meet the...Hovawart
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Sub-group 9-B: Large Pastoral/Mountain Dogs and Related Breeds
Origin Country Germany
Weight Males: 66-88 pounds. Females: 55-77 pounds.
Height Males: 25-28 inches. Females: 23-26 inches.
Other Name(s) Hovawart
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
The Hovawart, originally called Hofewart or “hearth watcher,” can be traced as far back as the 1200s. In fact, one of the first documented accounts of this incredible breed was found in a German castle in 1210. The account records the siege of the castle at the hands of Slavic invaders. All inhabitants of the castle were slain, with the exception of a tiny infant boy, who was dragged away to safety by a wounded Hovawart, saving the boy’s life. The young boy was Eike von Repkow, who was credited with translating and publishing the Sachsenspiegel, the oldest German law to have survived Medieval Germany. Consequently, the Schwabenspiegel, the law text based on the Sachsenspiegel, was published in 1274 and specifically lists the Hovawart as one of a few dogs which must be replaced with restitution if they are harmed, killed, or stolen.
During the High Middle Ages, much of Germany was divided, owned, and overseen by dukes, princes, and bishops. Large, powerful, and watchful sentinel dogs were used to guard castles and estates of the German aristocracy, and the Hovawart was among their numbers. Eventually, as Germany’s culture and economy shifted, so did the ownership and use of land. As rural lands gave way to the rapid growth of towns and towns to cities, the need for such dogs diminished. After the medieval period, the Hovawart dogs began a decline, as they were replaced by newer breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Doberman Pinscher. The Hovawart breed was believed to have disappeared by the turn of the 19th century.
In 1915, a zoologist by the name of Kurt Friedrich König took a special interest in the breed. Much debate exists as to whether König recreated the breed or if it was resurrected from dwindling specimens. Whatever the case, it was said that König and a group of other enthusiasts combed the Harz, the Black Forest, and the surrounding areas for isolated specimens to revive the breed with. However, others claim that the breed was completely re-created using other breeds, including Kuvas, Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, Leonbergers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and even African Veldt Hunting Dogs. Regardless of the manner in which the breed was established, the type was set by the early 1900s. The German Kennel Club recognized the Hovawart breed in 1937. Unfortunately, during World War II's outbreak, many Hovawarts were utilized as war dogs and consequently were killed in action. However, after the war, breeding programs were once again established by breed enthusiasts, and the club Rassezuchtverein für Hovawart-Hunde Coburg set about ensuring the Hovawart’s future.
Today, although the Hovawart breed’s numbers are low in the United States, his popularity remains steady in his home country and many other countries throughout Europe.Breed Characteristics
Head: Somewhat mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, as wide (from side to side, measured in front of the ears) as long (from occiput to stop). The forehead is slightly arched and broad. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. Nonstandard-colored dogs may have eye colors that correspond to their coat color, ranging from hazel to amber to light brown. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size, set high on the skull and wide apart. The ears are rectangular in shape and drop. The tips are slightly rounded and may hang against the head in a close-drop fashion or away from the cheeks in a “fly-away” fashion. The tips, when held forward, should extend to the corners of the dog’s mouth.
Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, full, deep, and strongly developed. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance. Being strong and well-developed, they never appear snipy or weak. The muzzle tapers only slightly in profile, never losing depth or fullness at any point.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat in nonstandard color varieties. A faded (or “snow”) nose is permissible in blonde-colored dogs. The nostrils are well-opened.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. The neck is strongly muscled with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Deep, compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural and elegant extension of the spine. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. The tail is relatively long, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or curved toward the tip.
Movement: The Hovawart moves powerfully, purposefully, and with great energy and agility. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hind feet, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The Hovawart is renowned for their even temper, quiet demeanor, and self-composure. They can be somewhat stubborn if the task they're is being asked to do doesn’t particularly appeal to their senses. They are also especially devoted to their family and are known to bond strongly with the person he perceives to be the “leader” of their family. While calm, friendly, and tolerant, they can be indifferent or even aloof toward unfamiliar persons. They are great working dogs, utilized for centuries for their protective instincts and their keen sense of smell. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Proportions: The body is slightly rectangular in proportion, with the ideal body length being 10-15% greater than the height at the withers. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and solid bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, as wide (from side to side, measured in front of the ears) as long (from occiput to stop). The forehead is slightly arched and broad. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: The expression is intelligent, calm, self-composed, and watchful.
Stop: The stop may range from moderate to definite. It is clearly visible.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being equal in length to the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, full, deep, and strongly developed. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance. Being strong and well-developed, they never appear snipy or weak. The muzzle tapers only slightly in profile, never losing depth or fullness at any point.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. They should never appear loose or pendulous, nor should they extend below the line of the lower jaw.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat in nonstandard color varieties. A faded (or “snow”) nose is permissible in blonde-colored dogs. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks are smoothly muscled and never appear coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. Nonstandard-colored dogs may have eye colors that correspond to their coat color, ranging from hazel to amber to light brown. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size, set high on the skull and wide apart. The ears are rectangular in shape and drop. The tips are slightly rounded and may hang against the head in a close-drop fashion or away from the cheeks in a “fly-away” fashion. The tips, when held forward, should extend to the corners of the dog’s mouth.
Body and Tail
General Description: Deep, compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. The neck is strongly muscled with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is slightly long, taut, flat, and level. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: The croup is of a moderate length and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural and elegant extension of the spine. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. The tail is relatively long, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, or curved toward the tip.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of solid bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The outer coat is dense, shiny, long, slightly wavy, flat, and close-lying. It is short on the face and front of the legs, longer and forming a slight mane and ruff on the chest, and fringing on the underline, back of legs, and bushy tail. The undercoat is soft and sparse.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Hovawart breed: the standard and nonstandard.
Standard coat color variety: Solid blonde (blond), black (Schwarz), black with tan points (Schwarzmarken).
Nonstandard coat color variety: Any color not included in the standard variety, including but not limited to:
blue, gray, blue-gray, deer, Isabella, liver, and brown; all with or without tan, white, silver, or gray points; all with or without white markings or patches (pied); blonde sable (blonde with smut or banded hairs), red-blonde, white blonde, fawn (blonde with mask); solid white.
Movement
The Hovawart moves powerfully, purposefully, and with great energy and agility. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hind feet, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The Hovawart is renowned for their even temper, quiet demeanor, and self-composure. They can be somewhat stubborn if the task they're is being asked to do doesn’t particularly appeal to their senses. They are also especially devoted to their family and are known to bond strongly with the person he perceives to be the “leader” of their family. While calm, friendly, and tolerant, they can be indifferent or even aloof toward unfamiliar persons. They are great working dogs, utilized for centuries for their protective instincts and their keen sense of smell. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
