Which is Better between the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo? A Very Detailed Review.

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Hovawart Versus Lagotto Romagnolo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo.

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 Lagotto Romagnolo.

Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Lagotto Romagnolo is a small-sized dog.

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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart to the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo

Factor Hovawart Lagotto Romagnolo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 14 to 17 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 14 to 19 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 24 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.5 years
Price Range No Data $4994 – $5819
Average Price No Data $5210
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Lagotto Storage Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Lagotto Romagnolo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo

    Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are most different:

  • Hovawarts are very easy to groom. However, Lagotto Romagnolos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lagotto Romagnolos weigh 24 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Lagotto Romagnolos are 14 to 19 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo

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

    The lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is between 14 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is 15.5 years.

    Lagotto Romagnolos live longer than Hovawarts.

    Temperament of the Lagotto Romagnolo Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Lagotto Romagnolo.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Lagotto Romagnolo is 75.0 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lagotto Romagnolo has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Lagotto Romagnolo by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 4 Lagotto Romagnolos.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Lagotto Romagnolos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Lagotto Romagnolos?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Lagotto Romagnolos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Lagotto Romagnolo

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lagotto Romagnolos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Lagotto Romagnolos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    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.

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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.

    Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Lagotto Romagnolos?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lagotto Romagnolos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Lagotto Romagnolo

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Lagotto Romagnolos?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Lagotto Romagnolos?

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Lagotto Romagnolos are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lagotto Romagnolos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Lagotto Romagnolo?

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Lagotto Romagnolos are very good 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:

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lagotto Romagnolo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo:

  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Lagotto Romagnolo). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (77 percent match with Lagotto Romagnolo). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Skye Terrier     Hovawart versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Hovawart versus Miniature Poodle     Hovawart versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Hovawart versus Dalmatian     Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer     Hovawart versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Toy Fox Terrier     Hovawart versus Plott     Hovawart versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Hovawart versus Chinook     Hovawart versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Hovawart versus Field Spaniel     Hovawart versus Shichon     Hovawart versus Cesky Terrier     Hovawart versus Bull Terrier     Hovawart versus Australian Cattle Dog     Hovawart versus Lancashire Heeler     Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer     Hovawart versus Miniature Poodle     Hovawart versus Cavachon     Hovawart versus Shih Tzu     Hovawart versus Labradoodle     Hovawart versus Boxerdoodle     

    Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lagotto Romagnolo versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Maltipoo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Carolina Dog     Lagotto Romagnolo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Boxer     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Golden Retriever     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Boston Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Karelian Bear Dog     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Dalmatian     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Borzoi     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Vizsla     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Maltese     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mastiff     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Belgian Malinois     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Keeshond     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Stabyhoun     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Lancashire Heeler     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Papillon     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Boxer     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Doberman Pinscher     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Kerry Blue Terrier     

    Conclusion: Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo better suits you and your family.