Hovawart

Hovawart Health and Costs

Hovawarts are robust, rare guardians with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Generally healthy, they face risks like hip dysplasia and bloat. Monthly ownership costs range from $150 to $400, including high-quality food and grooming. They are typically covered by homeowners insurance and considered a case-by-case risk for renters, reflecting their loyal yet protective nature. Read more about the Hovawart.

Breed Group

Working Dogs

Country of Origin

Germany

Breed Size

Large

AKC Recognition

No

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1955

Rarity

Very Rare

9 / 10

Purchase cost

Moderate

5 / 10

Life expectancy

Long Lifespan

6 / 10

Health

Notable health concerns

3 / 10

Health problem risk

Very high health burden

8 / 10

Maintenance cost

Very high upkeep cost

8 / 10

Health & Costs FAQ

How much do Hovawart cost?

The cost of a Hovawart typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,700 when purchased from a reputable breeder. Adoption fees are much lower, usually around $300. Owners should also budget for initial supplies and vaccinations, plus ongoing expenses for specialized health screenings like hip and thyroid evaluations.

Purchase cost: 5 / 10

How long do Hovawart live?

Hovawarts typically live between 12 and 15 years. As a large, genetically diverse breed, they are generally healthier than many counterparts. Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary care is essential to ensure these loyal companions enjoy a long and active life.

Life expectancy: 6 / 10

Are Hovawart healthy dogs?

Hovawarts are generally a very healthy and robust breed, benefiting from exceptional genetic diversity. While hardy, they are predisposed to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Maintaining a healthy weight and routine veterinary check-ups are essential to support their active lifestyle and long lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Health: 3 / 10

What health problems do Hovawart have?

Hovawarts are a robust breed but predisposed to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. They also face risks of hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy, and eye conditions such as cataracts. Additionally, owners should be cautious of bloat, a life-threatening emergency common in large, deep-chested dogs. Regular veterinary screenings are essential.

Health problem risk: 8 / 10

Are Hovawart expensive to maintain?

healthy, (9) their (10) large (11) size (12) requires (13) budgeting (14) for (15) high-quality (16) food (17) and (18) preventative (19) medications. (20) Routine (21) expenses (22) include (23) regular (24) grooming (25) to (26) manage (27) their (28) double (29) coat (30) and (31) potential (32) veterinary (33) costs (34) for (35) breed-specific (36) health (37) screenings (38) or (39) issues (40) like (41) hip (42) dysplasia (43) and (44) thyroid (45) conditions. (46) Perfect.Hovawarts are generally moderate to maintain. While typically healthy, their large size requires budgeting for high-quality food and preventative medications. Routine expenses include regular grooming to manage their double coat and potential veterinary costs for breed-specific health screenings or issues like hip dysplasia and thyroid conditions.

Maintenance cost: 8 / 10

How much does it cost to own a Hovawart per month?

Expect to spend between $100 and $300 per month to own a Hovawart. This covers high-quality food for their large size, regular grooming, and routine veterinary care. Given their active nature, budgeting for additional training or joint supplements as they age is recommended for owners.

Monthly ownership cost: 5 / 10

How much does pet insurance cost for a Hovawart?

Pet insurance for a Hovawart typically costs between $45 and $90 per month. Hovawarts are not typically considered "high risk" due to their rarity and genetic diversity, though size remains a factor. Investing in a comprehensive plan early helps manage potential costs for hereditary health conditions throughout their life.

Pet insurance cost: 5 / 10

Will homeowners insurance cover a Hovawart?

Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover Hovawarts. As a rare breed, they are not typically found on restricted-breed lists. However, since individual insurer policies vary, you should always disclose your dog to your provider to ensure full personal liability and medical payments coverage is active.

Homeowners insurance difficulty: 7 / 10

Are Hovawart on insurance restricted breed lists?

No, Hovawarts are rarely included on insurance restricted-breed lists. As a rare and genetically diverse breed, they are not typically considered high-risk by insurers, though their large size and protective nature may prompt individual evaluation.

Insurance restriction risk: 6 / 10

Can you get renters insurance with a Hovawart?

Yes, you can easily get renters insurance with a Hovawart. Due to their lack of breed-specific legislation, most renters insurance policies will include them in their liability coverage without requiring additional premiums or breed-specific exclusions.

Renters insurance difficulty: 5 / 10

Vet Insights

Hovawarts are robust, rare guardians with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Generally healthy, they face risks like hip dysplasia and bloat. Monthly ownership costs range from $150 to $400, including high-quality food and grooming. They are typically covered by homeowners insurance and considered a case-by-case risk for renters, reflecting their loyal yet protective nature. Read more about the Hovawart.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
Verified