Kooikerhondje

Breed Description

The name of the breed Khovawart consists of two words: “khova,” which means farm, and “wart,” which translates to guardian. These dogs have a long history as protectors of homes and yards. In ancient times, only guard dogs could protect a home and property from devastation. The four-legged guardians were highly respected among Germanic peoples, which is reflected in various laws of later Germanic cultures. For example, in the legal code Lex Baiuvariorum, which consists of 24 articles, one is exclusively dedicated to dogs. In this law, the farm dog is referred to as “Khovawart” and was valued at 3 shillings-a significant amount, especially considering that an “average” horse cost only half a shilling. Khovawarts are also mentioned in various medieval writings, highlighting their importance and status during that time.

The modern Khovawart continues the intellectual and functional traditions of ancient farm dogs. Genetically, it is related to them just like other breeds of agricultural and guard dogs. Establishing a direct lineage from ancient Khovawarts is impossible, especially since we do not even know what they looked like. In the early 20th century, the breed was recreated. This process began after 1910, and by the 1920s, the new Khovawart started to take shape. The breeding approach was similar to that of Rottmeister von Stephanitz, who founded the German Shepherd breed about twenty years earlier. The new Khovawart was bred from various dogs, regardless of their lineage.

The FCI breed standard from 1998 states: “Since 1922, the breed has been developed using dogs of a similar type, which could still be found on farms. In the initial breeding period, crosses were also made with German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, and other breeds. Due to strict selection methods, the original type of working dog was successfully restored.”

Additionally, Hungarian guard dogs called Kuvas were included in the Khovawart breeding, which is important for understanding their character. Over time, what had been successfully done for millennia was recreated: breeding dogs not only to type but also to temperament. The main criterion was achieving the established goal-high working skill. This approach may make modern Khovawarts resemble their ancient ancestors in appearance and character, but this is merely a hypothesis. The studbook was only closed in 1944, which contributed to the establishment of a broad gene pool that has ensured the breed’s physical condition and health to this day. The price for a puppy can reach 60,000 rubles. On the Federal portal Zooinika, you can find a suitable friend and loyal companion.

Appearance

The Hovawart is the first farm dog of Central Europe. It is a large, strong, and simultaneously quite slim, even elegant dog with wavy fur in characteristic colors. It radiates both authority and friendliness. Today, there are three acceptable colors for Hovawarts: light, black with golden-brown markings (black spots), and black. Despite its relatively modest weight, this dog is very powerful and strong. Due to its strength and size, the Hovawart is suitable only for experienced dog owners.

Males reach a height of 63 to 70 cm at the shoulder. Hovawarts are slimmer than they appear, thanks to their medium or long wavy fur. The normal weight for males ranges from 30 to 45 kg. With good physical conditioning, Hovawarts can live up to 12 years or even longer, which is a good lifespan for such a large dog.

The Hovawart is a powerful medium-sized dog, with a body length slightly exceeding its height. It has long fur that is resistant to weather conditions. Hovawarts are free from exaggerations in their appearance, and noticeable differences exist between males and females.

Отличительные черты

Голова

A clean head with a moderately broad skull. The length from the nape to the foot is equal to the length from the foot to the nose. The width and length of the skull are approximately the same. The neck is strong, of medium length, without any droop.

Морда

In profile, the face is straight and parallel to the skull. The stop is moderate but well-defined. The muzzle is strong and deep, slightly tapered. The nostrils are well-developed.

Уши

The ears are triangular, with gently rounded tips, hanging freely. They are positioned from medium to high, increasing the visible width of the skull. Their length reaches the corner of the mouth, and the front edges are located approximately in the middle between the eye and the tip of the neck. When in a state of alertness, they are slightly pushed forward.

Глаза

The eyes are oval, medium-sized. They range from dark to medium brown with pigmentation. There is a vigilant and intelligent expression in the face.

Зубы

Thick lips. A full set of teeth with a scissors bite, meaning the upper teeth tightly overlap the lower teeth and are positioned perpendicular to the jaws. A pincer bite is acceptable.

Корпус

Корпус хорошо сбалансирован. Немного длиннее от точки плеч до точки ягодиц, чем высота в холке. Сильная линия верха, ровная от холки до крупа. Слегка покатый круп средней длины. Грудь сильная, глубокая и широкая. Передние ребра относительно плоские, что дает локтям свободу движений, но ребра все более хорошо выходят за локти. Глубокая грудинка. Сильная поясница. Умеренная подтяжка.

Конечности

Лапы сильные, с хорошо развитой мускулатурой. Плечи длинные и отведены назад. Предплечья длинные и плотно прилегающие к туловищу, локти плотно прилегают к груди. Предплечья прямые, при осмотре под любым углом. При осмотре сбоку они слегка наклонные. Задние конечности широкие, мощные и с хорошо развитой мускулатурой, с хорошими углами. Второе бедро широкое и очень мускулистое. При осмотре сзади ноги прямые. Скакательные суставы сильные и хорошо опущенные. Лапы округлые, сильные, компактные, с хорошо изогнутыми пальцами. Подушечки толстые и крепкие. Походка легкая, ровная и уверенная походка. Хороший размах и напористость.

Хвост

The tail is covered with dense fur, hanging lower than the hock joints but not touching the ground. When standing still, it droops down. It is raised above the back when in a state of readiness or when moving.

Шерсть

The fur on the body is long, but not excessive. It is thick, straight or slightly wavy, lying close to the skin, with a sparse undercoat. It is short on the head and the front surfaces of the legs, longer on the chest, abdomen, the back surfaces of the front legs, the back of the thighs, and the tail.

Окрас

Black: a rich, shiny black color without any rust. A few white spots on the chest and some white hairs on the toes and the tip of the tail are permissible. Black pigmentation around the eyes, lips, and pads of the toes. Light: a light shade, shiny and lightening towards the legs and belly. A few white spots on the chest and some white hairs on the toes and the tip of the tail are permissible. Black pigmentation around the eyes, lips, and pads of the toes. A white nose tip is allowed. Black/gold: a deep, shiny black, without rust, with distinctly marked light spots.

Character

The character of the Hovawart requires an owner with experience in dog handling and a deep understanding of dogs. This breed has a strong will and own mind, exhibiting high independence, likely inherited from its ancestor, the Kuvasz, a guard dog. The Hovawart is both confident and independent. It does not exhibit the same “will to please” as other working breeds, so the owner will need to work hard to earn its affection. However, a well-trained Hovawart is an extremely effective companion and a friendly friend. It performs excellently as a daily companion dog and also shines in dog sports, sometimes even as a rescue or tracking dog.

The Hovawart has an excellent sense of smell and serves as an ideal guard dog. It fiercely protects its family and territory, vigilantly monitoring events in its area. The dog moves silently on its territory and confronts any intruders decisively.

The Hovawart is genetically inclined toward partnership with its owner. It is very affectionate and sensitive, while also exuding something primal and ancient. This breed seeks family connections and shows affection towards those it has accepted into its heart. Extremely friendly and gentle, the Hovawart often demonstrates care and tenderness, with its attachment to close people evident throughout its life.

Breed characteristics include versatility, companionship, and working qualities. The Hovawart displays adaptability, dedication to its tasks, self-confidence, flexibility, and endurance. The temperament of this breed is characterized by kindness, stability, loyalty, self-assuredness, courage, tolerance, and restraint, without signs of nervousness or aggression.

Care and Maintenance

The Hovawart is a dog that is easy to care for. If you are considering getting a Hovawart for the first time, you should take into account its strength and size. This is not a breed for beginners, as it requires a proper approach and certain skills. Hovawarts demonstrate creativity and persistence, making them challenging companions. The owner must be consistent, patient, and empathetic to gain the trust of this intelligent and independent dog.

Strict discipline alone is ineffective with a Hovawart. It is vital to establish a trusting relationship and display self-confidence to earn leadership in the eyes of this breed. At the same time, adequate time and effort must be devoted to training and upbringing; otherwise, the Hovawart may exhibit dominance and a desire to lead.

However, the Hovawart is the perfect companion for those ready for intense and respectful relationships with their dog. It is suitable for a variety of activities and tasks, including complex work functions like rescue operations.

Hovawarts are high-energy and active dogs that require plenty of physical exercise to maintain their health and cheerful disposition. Regular walks, running, outdoor play, and other forms of activity help them express their energetic nature and avoid boredom.

Hovawarts possess an intelligent and independent character, so they need mental stimulation and training. Regular training, puzzle games, scent work, and other mental tasks will help them develop their cognitive abilities and meet their intellectual needs.

It is essential to socialize Hovawarts with other dogs, animals, and people from an early age. This will aid in developing good communication skills, reducing aggression and fear of new situations, and strengthening the bond with the family.The Hovawart is a dog that is easy to care for. Its coat does not require daily brushing due to the lack of a dense undercoat. Aside from seasonal shedding, caring for a Hovawart is not particularly difficult. When well-trained and manageable, it can be an excellent companion. However, despite all its advantages, a Hovawart is not always suitable as a family dog.Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of Hovawarts. It is important to choose high-quality food that matches their age, size, and activity level. Regular feeding schedules and portion control will help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.Regular health checks for Hovawarts are necessary, along with monitoring vaccinations, preventative measures, and other medical procedures. Veterinary check-ups will help identify and address any health issues at early stages.Caring for and maintaining a Hovawart requires time, patience, and dedication, bu

Training and Education

Training and education for the Chovacz breed of dog is a crucial phase that requires patience, consistency, and consideration of the breed’s characteristics.

The most important aspect is establishing leadership. Chovacz dogs possess strong wills and independent natures, so it’s essential to establish your leadership early on and show them that you are the pack leader. This will help them feel confident and secure, as well as reduce the likelihood of behavioral problems.

Positive reinforcement is a key element in training a Chovacz. They are very intelligent and quickly learn new commands, especially when they receive rewards such as treats, praise, or play for their successes. Chovacz can be stubborn and persistent, so it’s important to be consistent and patient throughout the training process. Commands and exercises should be repeated until they are performed correctly, and one should not become discouraged when facing difficulties.

Socialization plays a significant role in shaping the character and behavior of a Chovacz. From a very young age, it’s important for them to meet various people, animals, and situations to prevent the development of aggression or fear in the future. Additionally, it’s essential to provide them with a variety of training and activities to maintain their physical and mental health. This can include everyday obedience commands as well as games, sports, and search training.

When training a Chovacz, it is important to ensure safe conditions and avoid punishments or training methods that could cause stress or injury. A positive approach and loving attitude will help them better absorb lessons and develop.

With the right approach and training, a Chovacz can become an obedient, intelligent, and devoted companion, bringing joy and satisfaction to its owner for many years. Choose the puppy of your dreams with a pedigree from Zooinika.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Hovawart puppy is an important step that requires attention to several key aspects to ensure a happy and harmonious life together for you and your future pet.

First of all, learn about the characteristics of the Hovawart breed, their temperament, needs, and care requirements. Understanding what to expect from this breed will help you make a more informed choice.

Visit various dog breeding facilities that raise Hovawarts and communicate with breeders. This will give you the opportunity to assess the conditions in which the puppies are raised and see the care and attention they receive. You can find all the addresses of dog kennels on the Zooinika portal.

If possible, look at the puppy’s parents. Their behavior, temperament, and health can provide insight into what your future pet might be like.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention to its appearance, activity level, socialization, and reaction to the environment. A healthy puppy should be lively, active, playful, and curious.

Make sure the puppy has all the necessary documents confirming its lineage and health. This includes a pedigree, veterinary passport, vaccination certificates, and other documents.Talk to the breeder about the conditions in which the puppies are kept, their diet, veterinary care, and any guarantees. Clarify the terms of purchase and receiving the puppy, as well as the possibility of support and consultation after acquisition.Finally, trust your intuition. If you have doubts or a sense that something is off, it’s better to look for another breeder or kennel. It’s important to choose a puppy with whom you feel a special connection and that fits your lifestyle.Choosing a Hovawart puppy is a responsible step that will require time, effort, and attention, but in return, your new friend will bring you much joy, loyalty, and satisfaction throughout its life. Zooinika offers advantageous offers-depending on the breed and pedigree.

Health and Diseases

Due to their strong immune system and overall resilience, the health of the Hovawart breed is generally good. However, like all breeds, they have their own specific traits and susceptibility to certain diseases.

One common issue in Hovawarts is hip and elbow dysplasia. This genetic condition can cause pain and limit mobility in dogs. Therefore, it is essential to choose a puppy from a breeder who carefully monitors the health of the parents and conducts the necessary tests for dysplasia.

Hovawarts may also suffer from certain hereditary diseases, such as hypothyroidism, heart diseases, and eye conditions. Thus, before acquiring a puppy, ensure that its parents have undergone appropriate medical examinations and tests for genetic disorders.

It is also important to properly care for your Hovawart by providing a balanced diet, adequate physical activity, and regular veterinary visits for preventive check-ups and vaccinations. Daily outdoor walks and playtime will help maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Additionally, pay attention to the kennel from which you plan to get your puppy. Dog breeders in Russia who care for the health of their charges and breed only healthy individuals reduce the risk of hereditary diseases in their offspring.

Remember that even the healthiest dogs can experience health issues, so it is important to be prepared and provide your Hovawart with attentive and caring care, as well as timely medical services.