Hovawart vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Hovawart and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Hovawart
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family protector and an affectionate companion. Strong instincts make it excellent at both work and play.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Large
30–40 kg
Long, dense
10–14 years
25–35 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Hovawart
Loyal and affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Active breed requiring regular daily exercise
Enjoys games but not overly boisterous
Adjusts moderately to new situations and environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Hovawart
Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Hovawart
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, confident handler for successful training and management
Not ideal
Requires space and regular exercise, not suited to confined environments
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners who provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
Good companion
Protective and gentle, but supervision is needed due to size and strength
Can adapt
Gets along with other pets if socialized early and properly
Not recommended
Becomes bored and potentially destructive when left alone for extended periods
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Hovawart
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Strong natural guarding instincts
- Good endurance for outdoor activities
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Generally healthy with few breed-specific issues
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Hovawart
- Needs extensive socialization from puppyhood
- High energy requires daily vigorous exercise
- May become stubborn without consistent training
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Can be wary or aloof with strangers
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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