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Hovawart Health and Costs

Hovawarts are robust and healthy but prone to hip dysplasia and bloat. Monthly costs average $150-$400, including food and care.
BREED RARITY

Very Rare

PURCHASE COST

Moderate

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Length of LIFE

Long Lifespan

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TRAINING FAQ

Is Hovawart a healthy dog?
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Notable health concerns

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.

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Very high health burden

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.

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Very high upkeep cost

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.

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$100 - $300 / 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.

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$45 - $90 / month

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.

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Generally covered

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.

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Case-by-case risk

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.

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Case-by-case approval

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.

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.


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified

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