Golden Retriever vs Hovawart
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Golden Retriever might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
Hovawart might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed known for its friendly and intelligent nature. They have a dense, water-repellent coat that is typically golden in color, ranging from light to dark shades. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable, eager to please, and are known for their loyalty. They are excellent family pets due to their gentle disposition, making them great with children and other animals. They require regular exercise and enjoy activities such as fetching, swimming, and agility training. Their sociable and affectionate personality makes them suitable for various roles, including therapy and assistance dogs.
Hovawart
The Hovawart is a large, powerful dog known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. They typically weigh between 70 to 90 pounds and stand about 22 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coats are medium-length and can be black, blond, or brown with varying degrees of markings. Hovawarts are known for their strong, athletic build and have a confident demeanor. They are versatile working dogs, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, as well as family companions. Their friendly disposition makes them good with children, but they can be reserved with strangers. Socialization and training from an early age are crucial to ensure they develop a balanced temperament.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Heavy shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Golden Retriever
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least once a week to reduce shedding and matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size.
Health Care
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
Hovawart
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health, typically weekly.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health, typically weekly.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Grooming
Brush their coat at least once a week to reduce shedding and matting.
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health, typically weekly.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Health Care
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health, typically weekly.
Additional Care Notes
Golden Retriever
- •Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.
Hovawart
- •Socialize with other pets and people to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, along with short, engaging training sessions to maintain their interest.
Training Challenges
- •Distraction from other animals or people during training sessions
- •Overexcitement leading to difficulty focusing
- •Separation anxiety that may affect training progress
- •Stubbornness in certain situations if not motivated properly
- •Jumping up on people due to their friendly nature
Hovawart
Hovawarts require a strong foundation in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Start training early, using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key, as Hovawarts are intelligent but can be independent thinkers. Socialization with people and other dogs is crucial to prevent any guarding instincts from becoming problematic.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or independent behavior making them resistant to commands
- •Strong guarding instincts that may lead to overprotectiveness
- •High energy levels requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods, which can lead to fear or anxiety
- •Socialization challenges if not exposed to various environments and people early on
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, along with short, engaging training sessions to maintain their interest.
Training Challenges
- •Distraction from other animals or people during training sessions
- •Overexcitement leading to difficulty focusing
- •Separation anxiety that may affect training progress
- •Stubbornness in certain situations if not motivated properly
- •Jumping up on people due to their friendly nature
Hovawart
Hovawarts require a strong foundation in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Start training early, using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key, as Hovawarts are intelligent but can be independent thinkers. Socialization with people and other dogs is crucial to prevent any guarding instincts from becoming problematic.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or independent behavior making them resistant to commands
- •Strong guarding instincts that may lead to overprotectiveness
- •High energy levels requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods, which can lead to fear or anxiety
- •Socialization challenges if not exposed to various environments and people early on
Training Resources
Golden Retriever Training Guide
Hovawart Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Golden Retriever Breeders
Find Hovawart Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.