Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Short-Haired Collie or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever" Compare Hovawart and Smooth Collie. Which is better: Hovawart or Smooth Collie or Golden Retriever?

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	Smooth Collie	Golden Retriever
Origins	Germany	Scotland	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Guard Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	375	354	3
Reviews	2	2	16
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever breeds.	Hovie	Short-Haired Collie	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?	Large Giant	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.	55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)	Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Hovawart or Smooth Collie or Golden Retriever? Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever height comparison:	23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)	Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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 (58.5 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$1200	$400-$600	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Hovawart or Smooth Collie or Golden Retriever?	Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.	Average: The Smooth Collie is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: Smooth Collie is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?	Hovawart dogs are easy to train. See more.	Smooth Collie dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?	Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Smooth Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?	Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Smooth Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.	Active Devoted Outright Tempered Watchful Reserved	Protective Intelligent Friendly Responsive Loyal Gentle Social	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy
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: Smooth Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever?	Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Smooth Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:	Hovawart dogs are a social breed. See more.	Smooth Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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.	Smooth Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Smooth Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Golden Retriever 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

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The Smooth Collie is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Smooth Collie is a playful breed. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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 Smooth Collie indoors.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?	Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Smooth Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Hovawart or Smooth Collie or Golden Retriever?	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.	Smooth Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Smooth Collie: 15 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	The Smooth Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
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.	Average The Smooth Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Underactive Thyroid	Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Drug Sensitivity Collie Eye Anomaly Gray Collie Syndrome	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Smooth Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?	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.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?	Black Blonde Golden	White Sable Merle Black & White & Tan Blue & Merle Blue & Merle & White Sable & White White & Merle	Golden Light
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?	The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Smooth Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Smooth Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Silky	Dense Thick Flat	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	6-8 weeks 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 Hovawart or Smooth Collie or Golden Retriever? Hovawart or Smooth Collie or {name3 shedding:	Hovawart dogs shed moderately. See more.	Smooth Collie dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Smooth Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	Not really 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, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which has most military use?	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.

Hovawart vs Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?	6-8 puppies	4-8 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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 Smooth Collie vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Hovawart, Smooth Collie, and Golden Retriever. 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	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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