Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonHovawart is originated from Germany but West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Hovawart may grow 40 cm / 16 inches higher than West Highland White Terrier. Hovawart may weigh 41 kg / 91 pounds more than West Highland White Terrier. Both Hovawart and West Highland White Terrier has almost same life span. Both Hovawart and West Highland White Terrier has almost same litter size. Hovawart requires Low maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance

History

hovawart - historyThe Hovawart, is a German Black Forest breed developed as a guard dog for large estates in the medieval era. They first appeared in history in the early 13th century as heroes who saved the German son of a castle lord, despite being injured themselves. The boy they saved grew up to be a German legend. He wrote the oldest German code of law that remained from medieval times. In it he names the Hovawarts as a dog that if you are responsible for hurting, stealing or killing it, you must pay for it or replace it. No other dog had this protection.

In the late fifteenth century Hovawarts were featured in Heinrich Mynsinger’s “The Five Noble Breeds”. This guard dog breed was esteemed on a level with the hunting dogs – their health a question of life or death for their owner. In the 1500’s the popularity of the breed began to fade. The GSD or German Shepard Dog began to replace the Hovawarts as the preferred guard dog.

By the early 20th century the breed had almost disappeared but were saved by breed enthusiasts in the early 1900’s. Zoologist Kurt Konig was prominent in this effort and went looking in the Black Forest area for dogs working on farms. Using the dogs, he found on these farms, Konig began a breeding program crossing the them with Newfoundland’s, Kuvazoks, Leonbergers, GSD, an African hunting dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

By 1922 the first litter of these pups was entered officially into the German Breeding Registry. In 1937 the Hovawart was recognized by the German Kennel Club. However, many members of the breed died in World War II as they were used widely by the military and not many were left by 1945. Once again breed enthusiasts came to the rescue forming a Coburg Hovawart club. This club still exists and in 1964, for the second time, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. Other countries also began to take notice of this working breed.

The Hovawart has many skills in addition hunting and guarding. The Hovawart does not work for people, he works with them as he is a very independent thinker. He is also good at search and rescue and tracking. An owner of this breed must be stronger, smarter, more alert, intentional and consistent than his Hovawart. These are not dogs for the faint of heart or first-timers.

west highland white terrier - historyThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
United Kingdom
Height Male:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 51 kg
55 - 113 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 49 kg
48 - 109 pounds
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
3 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Hovie
Westie or Westy
Colors Available:
gold and black, gold, blonde
White
Coat:
long dense
‎Double
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

hovawart puppy - descriptionThe Hovawart is a proud and majestic dog and his looks match his character. He looks a bit like the Golden Retriever with a powerful and broad forehead. His skull and muzzle are the same length and his nose is black. His oval eyes are a medium to dark brown and his ears are high set and triangular.

Their chests are strong, broad and deep. The breed has strong legs straight in front with round, strong and compact feet. They are heavy boned with dense, long coats that lie flat and have a slight wave to them. The coat can be black and gold, blond or black.

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes, they are good with children.

Special talents

hovawart dog - characteristicsThey have a great sense of smell and a well-balanced personality.

Adaptability

They are not indoor dogs and should have a yard to run in. They do not tolerate hot weather well. They do great out in the country.

Learning ability

They are intelligent independent thinkers. They lengths well with positive reinforcement.

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

Health Problems

hovawart puppies - health problemsThough their isolation protected them from genetic health issues for centuries, once they were being rejuvenated and mixed with other breeds some common issues began to show up. These include:

  • Underactive thyroid
  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness
  • Osteochondritis – causes joint pain in shoulders mostly
  • Liver Shunts

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hovawart dogs - caringFeed breed specific high quality dry food for puppies. Feed 1-2 cups in 3-4 meals per day

Feeding the adult

Again Feed breed specific high quality dry food for adults. Feed 2-3 cups per day in 1-2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – Stamina

Games and Exercises

The Hovawart needs plenty of exercise. Remember this is a mountain farm dog used to working all the time. Walk or jog with them daily. They can excel at field trials, obedience, search and rescue, agility, flyball, therapy dog, and service dog.

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  4. Maremma Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  5. Sarplaninac vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  6. Mountain View Cur vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  7. Native American Indian Dog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  8. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  9. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  10. Mucuchies vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  11. Shepherd Husky vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovak Cuvac vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  13. Southern Hound vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  14. Taigan vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  15. St. John's Water Dog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  16. Tornjak vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  17. Tibetan Kyi Apso vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  18. Tibetan Mastiff vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  19. Hovawart vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  20. Hovawart vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  21. Hovawart vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  22. Hovawart vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  24. Hovawart vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  25. Hovawart vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Patterdale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier Miniature vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Parson Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Feist vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Sealyham Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Chilean Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds