The breed
Hovawart
The Hovawart is a very old German working dog breed. The name comes from Middle High German: Hova = the yard and war = the guard. Since 1922, this breed has been bred using dogs of similar type that were found on farms. In addition, cross-breeding of German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers and other dog breeds were carried out in the first years of breeding. Through strong selection measures, the original working dog type was achieved again.
Mission
The RZV has made it its mission to do everything possible with its breeding to ensure that the Hovawart is and remains a dog that brings joy to its owners through health, temperament, beauty and also its willingness to perform in dog sports.
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The breeders in the RZV attach great importance to maintaining the Hovawart as a healthily robust breed. The main tools in breeding are a now very extensive database in which every Hovawart owner can contribute, breeding value estimates, research collaboration with universities and strict health requirements for breeding animals.
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Thanks to these measures, the Hovawart is one of the dog breeds with a relatively long life expectancy. RZV Hovawarte who are 12 years old and older are not uncommon.
The fight against hip joint dysplasia in particular is a success story in the RZV: through decades of selection for HD-free animals, severe HD has been reduced to just a few percent.
Character
The Hovawart is a recognized working dog for a variety of uses. Balanced and benign in disposition, he has a protective instinct, self-confidence and resilience, medium temperament and a very good nose disposition. His harmoniously coordinated physical conditions and a special bond with his family make him an excellent companion, guard, protection, rescue and tracking dog.
Breeding requirements
The requirements that the RZV places on its breeders and dogs approved for breeding are numerous and can be found in detail on theRZV breeding page. A variety of health, character and appearance requirements must be met in order to be approved as a breeder with your dog.
All dogs used for breeding are HD free (A1-B2) and free of eye diseases. They must have successfully taken part in at least two breeding tests in which they must not have shown themselves to be fearful or aggressive. Breeding males and females received at least the form score “Good” at an exhibition and much more.