Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of 13 to 14 years, the Hovawart is in a good average for a dog of this size. This longevity depends greatly on the quality of breeding, growth management, maintaining a slim build, and regular but well-adapted physical activity.
Build
A robust breed?
The Hovawart benefits from a generally healthy constitution and from a breed monitored seriously in its country of origin. It copes well with an active life and bad weather, especially cold, provided its needs for exercise, recovery and veterinary follow-up are respected. Its robustness does not exempt from real orthopedic vigilance during growth.
Watch points
What to watch for
The main points of vigilance mainly concern the locomotor system and, more rarely, certain hereditary neurological disorders. Weight monitoring, adapting exercise in the young dog and choosing a breeder carrying out screening remain essential.
Hip dysplasia : The risk exists as in many large breeds, even if it has been reduced through selection. Controlled growth and screened breeding dogs are important.
Degenerative myelopathy : This neurological condition can appear later in life and lead to weakness and then progressive paralysis of the hindquarters.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Hovawart copes well with cold and damp conditions thanks to its long, protective coat. On the other hand, it tolerates high heat less well and must have shade, fresh water and activities shifted to the coolest hours in summer.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Weight control is important in this breed to preserve the joints and limit stress on the skeleton, especially during growth. An adjusted ration, measured treats and regular activity help maintain a favorable body condition over the long term.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Monitor growth and avoid overly intense exertion in young dogs.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve the joints.
- Consult promptly in case of limping, stiffness, or decreased tone in the hindquarters.
Vaccination
Hovawart vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Hovawart? Like all cats, the Hovawart receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Hovawart is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Hovawart vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Hovawart?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Hovawart
It is relevant to favor breeding dogs screened for hip dysplasia and to closely monitor the growth of the young dog. An orthopedic examination in case of stiffness, lameness or exercise intolerance is recommended. In at-risk lines, progressive neurological vigilance in the elderly subject is useful.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
