Hovawart

The Hovawart is not a well known breed outside of Germany. His name is derived from the Middle High German word, hova, meaning yard or farm and wart, meaning watchman. He is a very old breed that descends from larger, working breeds such as the Leonberger, Newfoundland, and the Hungarian Kuvasz. The breed was developed by fanciers of an ancient estate guardian dog from the Middle Ages. He gained popularity in Germany when author Eike von Repgow described the Hovawart in Sachsenspiegel. In this writing, the Hovawart was renamed the Hofewart and was described as a fierce estate guard dog. In writings and illustrations dating back to the 1400s, the Hovawart has been mentioned, especially as a dog capable of tracking thieves and bandits. He has also been depicted as a search and rescue dog. The Hovawart almost became extinct in the 1920s but Kurt Konig, a breeder, began reconstructing the breed through careful planning and breeding. He was successful in his efforts and was able to get the Hovawart officially recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1937. In Germany, the health of the Hovawart is extremely important and the German Kennel Club expects all Hovawarts to be tested for hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. In Germany, due to the efforts of the breeders, there is a very small percentage of Hovawarts that are afflicted with hip dysplasia. Due to the small number of Hovawarts within the United States, he is still a relatively unknown breed. However, enthusiasts of the breed have been able to achieve acceptance into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service. The Hovawart is now eligible to be entered into AKC performance events.