Hovawart characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Medium | 34% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Very High | 14% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Hovawart right for you?
The Hovawart is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and carries a powerful guarding instinct. Day to day, the Hovawart needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Hovawart needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Hovawart to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Hovawart wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Hovawart is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and barks a moderate amount, usually with reason. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Hovawart
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Hovawart genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Protectiveness: Very high — the Hovawart is among the most protective breeds here, which needs early socialisation to stay useful rather than reactive. Only 14% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Hovawart actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Hovawart fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | Very high protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Perfect for
- Experienced owners
- Family protection
- German breed enthusiasts
- Working dog homes
Things to consider
- Needs early socialization
- Can be territorial
- Long maturation period
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Hovawart good with children?
- Yes — the Hovawart is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Hovawart shed a lot?
- The Hovawart has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Hovawart need?
- With high energy, the Hovawart needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Hovawart live?
- The Hovawart typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Hovawart live in an apartment?
- The Hovawart is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Hovawart easy to train?
- The Hovawart is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Hovawart be left alone during the day?
- The Hovawart copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.