Hovawarts (Hovies)

Hovies are a reasonably large dog, and come in three shades: blonde, black, and black and tan. Their defining characteristics are a fairly long back, and a longish coat with feathering on their legs (front especially), ears and tail, which is held in a curve over their backs when they move.

Most people (in the UK) have never heard of a Hovawart (pronounced “Hoff-a-vart"), and initially assume they are some type of crossbreed. The black and tans are often thought to be a Rottweiler/German Shepard cross, probably because they are roughly German Shepard size and shape, but with Rotti colouring and a strong and square back end. Hovawart breeders will hate me for saying this, but blonde Hovies resemble large Golden Retrievers.

Their coats, while long, require very little maintenance. The things to watch for are tats behind the ears, and in armpits.

Hovies supposedly have few health problems. However, both my Hovies have suffered with sensitive stomachs.

I exercise my dogs for 2 to 3 hours a day. I don’t think they would be happy with significantly less activity.

Both my dogs had poor bite inhibition as puppies, and I suspect that this is a breed trait? They take a while to mature, and remain playful well into adulthood.

Their heritage is guarding, and they are extremely good guard dogs, with a loud deep bark. They can be slightly aloof with strangers (the bitches more so than the dogs), and need a moment to checkout new people before accepting them.

Hovies tend to be dominant with other dogs: not necessarily aggressive, but just a little too pushy. This can become a problem if not properly managed. They need to be well socialised at an early age, and throughout their first year. They are however very affectionate and loyal to their immediate family. They would prefer to be with you than off hunting.

Hovies are intelligent, but this can work both for and against their trainability. They were originally bred to be freethinking, so the Hovie owner needs to establish respect and leadership, otherwise the dog will make their own decisions (some of which many not be good). They respond well to praise and encouragement, but rebukes are unproductive and damaging. They get bored quickly with repetitive tasks. The Hovie will work with you, but is not so keen on working for you.

Hovies are a breed in which there is a noticeable size difference between dogs and bitches. Dogs are larger and more heavily built. While the sexes share the same broad character, the dogs are more extreme than the bitches. Expect a dog to guard more zealously, and be extra dominant with other dogs.

Would I recommend Hovie ownership?

If you can be a pack leader, and want a dog with a free sprit and a strong inclination to guard, then the Hovie is a most fantastic companion. If you have little experience of handling a large and wilful canine, don’t get a Hovi. The difficult aspects of ownership include the following.

Puppy/adolescent biting

With other breeds, a yelp by the owner will usually stop this behaviour. With a Hovie, it just excites and provokes. A great solution is to bring a Hovie pup into a home that already has a mature dog. The adult will take the brunt of the biting, and teach the puppy what is unacceptable far quicker than any human can.

Training

Hovies need to be trained and under control; they are big dogs. Always remember that they have been evolved to guard without the need of a master to tell them how to do it, so strong leadership must be established: they may resist at first. Good training skills are necessary and will reap quick results, but inexperience will lead to conflicts between master and dog.

Dominance

Animal socialisation is very important, especially with males, to curb their dominant tendencies. Unfortunately, the males can exhibit dog-on-dog aggression, and an untrained hostile 100 lbs dog is not a pleasure to walk.

Portraits by John Burton

About the Author

Portrait artist working mainly from clients' own photographs.

Free German Shepard Puppies Videos

Free German Shepherd wallpapers - Free GSD Wallpapers

German Shepherd puppy names - GSD puppy names + Free $500 Dog giftcard

Free German Shepard Puppies Q&A

Where could I get a puppy German Shepard?

LIke could I look around at the Humane Society and get one for free if they got it?

anywhere i could get it for cheap?

thanks

Yes, the Humane Society is a wonderful place to buy a pup! But I don't think you will get one for free, here's why:

Animal Cruelty Agents go through lots of effort and pain to rescue these animals that are abandoned and neglected by their owners.
They want just a little money to receive for their effort to rescue these poor animals.

An average to buy a rescue german shepherd puppy would be about
$200-$400, it depends on the situation and what the animal has gone through. Check it out at your local Humane Society and look at the german shepherd puppies and ask whoever guides you and gives you a tour about adopting a pup, ask these questions:

1.How much are the pups here?
2.Have they already had their shots?
3.How old are they?
4.Do they need any vetrinary attention?
5.How long before I can adopt one? (when you choose one)

Good Luck!

Free German Shepard Puppies Videos

Free German Shepherd wallpapers - Free GSD Wallpapers

German Shepherd puppy names - GSD puppy names + Free $500 Dog giftcard

Hovawarts (Hovies)

Hovies are a reasonably large dog, and come in three shades: blonde, black, and black and tan. Their defining characteristics are a fairly long back, and a longish coat with feathering on their legs (front especially), ears and tail, which is held in a curve over their backs when they move.

Most people (in the UK) have never heard of a Hovawart (pronounced “Hoff-a-vart"), and initially assume they are some type of crossbreed. The black and tans are often thought to be a Rottweiler/German Shepard cross, probably because they are roughly German Shepard size and shape, but with Rotti colouring and a strong and square back end. Hovawart breeders will hate me for saying this, but blonde Hovies resemble large Golden Retrievers.

Their coats, while long, require very little maintenance. The things to watch for are tats behind the ears, and in armpits.

Hovies supposedly have few health problems. However, both my Hovies have suffered with sensitive stomachs.

I exercise my dogs for 2 to 3 hours a day. I don’t think they would be happy with significantly less activity.

Both my dogs had poor bite inhibition as puppies, and I suspect that this is a breed trait? They take a while to mature, and remain playful well into adulthood.

Their heritage is guarding, and they are extremely good guard dogs, with a loud deep bark. They can be slightly aloof with strangers (the bitches more so than the dogs), and need a moment to checkout new people before accepting them.

Hovies tend to be dominant with other dogs: not necessarily aggressive, but just a little too pushy. This can become a problem if not properly managed. They need to be well socialised at an early age, and throughout their first year. They are however very affectionate and loyal to their immediate family. They would prefer to be with you than off hunting.

Hovies are intelligent, but this can work both for and against their trainability. They were originally bred to be freethinking, so the Hovie owner needs to establish respect and leadership, otherwise the dog will make their own decisions (some of which many not be good). They respond well to praise and encouragement, but rebukes are unproductive and damaging. They get bored quickly with repetitive tasks. The Hovie will work with you, but is not so keen on working for you.

Hovies are a breed in which there is a noticeable size difference between dogs and bitches. Dogs are larger and more heavily built. While the sexes share the same broad character, the dogs are more extreme than the bitches. Expect a dog to guard more zealously, and be extra dominant with other dogs.

Would I recommend Hovie ownership?

If you can be a pack leader, and want a dog with a free sprit and a strong inclination to guard, then the Hovie is a most fantastic companion. If you have little experience of handling a large and wilful canine, don’t get a Hovi. The difficult aspects of ownership include the following.

Puppy/adolescent biting

With other breeds, a yelp by the owner will usually stop this behaviour. With a Hovie, it just excites and provokes. A great solution is to bring a Hovie pup into a home that already has a mature dog. The adult will take the brunt of the biting, and teach the puppy what is unacceptable far quicker than any human can.

Training

Hovies need to be trained and under control; they are big dogs. Always remember that they have been evolved to guard without the need of a master to tell them how to do it, so strong leadership must be established: they may resist at first. Good training skills are necessary and will reap quick results, but inexperience will lead to conflicts between master and dog.

Dominance

Animal socialisation is very important, especially with males, to curb their dominant tendencies. Unfortunately, the males can exhibit dog-on-dog aggression, and an untrained hostile 100 lbs dog is not a pleasure to walk.

Portraits by John Burton

About the Author

Portrait artist working mainly from clients' own photographs.

Free German Shepard Puppies Q&A

Anyone in or near Rockford Illinois?

Hi, I'm from Rockford IL and a good friend of mine just got a puppy 14 weeks and not able to maintain because of the children and school. He is the half chow, German shepherd, and Colie very cute and furry. He is very intelligent and can do some tricks and also go to the bathroom. You only need one more chance and has first-line drugs fleas. He is free and if he does not get a good home will soon be given to the pound. If someone like him, please let me know and I will give you contact information. Thanks

I wish I had a dog sounds adorable. Just wanted to say to make sure that whenever the puppy will ensure that it is a place that does not kill. Try a Humane Society shelter or no kill. But hopes of finding a good home for the puppy.

Hovawarts (Hovies)

Hovies are a reasonably large dog, and come in three shades: blonde, black, and black and tan. Their defining characteristics are a fairly long back, and a longish coat with feathering on their legs (front especially), ears and tail, which is held in a curve over their backs when they move.

Most people (in the UK) have never heard of a Hovawart (pronounced “Hoff-a-vart"), and initially assume they are some type of crossbreed. The black and tans are often thought to be a Rottweiler/German Shepard cross, probably because they are roughly German Shepard size and shape, but with Rotti colouring and a strong and square back end. Hovawart breeders will hate me for saying this, but blonde Hovies resemble large Golden Retrievers.

Their coats, while long, require very little maintenance. The things to watch for are tats behind the ears, and in armpits.

Hovies supposedly have few health problems. However, both my Hovies have suffered with sensitive stomachs.

I exercise my dogs for 2 to 3 hours a day. I don’t think they would be happy with significantly less activity.

Both my dogs had poor bite inhibition as puppies, and I suspect that this is a breed trait? They take a while to mature, and remain playful well into adulthood.

Their heritage is guarding, and they are extremely good guard dogs, with a loud deep bark. They can be slightly aloof with strangers (the bitches more so than the dogs), and need a moment to checkout new people before accepting them.

Hovies tend to be dominant with other dogs: not necessarily aggressive, but just a little too pushy. This can become a problem if not properly managed. They need to be well socialised at an early age, and throughout their first year. They are however very affectionate and loyal to their immediate family. They would prefer to be with you than off hunting.

Hovies are intelligent, but this can work both for and against their trainability. They were originally bred to be freethinking, so the Hovie owner needs to establish respect and leadership, otherwise the dog will make their own decisions (some of which many not be good). They respond well to praise and encouragement, but rebukes are unproductive and damaging. They get bored quickly with repetitive tasks. The Hovie will work with you, but is not so keen on working for you.

Hovies are a breed in which there is a noticeable size difference between dogs and bitches. Dogs are larger and more heavily built. While the sexes share the same broad character, the dogs are more extreme than the bitches. Expect a dog to guard more zealously, and be extra dominant with other dogs.

Would I recommend Hovie ownership?

If you can be a pack leader, and want a dog with a free sprit and a strong inclination to guard, then the Hovie is a most fantastic companion. If you have little experience of handling a large and wilful canine, don’t get a Hovi. The difficult aspects of ownership include the following.

Puppy/adolescent biting

With other breeds, a yelp by the owner will usually stop this behaviour. With a Hovie, it just excites and provokes. A great solution is to bring a Hovie pup into a home that already has a mature dog. The adult will take the brunt of the biting, and teach the puppy what is unacceptable far quicker than any human can.

Training

Hovies need to be trained and under control; they are big dogs. Always remember that they have been evolved to guard without the need of a master to tell them how to do it, so strong leadership must be established: they may resist at first. Good training skills are necessary and will reap quick results, but inexperience will lead to conflicts between master and dog.

Dominance

Animal socialisation is very important, especially with males, to curb their dominant tendencies. Unfortunately, the males can exhibit dog-on-dog aggression, and an untrained hostile 100 lbs dog is not a pleasure to walk.

Portraits by John Burton

About the Author

Portrait artist working mainly from clients' own photographs.

Free German Shepard Puppies Q&A

Anyone in or near Rockford Illinois?

Hi, I'm from Rockford IL and a good friend of mine just got a puppy 14 weeks and not able to maintain because of the children and school. He is the half chow, German shepherd, and Colie very cute and furry. He is very intelligent and can do some tricks and also go to the bathroom. You only need one more chance and has first-line drugs fleas. He is free and if he does not get a good home will soon be given to the pound. If someone like him, please let me know and I will give you contact information. Thanks

I wish I had a dog sounds adorable. Just wanted to say to make sure that whenever the puppy will ensure that it is a place that does not kill. Try a Humane Society shelter or no kill. But hopes of finding a good home for the puppy.