Welsh Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Welsh Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed ComparisonHovawart is originated from Germany but Welsh Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom. Hovawart may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Welsh Sheepdog. Hovawart may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than Welsh Sheepdog. Both Hovawart and Welsh Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Hovawart and Welsh Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Hovawart and Welsh Sheepdog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Germany
United Kingdom
Height Male:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
48 - 54 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 51 kg
55 - 113 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 49 kg
48 - 109 pounds
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Hovie
welsh collie
Colors Available:
gold and black, gold, blonde
blue merle and tricolored Black and white • Red and white
Coat:
long dense
soft undercoat short to moderately long, and it can be coarse or soft.
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

hovawartThe Hovawart, is a German Black Forest breed developed as a guard dog for large estates in the medieval era. They first appeared in history in the early 13th century as heroes who saved the German son of a castle lord, despite being injured themselves. The boy they saved grew up to be a German legend. He wrote the oldest German code of law that remained from medieval times. In it he names the Hovawarts as a dog that if you are responsible for hurting, stealing or killing it, you must pay for it or replace it. No other dog had this protection.

In the late fifteenth century Hovawarts were featured in Heinrich Mynsinger’s “The Five Noble Breeds”. This guard dog breed was esteemed on a level with the hunting dogs – their health a question of life or death for their owner. In the 1500’s the popularity of the breed began to fade. The GSD or German Shepard Dog began to replace the Hovawarts as the preferred guard dog.

By the early 20th century the breed had almost disappeared but were saved by breed enthusiasts in the early 1900’s. Zoologist Kurt Konig was prominent in this effort and went looking in the Black Forest area for dogs working on farms. Using the dogs, he found on these farms, Konig began a breeding program crossing the them with Newfoundland’s, Kuvazoks, Leonbergers, GSD, an African hunting dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

By 1922 the first litter of these pups was entered officially into the German Breeding Registry. In 1937 the Hovawart was recognized by the German Kennel Club. However, many members of the breed died in World War II as they were used widely by the military and not many were left by 1945. Once again breed enthusiasts came to the rescue forming a Coburg Hovawart club. This club still exists and in 1964, for the second time, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. Other countries also began to take notice of this working breed.

The Hovawart has many skills in addition hunting and guarding. The Hovawart does not work for people, he works with them as he is a very independent thinker. He is also good at search and rescue and tracking. An owner of this breed must be stronger, smarter, more alert, intentional and consistent than his Hovawart. These are not dogs for the faint of heart or first-timers.

welsh sheepdogThe Welsh Sheepdog is sometimes referred to as the Welsh Collie, but it is not a collie in anyway. It is the cross between the Border Collie and Welsh Sheepdog that is actually the Welsh Collie. The sheepdog was bred for herding not appearance and they are not all consistent in looks and size. They are a collie type but do not have recent collie ancestors. In fact the Border Collie has basically replaced the Welsh Sheepdog in herding sheep in Wales. The Welsh Sheepdog is still being bred as an indigenous breed. They are still prized for their ability to work independently and herding cattle, pigs, horses and goats as well as sheep. They were originally drovers.

In the 18th century there were many different Welsh herding dogs and one drover might have 4-6 different types of sheepdogs as guard dogs, herders and hunters. Most of these breeds were taller than the Welsh Sheepdog. By 1940 there aere only a couple of breeds doing these jobs in Wales. The purebred Welsh Hillman and Black and Tan Sheepdog were on the verge of extinction at that point.

At that time the most common dogs were descendants of the Black and Tan Sheepdog and the Border Collie. The Welsh Sheepdog was still working in central Wales and in the north country. They were purely a working breed and not a show breed in any way. They remain that today.

They are a landrace and very rare today. They have been around for more than 800 years with no effort at standardization for this working dog. They are only registered with the WSS or Welsh Sheepdog Society and the DRA Dog Registry of America.

Description

hovawart puppy - descriptionThe Hovawart is a proud and majestic dog and his looks match his character. He looks a bit like the Golden Retriever with a powerful and broad forehead. His skull and muzzle are the same length and his nose is black. His oval eyes are a medium to dark brown and his ears are high set and triangular.

Their chests are strong, broad and deep. The breed has strong legs straight in front with round, strong and compact feet. They are heavy boned with dense, long coats that lie flat and have a slight wave to them. The coat can be black and gold, blond or black.

welsh sheepdog puppy - descriptionBred for their herding abilities not their appearance, the Welsh Sheepdog can vary in color, build and size. They have long legs, broad chests and wide muzzles. They are all around bigger than the Border Collie. They come in black and white, tricolor, red and white and merle. The coat can be short or long and the ears pricked and folded at the top.

They look most like the Border Collie with a taller, broader, more solid build. They typically are stronger than the Border. Their head is distinctly collie shaped, flat and broad with the wide muzzle. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and brown. The merles can have striking blue eyes.

This is an athletic dog and you can tell by looking at her. Well muscled, broad back and neck with a long upward tail. Their tough paws are perfect for the rough terrain and Wales mountainsides.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes, they are good with children.

Special talents

hovawart dog - characteristicsThey have a great sense of smell and a well-balanced personality.

Adaptability

They are not indoor dogs and should have a yard to run in. They do not tolerate hot weather well. They do great out in the country.

Learning ability

They are intelligent independent thinkers. They lengths well with positive reinforcement.

Characteristics

welsh sheepdog dog - characteristics1Children friendliness not really – aloof and concerned with job- all this dog wants to do is work.

2.Special talents -independent worker

3.Adaptability – Not an inside dog in any way. They need several hours of exercise per day.

4.Learning ability Highly intelligent but stubborn, independent

Health Problems

hovawart puppies - health problemsThough their isolation protected them from genetic health issues for centuries, once they were being rejuvenated and mixed with other breeds some common issues began to show up. These include:

  • Underactive thyroid
  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness
  • Osteochondritis – causes joint pain in shoulders mostly
  • Liver Shunts

welsh sheepdog puppies - health problemsUsually an indigenous rare breed does not have a lot of genetic or hereditary health concerns. This is a little different with the Welsh Sheepdog can suffer from any of these conditions.

• Epilepsy – Most respond well to medication and others might not even need medication.

• Collie Eye Anomaly – This is common in collie breeds like the rough coated collie. The development of the Choroid is impaired resulting in harm to the circulation of blood to the eye.

  • Hip Dysplasia – Can lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Atopic Dermatitis – Allergic skin disorder irritating paws, ears, and perineum.

• PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy - deterioration of the retina can lead to blindness. Inherited.

  • Diabetes Mellitus – Damages pancreas, high blood sugar. Can be treated.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hovawart dogs - caringFeed breed specific high quality dry food for puppies. Feed 1-2 cups in 3-4 meals per day

Feeding the adult

Again Feed breed specific high quality dry food for adults. Feed 2-3 cups per day in 1-2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – Stamina

Games and Exercises

The Hovawart needs plenty of exercise. Remember this is a mountain farm dog used to working all the time. Walk or jog with them daily. They can excel at field trials, obedience, search and rescue, agility, flyball, therapy dog, and service dog.

Caring for Dog

welsh sheepdog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active dog feed high quality high protein food. 3-4 x day 1-2 cups

2.Feeding the adult Active dog feed high quality high protein 2x day 2 cups a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and intelligence

4. Games and Exercises This is an extremely active breed that needs a job. They are not the best pets they are working dogs. They need a lot of exercise. They are not good at living indoors. At least 2 hours of exercise daily is a must.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Welsh Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Hovawart vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Hovawart vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Hovawart vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Hovawart vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Hovawart vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Hovawart vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Hovawart vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Hovawart vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Hovawart vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Hovawart vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Hovawart vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Hovawart vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Hovawart vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Hovawart vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Hovawart vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Hovawart vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hovawart vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Hovawart vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Hovawart vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Hovawart vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Hovawart vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Hovawart vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Hovawart vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison