Hovawart, Search and Rescue Dog
The Hovawart does exceptionally well in search and rescue, tracking and working dog activities. The females are generally lighter in build and often love agility. In training and especially obedience work the trainer must keep positive reinforcement in mind all the time, as the Hovawart is not as eager to please as many other working dog breeds: it always needs some kind of motivation. It is important to realize that the Hovawart works with you and not for you. They do have the ability to think and act independently. Their guarding instinct for example does not require any real training; it is inherent, as it is what they were bred for. The Hovawart may easily become reluctant if training is built only on punishments.
The owner of a Hovawart should ideally have previous experience in owning and training a dog and as such the Hovawart is not usually suitable as a first dog.
Hovawart Appearance
The Hovawart is a medium dog. Male Hovawarts are 63-70 cm (25"-27 1/2") and females 58-65 cm (23"-25 1/2") at the withers. The weight is approximately 25-40 kg (55-90 pounds). The correct color descriptions are Black, Black and Gold, and Blond.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is an outstanding watch dog and somewhat reserved towards strangers. They make excellent family dogs as they are totally devoted to their family. They are a working dog breed, and require a consistent and loving yet strict training and meaningful activity throughout their lives.
