Good Afternoon to all who reads this.

I have not been on this forum since July last year when i was figuring out which dog breed is for me. Thanks to members on this forum i realised that i did not know what i really wanted as i just love all breeds and all dogs so with the help of members here i made the decision to volunteer at my local rescue and help walk and care for the dogs and it helped massivley as it really opened my eyes not only what type of dog would suit me but it helped me decide i defiantly want a puppy first. I went to crufts last week for the first time and i knew what i was looking for in a dog and after spending a lot of time talking to different owners of different breeds , the breed that suits me the most after spending all Friday around them is the Hovawart , i have spoken with several owners and breeders and the breed club and i wanted to ask on here to see what people's experience of them are.

Some owners said they are very similar to GSD so when training, Exersiceing think GSD but others disagreed and said they are similar but easier to live with than a GSD.

I just wanted to see what members experience is of them?

I was friendly with the person who brought them into the country. So I did know her dogs very well and also did see other early dogs at shows.

That was a long time ago and I haven't any experience of the present day dogs. I liked her dogs very much and they were all fine travelling with my dogs to shows.

I think they could be quite stubborn and need a fair but firm hand when they are youngsters but that's true of all dogs.

I know Thyroid was a big issue in the breed but I would think that has been got under control. Hips are scored but I don't really know what else.

As far as I could se they were a really nice breed I did consider having one but decided against it in the end. On another website I'm on there is someone with a Hovawart would you like me to see if she would talk to you

Yes please , you can PM me any details if shes happy to talk to me.

What you said is pretty much what i was told at crufts.

Have messaged her so will let you know when I hear anything

Thank you.

My friend has two and has had others before. If you’d like to chat to someone else about the breed I’m sure he’d be happy to help. I’d say they are a breed who needs an experienced dog owner, I’ve seen some of the males be a bit reactive with other dogs at shows.

Hi Goldenmum , if your friend is happy to talk about hovawarts with me id be happy to talk. I must let you both know i can only email due to personal reasons.

Hi Jenna, he is happy to help, I’ll pm you his e-mail address.

Hello, Cava14una pointed me in the direction of this thread. I own a Hovawart & am happy to talk about the breed.

In regards to them being similar to a GSD they are in some areas, but actually in regards to training a Hovie is more independent. They can be handler focused but it's definitely more about teamwork.