Hovawart vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Hovawart vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed ComparisonEnglish Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Hovawart is originated from Germany. English Springer Spaniel may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Hovawart. English Springer Spaniel may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Hovawart. Both English Springer Spaniel and Hovawart has same life span. Both English Springer Spaniel and Hovawart has almost same litter size. Both English Springer Spaniel and Hovawart requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Germany
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
25 - 51 kg
55 - 113 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
22 - 49 kg
48 - 109 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
springer spaniel ESS
Hovie
Colors Available:
lack or liver (dark brown) with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings Tricolor
gold and black, gold, blonde
Coat:
shorter, coarser
long dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

english springer spanielThe English Springer Spaniel is one of many gun dog breeds that flush and retrieve. They descended from the Shropshire Spaniels and Norfolk Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel is somewhat similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and believe it or not they are also closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In the last century the cockers and springers came from the same parents. The larger dogs flushed game and made game “spring” from the brush while the smaller dogs – the “cockers” would hunt woodcock. Eventually through specific breeding, the UKC of England recognized the “springers” as a separate breed.

Sydenham Edwards, in 1801, proposed that the spaniels be divided into the Springing or Hawking Spaniel and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. From this point on there was a flourish in the development of spaniel breeds in the 19th century. They were usually named for the county in which they were founded or after the individual who developed them. In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC. It was not until 1910 that the AKC recognized them as well.

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

english springer spaniel puppy - descriptionAmong spaniels the English Springer is medium size and well compacted. Both the working dog and the show dog sport moderately long coats and a friendly tail. They both wear a gentle expression in their eyes. But there the commonality stops as the difference between the working English Springer Spaniel and the show line is greater in this breed than in any other. The gene pools have become almost separate over the last 70 years. If you put a field dog in the show ring they would not be able to compete. If you put a show line English Springer in the field, they would not have the stamina or speed for field trials.

The field line has a coarser coat and less pendulous ears. They may dock a few inches off the tail, and they are much scruffier than the show dogs. On the other hand, the show dogs have dewlaps, pendant ears and dangling flews. They are heavier and thicker than the field dog. They have long muzzles, not so prominent eyes and docked tails. The English Springer Spaniel stands tall and proud, coming from an ancient line of Spaniels

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

english springer spaniel dog - characteristicsThe English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who loves to please his people. They are great family dogs, easy-going and affectionate. In addition, they are attentive and alert which makes them such great hunting dogs. With exceptional speed and stamina, he needs activity to stimulate his body and brain. He is very intelligent. That intelligence can lead to stubbornness as well. He’d great with kids and good with other pets with perhaps the exception of cats. The breed is in love with water and will get in at any time.

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

The English Springer Spaniel has a tendency toward issues such as:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

english springer spaniel puppies - health problemsNot an uncommon issue for most medium to smaller sized dogs. It can lead to lameness or arthritis.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Loss of vision due to a deterioration of the retina.

RD - Retinal Dysplasia

Clubs form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness.

Bloat

The twisting or distention of the stomach that effects dogs with deep chests and can lead to death if not treated 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

Feeding

english springer spaniel dogs - caringThe English Springer Spaniel can gain weight easily and obesity is one of the biggest health issues for this breed. Feed them a high quality dry dog food. Working dogs need more energy and more calories than the inactive dog. An active member of the breed should have around 1353 calories every day in at least 2 meals if not 3. Do not feed a large meal before or after strenuous exercise as this can cause bloat.

Health Issues

In addition to the health issues listed above the English Springer Spaniel is also prone to:

PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

This is a genetic condition where the body cannot use the carbohydrates it takes in and convert it to energy. This is identified as a blood disorder.

Epilepsy

Causes seizures but can be treated with medications.

Ear Infections

With longer , droopy ears, infection is always a possibility. Clean them regularly and keep them dry.

Exercise and games

The working English Springer Spaniel is a very energetic dog requiring daily exercise and loving to play. They love walks and hikes. They can excel in competitions such as rally, agility, tracking, field and obedience.

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
  2. Hovawart vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Hovawart vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Hovawart vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hovawart vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  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
  12. Hovawart vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Hovawart vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Hovawart vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Hovawart vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hovawart vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Hovawart vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hovawart vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Hovawart vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Hovawart vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Hovawart vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hovawart vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Hovawart vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Hovawart vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English Springer Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Springer Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Springer Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Springer Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Springer Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Springer Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Springer Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Springer Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English Springer Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Springer Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Springer Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Springer Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Springer Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Springer Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Springer Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Springer Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Springer Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Springer Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Springer Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Springer Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison