Hovawart vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Hovawart vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonAppenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Hovawart is originated from Germany. Appenzell Mountain Dog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Hovawart. Appenzell Mountain Dog may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Hovawart. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Hovawart has same life span. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Hovawart has almost same litter size. Appenzell Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Hovawart requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Switzerland
Germany
Height Male:
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
25 - 51 kg
55 - 113 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
22 - 49 kg
48 - 109 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Hovie
Colors Available:
Black, white, tan
gold and black, gold, blonde
Coat:
Shortish, straight hair, dense
long dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

appenzell mountain dogHailing from the Appenzell region of Switzerland and known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde, this athletic breed of dog has a history which is debatable and which has several theories.

It is believed the dog is descended from Molossus.The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is one of the 4 recognized Swiss Sennenhunds, appearing to have descended from cattle dogs. The first breed club was founded in 1906 by Albert Heim. However, an early reference to the breed's predecessors was made in a book of 1853, where it refers to dogs in the Appenzell region.

In 1898 the Appenzeller Mountain Dog was shown at the first international dog show and was recognized internationally as a separate breed in 1989.

hovawartThe 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.

Description

appenzell mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Appenzell Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog standing at between 47–58cm at the withers and weighing in at 22–32kg.

He is a heavy-built dog and sports a tri-color coat – black, tan and white. He has a double coat with the topcoat being shortish, thick and straight. He sheds throughout the year and isn’t hypoallergenic. He has small ears which are high set and which are floppy. The tail is long and curls when held high.

Temperament:

The Appenzell is an active breed who has been used to herding, fetching and working. Because of his energy levels, he won’t fit in well in a small home where his energy needs can’t be met. However wherever he is, he bonds closely with his human family and thrives on attention from them.

He isn’t known as an aggressive dog, but if as a working breed, he felt that the livestock he was guarding was under threat, he could exhibit some aggressiveness.

He gets on well with children in the home and other pets but is inclined to be wary of strangers. Just as with any other dog, training and socialization does wonders for him, making him relaxed and obedient around people and dogs.

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.

Characteristics

appenzell mountain dog dog - characteristicsHerding dogs tend to be independent and somewhat reserved but the Appenzell Mountain Dog is social, outgoing and loving with his human family. When trained and socialized he gets on well with other pets as well as children in the home.

He is a working dog, and thrives on being active, so a good amount of exercise will be necessary. He is a courageous, affectionate dog and when you give him the right upbringing and treat him as he deserves to be treated, he becomes a splendid pet.

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.

Health Problems

appenzell mountain dog puppies - health problemsThere are some health problems with dogs which are inherited. It is why some people insist on getting certificates from breeders to show that the parents were cleared of certain diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

Certainly, it’s a known fact that many health problems can be prevented by the way you feed your dog and the way you raise him.

If you suspect your pet is suffering with an ailment that is making him lethargic and run-down, get him to the vet immediately.

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

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

appenzell mountain dog dogs - caringYou want your Appenzell Mountain Dog to maintain his thick shiny coat, and because he sheds throughout the year, a good brushing twice a week will benefit him.

Dogs with hanging ears, such as this dog, are always more prone to ear infections, requiring more attention to the inside of the ears. Clean, dry ears resist ear infections.

The nails of the dog should also be trimmed when they become too long.

Exercise:

The Appenzeller is a working dog, used to being active all day, so he will require a lot of exercise. He just loves being outdoors, and while he adapts to city- and country life, he will prefer living in the country. Take him for walks, play ball with him and allow him to run with you when you go jogging or cycling.

Diet:

A young adult Appenzeller Sennenhunde will require a different calorie intake compared to a dog that has been spayed or neutered or a puppy that is still growing. You need to watch your dog’s age, his size and the particular season of his life he is in and adjust his food intake.

Kibble is good and well, and there are excellent brands packed with nutrients, but your furry friend will require brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat added in when possible.

An excellent diet is important for the wellbeing of your pet, and always ensure that fresh, cool water is available.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Hovawart vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  7. Hovawart vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Hovawart vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hovawart vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hovawart vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hovawart vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  17. Hovawart vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. Hovawart vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison