Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Pastor de Garafía or Hovie or Ainu-ken? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog" Compare Garafian Shepherd and Hovawart. Which is better: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Garafian Shepherd	Hovawart	Hokkaido Dog
Origins	Spain	Germany	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Guard Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	395	375	414
Reviews	0	2	0
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Pastor de Garafía Garafian Shepherd	Hovie	Ainu-ken Do-ken Seta Ainu dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Large	Large Giant	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hovawart? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog weight comparison:	Male: 62-77 pounds (28-35 kg), Female: 53-66 pounds (24-30 kg)	55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)	45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 69.5 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60.5 pounds (27 kg)	55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)	55 pounds (25 kg)
Height Which is taller, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog height comparison:	Male: 22-25 inch (57-64 cm), Female: 21.5-24 inch (55-62 cm)	23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)	18-22 inches (46-56 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 23.5 inch (60.5 cm), Female: 23 inch (58.5 cm)	23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)	20 inches (49 cm)

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Which is more expensive?	Unknown	$1000-$1200	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Average: The Garafian Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.	Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog intelligence:	Smart: The Garafian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog trainability comparison.	Garafian Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Hovawart dogs are easy to train. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Garafian Shepherd dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Protective Intelligent Friendly Docile Obedient Social Companionable Herding	Active Devoted Outright Tempered Watchful Reserved	Alert Courageous Docile Faithful Brave
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Garafian Shepherd dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	Average: Garafian Shepherd dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Hokkaido Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog social needs comparison:	Garafian Shepherd dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Hovawart dogs are a social breed. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Garafian Shepherd dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Garafian Shepherd dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Hovawart dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog playfulness comparison:	The Garafian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Hokkaido Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	Average to High: The Garafian Shepherd is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Hokkaido Dog barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Garafian Shepherd breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hokkaido Dog breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Hokkaido Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Hokkaido Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Garafian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Hokkaido Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Garafian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Hokkaido Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog mouthiness comparison:	Garafian Shepherd dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	The Garafian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Hokkaido Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog health problems comparison:	No data available	Hip Dysplasia Underactive Thyroid	Heart Murmurs Allergies Cryptorchidism Collie Eye Anomaly Blocked Tear Ducts Hypodontia
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Garafian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Hokkaido Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Garafian Shepherd, Hovawart and Hokkaido Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	9-13 years The average lifespan of Garafian Shepherd: 11 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years	11-13 years The average lifespan of Hokkaido Dog: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Hokkaido Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog energy level comparison:	Garafian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Garafian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.	Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.	Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Hokkaido Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Garafian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Hokkaido Dog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog coat comparison:	Dense Soft Thick Dense Undercoat Abundant	Silky	Thick
Colors What are the original Garafian Shepherd, Hovawart and Hokkaido Dog color?	Fawn Yellow Orange Grey Brown & Yellow Reddish-Brown Golden Yellow	Black Blonde Golden	Black White Brindle Black & Tan
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog grooming comparison:	Average: The Garafian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Hokkaido Dog requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or {name3 shedding:	Garafian Shepherd dogs shed above average. See more.	Hovawart dogs shed moderately. See more.	Hokkaido Dog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	Medium ⏺ The Garafian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Hokkaido Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Garafian Shepherd is an average drooler. See more.	The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Hokkaido Dog is an average drooler. See more.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Garafian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Which dog is more friendly?	Garafian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog?	Garafian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Hokkaido Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	Yes Garafian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Hokkaido Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Garafian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Hokkaido Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Garafian Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.	Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.	Hokkaido Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Garafian Shepherd or Hovawart or Hokkaido Dog? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog?	Not really Garafian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Hokkaido Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Garafian Shepherd and Hovawart and Hokkaido Dog have?	1-11 puppies	6-8 puppies	3-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Garafian Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Hokkaido Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	No data available	American Canine Registry America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service	America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service

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