Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Hovawart Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction
- Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever: Overview
- Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever
- The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever
- Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever
- Lifespan of Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever
- Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Hovawart
- Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever
- Do Hovawarts shed more than Labrador Retrievers?
- Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever?
- Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?
- Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?
- Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Labrador Retriever
- Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever?
- Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?
- How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Labrador Retrievers?
- Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
Hovawart Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever? 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 Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever 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 Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever 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 Hovawart and for the Labrador Retriever. 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 Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever.
Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever: Overview
Both the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever are similar in size. The Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Hovawart to the Labrador Retriever 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 Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever
Factor | Hovawart | Labrador Retriever |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 23 to 29 inches | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Weight | 55 to 110 pounds | 55 to 80 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.0 years |
Price Range | No Data | $850 – $1500 |
Average Price | No Data | $1290 |
Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 92.2 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Hovawart is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the Hovawart!
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 Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever
Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever are most different:
The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever
The Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever.
Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever
The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.
Hovawarts live longer than Labrador Retrievers.
Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Hovawart
The Labrador Retriever has a better temperament than the Hovawart.
This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 percent while the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 842 Labrador Retrievers.
Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever
Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Do Hovawarts shed more than Labrador Retrievers?
Hovawarts shed moderately.
Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever
Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever?
Hovawarts are very easy to groom.
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?
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.
Labrador Retrievers 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?
Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Labrador Retriever
Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever?
Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?
Hovawarts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Labrador Retrievers?
Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?
Hovawarts are not easy to train.
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?
Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.
Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Labrador Retriever?
Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Hovawart and how the Labrador Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Hovawart and of the Labrador Retriever to other breeds:
Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds
Hovawart versus Shichon Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier Hovawart versus Morkie Hovawart versus Cesky Terrier Hovawart versus Pomapoo Hovawart versus Cavachon Hovawart versus Toy Fox Terrier Hovawart versus Kai Ken Hovawart versus Bullmastiff Hovawart versus Pomchi Hovawart versus Basset Hound Hovawart versus Manchester Terrier Hovawart versus Cairn Terrier Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog Hovawart versus American Water Spaniel Hovawart versus Pyredoodle Hovawart versus Bearded Collie Hovawart versus American Eskimo Dog Hovawart versus Saint Bernard Hovawart versus Norwegian Lundehund Hovawart versus Spanish Mastiff Hovawart versus Icelandic Sheepdog Hovawart versus English Springer Spaniel Hovawart versus Boerboel Hovawart versus Welsh Terrier
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Bich Poo Labrador Retriever versus Kai Ken Labrador Retriever versus Irish Wolfhound Labrador Retriever versus Boxerdoodle Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund Labrador Retriever versus Cesky Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd Labrador Retriever versus Berger Picard Labrador Retriever versus Puli Labrador Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli Labrador Retriever versus Briard Labrador Retriever versus Dogo Argentino Labrador Retriever versus Japanese Spitz Labrador Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro Labrador Retriever versus Toy Fox Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres Labrador Retriever versus Bernese Mountain Dog Labrador Retriever versus Tibetan Mastiff Labrador Retriever versus Shih Tzu Labrador Retriever versus Lhasapoo Labrador Retriever versus Frenchton Labrador Retriever versus Great Pyrenees Labrador Retriever versus Bich Poo Labrador Retriever versus Doberman Pinscher
Conclusion: Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever. 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 Hovawart and the Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.