Hovawart

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The Hovawart originates from Germany. It is a very old working breed descended from the Newfoundland, Leonberger, and possibly the Hungarian Kuvasz.

The goal of its developers was to re-create the great estate guarding dog of the Middle Ages. The Hovawart is rare in the USA, but popular in Germany. Eike von Repgow wrote about the "Hofewart" as an estate guard dog in the Sachsenspiegel.

They were also illustrated in writings in the 1400's tracking bandits. The Hovawart looks somewhat like a Golden Retriever.

The head is powerful with a broad, rounded forehead. The skull is about the same length as the muzzle, with a well-defined stop. The nose is black with well-developed nostrils. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The dark to medium brown eyes are oval in shape. The triangular drop ears are set high and wide apart. The front legs are straight. The feet are round, compact and strong, with well-arched, tight toes. Dewclaws may be removed. The long-haired, dense coat is slightly wavy, lying flat. There are longer hairs on the chest, belly, back of the legs, and the underside of the tail. Coat colors come in black and gold, black or blond.

Temperament: Devoted, Reserved, Watchful, Familial, Even Tempered, Active

Health Problems: This is a very healthy breed. However, an underactive thyroid is widespread in European lines. Hip dysplasia sometimes occurs.