My Dog Should Have Been Extinct.

11 years ago I’ve decided to get a dog. Due to my picky nature, I had to find a unique dog that would fit my personality. After reading Dog Encyclopedia for 8 days I’ve found Hovawarts.

Hovawarts are an ancient breed of German origins. These mountain dogs come with a particular set of skills; skills that they have acquired over a very long period of time. Skills that make them a nightmare for criminals and loving lifetime companions for their owners.

Skills that distinguish them from other dogs.

Hovawarts are warriors. You see, Hovawarts were not once, but twice on verge of extinction.

My first Hovawart was called Oberon Von Phillsdorf. He was majestic. All the girls were in love with him, no wonder my single male friends loved to take him on the walks.

He was beautiful.

He died when he was 12 years old. It was one of the most desolating experiences of my life. I knew that if I were ever to have another dog, I will pick Hovawart again.

Soon after, I got another Hovawart. He could never replace Oberon, but he will always be my second best friend.

Once you own a Hovawart, it’s impossible to pick another breed.

Hovawarts are loyal, affectionate, determined, obedient but at the same time they can think for themselves — they are not breeds for “fearful” owners. They need someone equal to them — they are risk-takers but at the same time, they always analyze the situation before acting.

Hovawarts are self-confident dogs.

They are not dogs that bark without a reason. They do everything with a damn good reason, even when their reason doesn’t make any sense to the owner. They can be often perceived as stubborn dogs.

There are only 16 registered Hovawarts in the UK and only 100 in the United States. Hovawart is not a well-known dog breed but deserves to be and this is why.

Hovawarts are noble dogs.

My second dog’s name is Sir Lancelot Von Phillpsdorf — I am not kidding you. My dog has his own passport.

My dog is a noble dog. You won’t see him eating leftovers or chewing chicken bones. He is only satisfied with the best.

Hovawarts used to live in castles as guard dogs. The name Hovawart, literary means “guardian” in German. Hovawarts were also considered one of the 5 most noble dog breeds in medieval times.

They were trained to hunt for robbers and miscreants.

Tracing the origins of dog breeds can be quite difficult. But there is clear evidence that Hovawarts existed in medieval times. There are countless textual mentions and inclusions in paintings of this breed.

Back then Hovawarts were companions of the higher class community. One of the earliest mentions of the Hovawart dates to 1210. German castle was caught in a fire and the son of Duke was saved by a Hovawart, who managed to drag the child outside and save his life.

The child grew to become a prominent figure and wrote the code of law called the Sachsenspiegel. The law lists Hovawart as one of the breeds that must be replaced and paid restitution for should someone either kill or steal the dog.

My grandfather fought in the Second World War against the Nazi’s. I never thought that my grandfather could fear something as he has seen it all. One day, I took my dog to my grandparents — I will never forget the look on my grandpa’s face, he was petrified.

He took his walking stick and started waving it around hoping to scare the dog. My dog approached him in a friendly manner. I had to intervene as my grandfather was ready to launch at him.

“Your “colleagues” chased me and my friends through the Montenegrin mountains! I will never forget you!”

Hovawarts were used by the Nazi’s in the Second World War as “weapons”. They were taught to track down the partisans and especially look for injured soldiers. Many Hovawarts were killed off during the Second World War.

By 1945 only a few Hovawarts remained. In 1947 Otto Schramm and some fellow enthusiasts formed a Hovawart club, with the goal to revive the breed. Soon after the enthusiasm for the breed started to develop in other countries.

Hovawarts are a perfect choice for a family. They are great with kids, protective and very affectionate. My good friend is now pregnant, at times her dog doesn’t let her husband even approach her.

Hovawarts are also very playful dogs, especially when young. Hovawarts tend to mature at the age of three. Their playful nature makes them great with small children.

But you still must watch their interactions with small children considering the Hovawart size. Hovawart would never hurt a child but he might run them over during playtime a couple of times.

Hovawart needs a dog owner who is both firm and persistent to do their best.

People tend to mistake Hovawart with Golden Retriever, but Hovawarts are much more reserved with strangers that are not introduced to them by someone that they trust. Some may even growl at people who are too abrupt — Hovawarts tend to have a sense of “personal space”.

They are not the kind of dogs that will chase after you, they walk along with you — in harmony.

Besides being a guard dog, the Hovawart excels at a number of other roles because of its excellent nose — they are great at tracking. It is a breed that can excel at rescue work especially in the Mountains.

Hovawart is not a dog that can remain locked up in the house without causing serious issues. They need an active lifestyle. They also need stimulation if their dog owners want them to be at their best.

Hovawarts are doers.

The most challenging part about Hovawart’s temperament is the high level of intelligence. These dogs can make their own decisions which can be a serious issue for passive owners. Hovawarts needs a companion who will help him reach his highest potential and teach him a multitude of commands.

Hovawarts are trustworthy and require significant time and attention. Because they originated as working dogs, Hovawarts like to have a job to do. If they get bored, they will find something else to do to keep themselves busy — and you might not like it.

All in all — Hovawarts are special dogs. Once you discover them you will never want to let them go.

I can guarantee that life with Hovawart is never boring.