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German Shepherd vs Hovawart Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Hovie?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Hovawart" Compare German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which is better: German Shepherd or Hovawart?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Hovawart
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank2375
Reviews212
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Hovawart. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Hovie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Hovawart. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Hovawart. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Hovawart? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Hovawart?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Hovawart. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Hovawart. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Hovawart social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Hovawart? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Hovawart. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Hovawart? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Hovawart health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare activity levels.
German 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Hovawart exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Hovawart? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Hovawart?
German 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.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 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.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Hovawart? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Blonde
Golden
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Hovawart? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Silky
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Hovawart? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Hovawart dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd vs Hovawart Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Hovawart? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Hovawart?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Hovawart? Can a German Shepherd and a Hovawart be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Hovawart dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
Yes
German 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German 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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Hovawart? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Hovawart breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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

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