Hovawart Grooming Profile
Breed Group
Working Dogs
Country of Origin
Germany
Breed Size
Large
AKC Recognition
No
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1955
Allergy-friendly
Fair6 / 10
Shedding
Moderate6 / 10
Grooming need
10 mins/week9 / 10
Low-maintenance
Hard2 / 10
Size
Giant10 / 10
Growth timeline
30-36 months8 / 10
Grooming FAQ
Are Hovawart hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?
Hovawart are considered to have moderate allergy-friendly tendencies. They possess a long coat that has moderate shedding. Their grooming needs are moderate.
Allergy-friendly: 6 / 10
Do Hovawart shed?
Hovawart have a long coat with moderate shedding. Overall, their shedding level is considered moderate. Regular grooming is recommended to manage loose hair.
Shedding: 6 / 10
How often should you groom a Hovawart?
Hovawarts need brushing two to three times a week to manage their long, wavy double coat and prevent matting, especially around the chest and legs where feathering is thickest. Shedding increases noticeably during seasonal coat blows in spring and fall.
Grooming need: 9 / 10
Are Hovawart low-maintenance dogs?
Irish Wolfhounds are not low-maintenance dogs. While their wiry coats only need weekly brushing, their massive size requires significant living space and high food expenses. They also demand consistent daily exercise and have a short lifespan with potential for costly health issues like bloat and heart disease.
Low-maintenance: 2 / 10
How big do Hovawart get?
The Hovawart is a large working breed, standing about 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55 to 90 pounds. Males run notably larger and more heavily built than females, reflecting this German breed's history as an estate guardian.
Size: 10 / 10
When do Hovawart stop growing?
Adult Irish Wolfhounds typically require 4 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into at least two meals to prevent life-threatening bloat. It is vital to prioritize controlled growth during puppyhood with moderate protein and calcium levels to ensure their massive frame develops steadily and healthily.
Growth timeline: 8 / 10
How much should a Hovawart eat?
Adult Irish Wolfhounds typically require 4 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into at least two meals to prevent life-threatening bloat. It is vital to prioritize controlled growth during puppyhood with moderate protein and calcium levels to ensure their massive frame develops steadily and healthily.
Feeding amount: 10 / 10
How often should a Hovawart puppy eat?
Hovawart puppies should be fed four times a day until age three months. Between three and eight months, reduce feedings to three meals daily. From eight months onward, transition to two meals per day. Always provide rest before and after eating to prevent dangerous stomach bloating or indigestion.
Puppy feeding frequency: 3 / 10
Vet Insights
Hovawarts are loyal, medium-to-large German guardians reaching full physical maturity by age three. They are moderate shedders with long coats, making them somewhat allergy-friendly but not hypoallergenic. Maintenance is challenging, requiring over two hours of daily exercise. Owners should provide a high-quality diet of 4-8 cups daily, split into multiple meals to prevent life-threatening bloat.
