Which is Better Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart?

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Hovawart: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Hovawart.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Hovawart: Overview

Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are similar in size. The Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog 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.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Hovawart: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Hovawart
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 29 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 55 to 110 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1430 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1725 No Data
Temperament Score 81.0 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Hovawart is 78 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are most different:

    • Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs. However, Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train. However, Hovawarts are not easy to train.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs 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.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart

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

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Hovawart

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart.

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog versus Hovawart

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.

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

    Hovawarts live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Belgian Sheepdog

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Belgian Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Sheepdog is 81.0 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 81.0 percent, the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart by measuring the temperaments of 516 Belgian Sheepdogs and 24 Hovawarts.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Hovawart

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Hovawarts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Hovawart

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Hovawart?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Hovawart?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Hovawarts?

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

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

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Hovawart

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Hovawart?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Hovawarts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs and Hovawarts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Hovawart?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Hovawart?

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Hovawart?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Hovawart better suits you and your family.