A Detailed Comparison of the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart.

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Bearded Collie Versus Hovawart: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Hovawart.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie or the Hovawart.

Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

Bearded Collie versus Hovawart: Overview

A very important difference between the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Hovawart is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bearded Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Bearded Collie versus Hovawart: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Hovawart

Factor Bearded Collie Hovawart
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 29 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 55 to 110 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $980 No Data
Price Range $575 – $1275 No Data
Temperament Score 56.9 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Hovawart is 78 out of 125.

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

    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 Bearded Collie and the Hovawart so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart

    Below is a list of where the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart are most different:

  • Bearded Collies get along well with other dogs. However, Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Bearded Collies are very easy to train. However, Hovawarts are not easy to train.
  • Bearded Collies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    • The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart

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

  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bearded Collie and the Hovawart.

    Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 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 Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

    The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 years.

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

    Bearded Collies live longer than Hovawarts.

    Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

    Temperament of the Bearded Collie Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Bearded Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Bearded Collie is 56.9 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 56.9 percent, the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Hovawart by measuring the temperaments of 51 Bearded Collies and 24 Hovawarts.

    Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Hovawart

    Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bearded Collies shed more than Hovawarts?

    Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Hovawart

    Bearded Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Hovawart?

    Bearded Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Hovawart?

    Bearded Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Hovawarts?

    Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Hovawart

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bearded Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Hovawart?

    Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Hovawarts?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies and Hovawarts?

    Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Hovawart?

    Bearded Collies are very easy to train.

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Hovawart?

    Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bearded Collie or the Hovawart?

    Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bearded Collie

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bearded Collie that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Bearded Collie:

  • West Highland White Terrier (82 percent match with Bearded Collie). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs West Highland White Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Spanish Mastiff.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Bearded Collie and how the Hovawart compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Bearded Collie and of the Hovawart to other breeds:

    Bearded Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Bearded Collie versus Pomapoo     Bearded Collie versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Bearded Collie versus American Eskimo Dog     Bearded Collie versus Japanese Chin          Bearded Collie versus Yorkipoo     Bearded Collie versus Patterdale Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Aussiedoodle     Bearded Collie versus Leonberger     Bearded Collie versus Stabyhoun     Bearded Collie versus Harrier     Bearded Collie versus Tibetan Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Brittany     Bearded Collie versus Borzoi     Bearded Collie versus Bernedoodle     Bearded Collie versus Gordon Setter     Bearded Collie versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Bearded Collie versus Swedish Vallhund     Bearded Collie versus Bordoodle     Bearded Collie versus Newfoundland     Bearded Collie versus Sheepadoodle     Bearded Collie versus Bull Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Cesky Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Chorkie     Bearded Collie versus Basenji     

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Irish Water Spaniel     Hovawart versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Hovawart versus Fila Brasileiro     Hovawart versus Norfolk Terrier     Hovawart versus Bearded Collie     Hovawart versus Briard     Hovawart versus Vizsla     Hovawart versus Akbash     Hovawart versus German Pinscher     Hovawart versus Fila Brasileiro     Hovawart versus Skye Terrier     Hovawart versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Welsh Terrier     Hovawart versus Tibetan Spaniel     Hovawart versus Basset Hound     Hovawart versus Bullmastiff     Hovawart versus Beaglier     Hovawart versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Hovawart versus Bull Terrier     Hovawart versus Belgian Tervuren     Hovawart versus Lancashire Heeler     Hovawart versus Beagle     Hovawart versus Norwich Terrier     Hovawart versus Chorkie     Hovawart versus Bichon Frise     

    Conclusion: Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Hovawart better suits you and your family.