endowed with perseverance and do not like to disappoint their teachers, therefore they will give all the best to quickly master the necessary skills.

The list of commands for Hovawart:

• "Sit"
• "Beside!"
• "To me"
• “Lie down”
• "Stand"
• "Wait"
• "Vote"
• "Barrier"

Price

Little has changed since the old days. This breed is considered to be elite, so one purebred puppy costs about $ 1,000, depending on the noble pedigree.

When to breed puppies of this breed:

1. Strong health.
2. Highly developed sociability and socialization, the ability to adapt to various conditions for life.
3. Easy learning and predisposition to active work.
4. Mental stability.

How to choose a puppy

Take a puppy must be up to eight weeks old. Already at such a young age he will have to pass rigorous testing:

• color on a scale;
• birth weight;
• weight when passing the test;
• quality and length of coat;
• pigmentation and eye color;
• setting and size of ears;
• body parameters: back, head, body, legs and so on;
• quality and durability of teeth.

As well as a psychological test:

• behavior when a new person appears;
• a game with a rag;
• assessment of temperament.

So, in this article we have provided you with basic information about Hovawarts. Now it's up to you whether to purchase this breed or not. Good luck and success!

Video: Hovawart dog breed