Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Alsatian wolf dog or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard" Compare Hovawart and German Shepherd. Which is better: Hovawart or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?

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	Hovawart	German Shepherd	St. Bernard
Origins	Germany	Germany	Switzerland Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Guard Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	375	2	48
Reviews	2	21	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard breeds.	Hovie	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is the largest?	Large Giant	Large	Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard? Compare adult weight ranges.	55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Hovawart or German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard height comparison:	23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$1200	$800-$2000	$1500-$1800
Availability Which is easier to get, Hovawart or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?	Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The St.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is easiest to train?	Hovawart dogs are easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most alert?	Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	St. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most protective?	Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	St. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low: The St. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	St. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.	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.	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 St.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The St.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which uses mouth most during play?	Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	St. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has the strongest bite?	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 St.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of St.
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	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 health problems common in Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has fewer health issues?	The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The St.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Underactive Thyroid	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	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which needs most food?	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.	6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. What colors are available?	Black Blonde Golden	Black Tan Red Silver	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The St. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which drools least?	The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The St. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The St.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Silky	Fuzzy	Dense Rough Smooth
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which requires most frequent baths?	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Hovawart or German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Hovawart or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Hovawart dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	St. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

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

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good 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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	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 Compare search and rescue potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really St. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has most puppies?	6-8 puppies	6-10 puppies	6-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. What's recommended?	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.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has most recognition?	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	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 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

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