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

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Hovawart Versus Pug: Introduction

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

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

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 Pug.

Hovawart versus Pug

Hovawart versus Pug: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Pug is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Pug 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 Pug belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Hovawart versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart to the Pug 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 Pug

Factor Hovawart Pug
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $1875
Average Price No Data $1620
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.

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

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

    Hovawart versus Pug

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Pug

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pugs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pugs are good for new dog owners.
  • Hovawarts are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pugs have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Pug

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug 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 Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Pug are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Pug

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

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

    On the other hand, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Pug

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

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

    Pugs live longer than Hovawarts.

    Hovawart versus Pug

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Pug

    The Hovawart has the same temperament score as the Pug.

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

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 48 Pugs.

    Hovawart versus Pug

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Pug

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Pugs?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Pug

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Pug?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?

    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.

    Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

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

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Pug

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

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Pugs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Pugs?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Pugs 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 Pug vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug

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

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Hovawart versus Collie     Hovawart versus Azawakh     Hovawart versus Norwich Terrier     Hovawart versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Hovawart versus American Water Spaniel     Hovawart versus English Setter     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     Hovawart versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Mudi     Hovawart versus Miniature Pinscher     Hovawart versus Harrier     Hovawart versus Schnoodle     Hovawart versus Mastiff     Hovawart versus Scottish Terrier     Hovawart versus American Hairless Terrier     Hovawart versus Chorkie     Hovawart versus Border Terrier     Hovawart versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Hovawart versus Basset Hound     Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Hovawart versus Peek A Poo     Hovawart versus Kuvasz     Hovawart versus King Shepherd     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Bloodhound     Pug versus German Shepherd Dog     Pug versus Kooikerhondje     Pug versus Papillon     Pug versus Miniature Poodle     Pug versus Puggle     Pug versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pug versus Akita     Pug versus Irish Terrier     Pug versus Cairn Terrier     Pug versus American Water Spaniel     Pug versus Cocker Spaniel     Pug versus Toy Poodle     Pug versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Pug versus Chihuahua     Pug versus Frenchton     Pug versus English Toy Spaniel     Pug versus Bedlington Terrier     Pug versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Pug versus Airedale Terrier     Pug versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pug versus Saint Berdoodle     Pug versus Chorkie     Pug versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pug versus Biewer Terrier     

    Conclusion: Hovawart versus Pug. 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 Pug better suits you and your family.