At a glance the quick version
Purina UK gives 30-40 kg for males and 25-35 kg for females; Wikipedia gives 30-50 kg overall. The FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, slightly wavy coat
A strong, well-balanced dog with a long, dense coat that lies flat and may wave slightly, with light undercoat and feathering on the chest, belly, backs of the legs and tail.13
Personality what they are like
Friendly and steady at home, self-confident and able to handle pressure, with a natural wish to protect its family and property. It is a versatile worker with a very good sense of smell and responds well to early socialisation and consistent training.135
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High: more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally with training or scent work such as tracking or mantrailing.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush two to three times a week to keep the coat free of tangles.34
Home where they are happiest
Best in a home with a large, secure garden.4
Company who they like around
Very devoted to its household; its guarding instinct means it benefits from experienced handling and early, varied socialisation.3
The story where it all began
Farm guardian dogs of this kind are recorded in Germany from the Middle Ages, but by the early 1900s they had nearly vanished. Zoologist Kurt Friedrich König gathered suitable farm dogs and crossed in other working breeds, and the first litter was registered in 1922. The breed survived a difficult wartime period and was accepted as a German working breed in 1964.124
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from Middle High German for 'guardian of the yard' or farm.2
- 2
Medieval German law in the Sachsenspiegel set out compensation for anyone who stole or killed one of these farm dogs.3
- 3
It comes in only three colours: black and gold, black, and blond.1
- 4
Hovawarts do especially well in search and rescue and tracking work.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, mountain type, working trial optional; current standard dated 28.03.2025, country of origin Germany.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Working group.4
- AKC
- Listed on the AKC website with a breed profile (Foundation Stock Service breed).5
- German Kennel Club
- Recognised 1937 per FCI and Wikipedia (The Royal Kennel Club gives 1936); accepted as a German working breed in 1964.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Hovawart. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Hovawart, and at what times?
Feed your Hovawart adult dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Hovawart eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Your Hovawart thrives on high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.7
How often should I bathe a Hovawart?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing your Hovawart every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Hovawart need brushing?
Brush your Hovawart two to three times a week to keep their long coat tangle-free, as breed experts advise. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, but more frequent brushing may be needed. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.34 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Hovawart's nails, and how often?
Trim your Hovawart's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Hovawart need?
Your Hovawart needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including training or scent work like tracking. They are active and intelligent, so keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Hovawart's teeth and ears?
Brush your Hovawart's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their ears weekly for moisture or debris. Their floppy ears need extra care to stay dry. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Hovawart live?
A Hovawart typically lives between 10 and 14 years. With proper care, they can enjoy a long, happy life by your side.34
Is a Hovawart good with children and other pets?
Hovawarts are friendly and steady at home, and with early socialisation they can be wonderful with children and other pets. Their protective nature means they need consistent training and supervision. They are devoted family dogs.135
Can a Hovawart be left alone?
Hovawarts are very devoted to their family, so being left alone for long periods may be challenging for them. It varies by individual dog; ask a good breeder or trainer for advice tailored to your Hovawart.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 190 Hovawart fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Hovawart - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for name meaning, history, weight, fun facts
- Hovawart - Purina UK purina.co.ukused for weight, lifespan, grooming, temperament, fun fact
- Hovawart - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, garden size
- Hovawart - AKC akc.orgused for temperament, AKC listing
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.