Is the Hovawart Better than the Schipperke as a Pet? Answer…

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Hovawart Versus Schipperke: Introduction

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

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

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 Schipperke.

Hovawart versus Schipperke: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Schipperke is a tiny-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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart to the Schipperke 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 Schipperke

Factor Hovawart Schipperke
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 13 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 11 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $900 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1170
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 91.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hips
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • 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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Hovawart is a better pet than the Schipperke. 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 Schipperke so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Schipperke

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Schipperkes adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Schipperke

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Schipperke are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Schipperke

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

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

    On the other hand, Schipperkes weigh 11 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Schipperkes are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Schipperke

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

    The lifespan of Schipperkes is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Schipperkes is 14.0 years.

    Schipperkes live longer than Hovawarts.

    Temperament of the Schipperke Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Schipperke.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Schipperke is 91.5 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 91.5 percent, the Schipperke has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Schipperke by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 130 Schipperkes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Schipperke

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Schipperkes?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Schipperkes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Schipperke

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Schipperkes are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Schipperkes 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 Schipperkes?

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

    Schipperkes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Schipperke

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

    Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Schipperkes?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Schipperke?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Schipperkes are not easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Schipperkes are not the best dogs 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 Schipperke vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Schipperke vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Schipperke

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

  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Lancashire Heeler (74 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Lancashire Heeler.
  • Miniature Pinscher (75 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Shih Tzu     Hovawart versus Spanish Mastiff     Hovawart versus Norwegian Buhund     Hovawart versus Tibetan Spaniel     Hovawart versus Skye Terrier     Hovawart versus Puli     Hovawart versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Boxer     Hovawart versus Alaskan Malamute     Hovawart versus Great Dane     Hovawart versus Schnoodle     Hovawart versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Hovawart versus Cavapoo     Hovawart versus Sheepadoodle     Hovawart versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Hovawart versus Pomsky     Hovawart versus Collie     Hovawart versus Xoloitzcuintli     Hovawart versus Black Mouth Cur     Hovawart versus Shichon     Hovawart versus English Toy Spaniel     Hovawart versus Finnish Lapphund     Hovawart versus German Longhaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Yorkipoo     

    Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Schipperke versus Labradoodle     Schipperke versus English Cocker Spaniel     Schipperke versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Schipperke versus Airedale Terrier     Schipperke versus Tibetan Mastiff     Schipperke versus Bernedoodle     Schipperke versus Bearded Collie     Schipperke versus Lakeland Terrier     Schipperke versus Spinone Italiano     Schipperke versus Mountain Cur     Schipperke versus English Setter     Schipperke versus Sealyham Terrier     Schipperke versus Bloodhound     Schipperke versus Dachshund     Schipperke versus Japanese Chin     Schipperke versus Papipoo     Schipperke versus Shih Tzu     Schipperke versus Shiloh Shepherd     Schipperke versus Kishu Ken     Schipperke versus Fila Brasileiro     Schipperke versus Belgian Sheepdog     Schipperke versus Australian Terrier     Schipperke versus Cockalier     Schipperke versus Rottweiler     Schipperke versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

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