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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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 selective breeding. 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor growth and avoid overly intense exercise in young dogs.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Consult promptly in case of limping, stiffness, or decreased tone in the hindquarters.
Vaccination
Hovawart vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Hovawart need? Like all dogs, Hovawarts should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Hovawart vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Hovawart booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Hovawart need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Hovawart
It is relevant to favor breeding dogs screened for hip dysplasia and to closely monitor the young dog's growth. 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
