A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Australian Terrier Versus Hovawart: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Terrier and for the Hovawart. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Terrier or the Hovawart.

Australian Terrier versus Hovawart: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Hovawart is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Hovawart belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Australian Terrier versus Hovawart: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Terrier to the Hovawart based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart

Factor Australian Terrier Hovawart
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 29 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 14 to 16 pounds 55 to 110 pounds
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1250 No Data
Price Range $1050 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 82.4 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Hovawart. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Hovawart is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Terrier is a better pet than the Hovawart. So, you should get the Australian Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart

    Below is a list of where the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are most different:

    • Australian Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Hovawarts are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart

    The Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Terrier versus Hovawart

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart.

    Australian Terriers weigh 14 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Australian Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Terrier versus Hovawart

    The lifespan of Australian Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    Australian Terriers live longer than Hovawarts.

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Australian Terrier

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Australian Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Terrier is 82.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Australian Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart by measuring the temperaments of 17 Australian Terriers and 24 Hovawarts.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Hovawart

    Australian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Terriers shed more than Hovawarts?

    Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Hovawart

    Australian Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Hovawart?

    Australian Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Hovawart?

    Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Hovawarts?

    Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Hovawart

    Australian Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Hovawart?

    Australian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Hovawarts?

    Australian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Hovawarts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Hovawarts?

    Australian Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Hovawart?

    Australian Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Is the Australian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Hovawart?

    Australian Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Terrier or the Hovawart?

    Australian Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Hovawart. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Terrier and the Hovawart better suits you and your family.