A Detailed Comparison of the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano.

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Hovawart Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

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

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

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 Spinone Italiano.

Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are similar in size. The Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

Factor Hovawart Spinone Italiano
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
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 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 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 22 to 28 inches
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
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 61 to 86 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1000
Average Price No Data $1180
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 50.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Spinone Italianos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts do not have the tendency to drool. However, Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs. However, Spinone Italianos get along well with other dogs.
  • Hovawarts are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Spinone Italianos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano

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

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

    On the other hand, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano

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

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

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Spinone Italiano

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 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 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 6 Spinone Italianos.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Spinone Italianos?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Spinone Italiano

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Spinone Italiano?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?

    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.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos?

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

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Collie (75 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Collie.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Finnish Lapphund     Hovawart versus Chi-Poo     Hovawart versus Boerboel     Hovawart versus Cockalier     Hovawart versus Frenchton     Hovawart versus Dutch Shepherd     Hovawart versus Dogo Argentino     Hovawart versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Hovawart versus Cockapoo     Hovawart versus American Bulldog     Hovawart versus Scottish Terrier     Hovawart versus Bordoodle     Hovawart versus Harrier     Hovawart versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Hovawart versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Hovawart versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Hovawart versus Shiloh Shepherd     Hovawart versus Dogo Argentino     Hovawart versus Pomapoo     Hovawart versus Mastiff     Hovawart versus Swedish Vallhund     Hovawart versus Chinook     Hovawart versus Border Terrier     Hovawart versus Sussex Spaniel     Hovawart versus Bulldog     

    Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spinone Italiano versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Plott     Spinone Italiano versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Spinone Italiano versus Sheepadoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Affenpinscher     Spinone Italiano versus German Pinscher     Spinone Italiano versus Pomapoo     Spinone Italiano versus Xoloitzcuintli     Spinone Italiano versus Frenchton     Spinone Italiano versus Labradoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spinone Italiano versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Spinone Italiano versus German Pinscher     Spinone Italiano versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Spinone Italiano versus Pomeranian     Spinone Italiano versus Shih Tzu     Spinone Italiano versus Yorkshire Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Spinone Italiano versus Chihuahua     Spinone Italiano versus Dogo Argentino     Spinone Italiano versus Pomapoo     Spinone Italiano versus Morkie     Spinone Italiano versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Spinone Italiano versus Havanese     Spinone Italiano versus Papipoo     

    Conclusion: Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.