Hovawart vs Kishu - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Hovawart vs Kishu - Breed ComparisonHovawart is originated from Germany but Kishu is originated from Japan. Hovawart may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Kishu. Hovawart may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Kishu. Both Hovawart and Kishu has almost same life span. Both Hovawart and Kishu has almost same litter size. Hovawart requires Low maintenance. But Kishu requires Moderate maintenance

History

hovawart - historyThe Hovawart, is a German Black Forest breed developed as a guard dog for large estates in the medieval era. They first appeared in history in the early 13th century as heroes who saved the German son of a castle lord, despite being injured themselves. The boy they saved grew up to be a German legend. He wrote the oldest German code of law that remained from medieval times. In it he names the Hovawarts as a dog that if you are responsible for hurting, stealing or killing it, you must pay for it or replace it. No other dog had this protection.

In the late fifteenth century Hovawarts were featured in Heinrich Mynsinger’s “The Five Noble Breeds”. This guard dog breed was esteemed on a level with the hunting dogs – their health a question of life or death for their owner. In the 1500’s the popularity of the breed began to fade. The GSD or German Shepard Dog began to replace the Hovawarts as the preferred guard dog.

By the early 20th century the breed had almost disappeared but were saved by breed enthusiasts in the early 1900’s. Zoologist Kurt Konig was prominent in this effort and went looking in the Black Forest area for dogs working on farms. Using the dogs, he found on these farms, Konig began a breeding program crossing the them with Newfoundland’s, Kuvazoks, Leonbergers, GSD, an African hunting dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

By 1922 the first litter of these pups was entered officially into the German Breeding Registry. In 1937 the Hovawart was recognized by the German Kennel Club. However, many members of the breed died in World War II as they were used widely by the military and not many were left by 1945. Once again breed enthusiasts came to the rescue forming a Coburg Hovawart club. This club still exists and in 1964, for the second time, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. Other countries also began to take notice of this working breed.

The Hovawart has many skills in addition hunting and guarding. The Hovawart does not work for people, he works with them as he is a very independent thinker. He is also good at search and rescue and tracking. An owner of this breed must be stronger, smarter, more alert, intentional and consistent than his Hovawart. These are not dogs for the faint of heart or first-timers.

kishu - historyThe Kishu is a Spitz type hunting dog that originates from Japan. Many people believe he is a descendant of the wolf. Those who have studied the dog say that it has kept its genetic purity and that there has been very little cross breeding with other dogs.

The Kishu is also known as the Kumano Ken, a name given after the area the dog originated from. The breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, and is known as the Kishu Ken. In 1934 the dog was also designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and is protected by law.

The dog is also included in the group ‘Asian Spitz and Related Breeds’ class of primitive dogs.

Description

hovawart puppy - descriptionThe Hovawart is a proud and majestic dog and his looks match his character. He looks a bit like the Golden Retriever with a powerful and broad forehead. His skull and muzzle are the same length and his nose is black. His oval eyes are a medium to dark brown and his ears are high set and triangular.

Their chests are strong, broad and deep. The breed has strong legs straight in front with round, strong and compact feet. They are heavy boned with dense, long coats that lie flat and have a slight wave to them. The coat can be black and gold, blond or black.

kishu puppy - descriptionThe Kishu is a medium sized dog standing between 43 – 56cm in height and weight is between 14 – 27kg.

He has a short, straight double coat which can be white, red or brindle. The dog has minimal shedding, making him an easy dog to groom.

The nose of the dog is black, but particularly with the white coated dogs, the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The ears are erect and pointed forwards and the tail is carried slightly curved over the dog's back.

Temperament:

The docile Kishu is no pushover and he is a strong minded, courageous dog. He is also an amicable dog breed, getting on well with his human family as well as with other dogs in the home.

He is somewhat aloof and reserved around strangers. Even though he is a docile dog, it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he can be obedient and balanced in all situations.

He is intelligent and learns easily. An interesting aspect with the Kishu Ken is that he likes to take in everything going on from a vantage point, often seeking out a higher spot from where he can look about.

Kishu Kens like to keep an eye on whatever is going on, and sometimes he looks for a high place so that he can survey everything. They can be aloof or shy around strangers.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes, they are good with children.

Special talents

hovawart dog - characteristicsThey have a great sense of smell and a well-balanced personality.

Adaptability

They are not indoor dogs and should have a yard to run in. They do not tolerate hot weather well. They do great out in the country.

Learning ability

They are intelligent independent thinkers. They lengths well with positive reinforcement.

kishu dog - characteristicsThe Kishu is a hardy dog breed known for his exceptional hunting instincts and loyalty. He is a brave, clever, playful, tenacious dog eager to please his master.

He isn’t so much a hunting dog anymore but is essentially a companion dog, bonding closely with his human family. He will get on well with children and pets in the home, but more so when he has been trained and socialized.

Apart from making a splendid companion, the Kishu promises to be an excellent guard dog to anyone who threatens his human family.

Health Problems

hovawart puppies - health problemsThough their isolation protected them from genetic health issues for centuries, once they were being rejuvenated and mixed with other breeds some common issues began to show up. These include:

  • Underactive thyroid
  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness
  • Osteochondritis – causes joint pain in shoulders mostly
  • Liver Shunts

kishu puppies - health problemsBefore you bring a new puppy or rescue dog into your home, you must be prepared for the responsibility of a dog. If you're just simply looking for a watchdog to stick into your backyard, you're being cruel.

A dog is a social creature and you need to spend time with them and care for them. Sometimes he can get sick and then you may need to get him to the vet.

Some of the illnesses your Kishu can get will be easily treatable, while others may be life-threatening and require surgery.

The health of your dog will depend a lot on the food you provide it with as well as your lifestyle. Common dog health problems can range from typical eye- and ear infections to bloat, hip dysplasia and cancers.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone which can lead to other health problems such as tiredness and weight gain. A daily thyroid pill from the vet can help sort this issue out.

Arthritis:

This is a common health problem, seen more in older dogs. Your once active dog will move around slower and battle to stand up after lying down.

Arthritis can’t be cured but you can alleviate the pain and suffering. Your vet will tell you that diet and nutrition are important factors to ward off arthritis in the first place.

If your dog has arthritis and is in pain, get him to your vet who can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.

Kennel Cough:

This is a respiratory infection which can be transmitted from one dog to another. You’ll notice coughing, tiredness, runny nose and watery eyes and loss of appetite. Take him to your vet who will know what to do to speed up recovery for your pet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hovawart dogs - caringFeed breed specific high quality dry food for puppies. Feed 1-2 cups in 3-4 meals per day

Feeding the adult

Again Feed breed specific high quality dry food for adults. Feed 2-3 cups per day in 1-2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – Stamina

Games and Exercises

The Hovawart needs plenty of exercise. Remember this is a mountain farm dog used to working all the time. Walk or jog with them daily. They can excel at field trials, obedience, search and rescue, agility, flyball, therapy dog, and service dog.

Grooming:

kishu dogs - caringThe Kishu will need to be brushed twice a week to keep the coat free of dust and loose hairs. Their ears should be checked regularly too for wax build up and dirt as ear infections are a common dog illness.

Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Take him regularly to have his teeth cleaned because dental problems can put his entire body at risk for disease.

Exercise:

The Kishu needs a good sized garden to roam. He is best suited to country life because he needs regular exercise. If he lives in the city, put him on a leash and take him for walks.

Diet:

Apart from exercise, good food is imperative as nutritious food contributes to longevity. Top quality food and the right size portions can ensure lean, energetic, happy, healthy dogs.

Take trouble to understand the ingredients listed on the commercial dog food packaging. Generally the low quality, processed commercial foods are inflammatory.

Even if you go for the top brand kibble, don’t just provide your pet with dry kibble night after night. Mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Remember too, that fresh whole foods such as vegetables have live enzymes and are packed full of fiber which is so necessary for digestion. A good diet with fresh, cool water is guaranteed to provide an excellent dimension to your pet’s health.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
Japan
Height Male:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 51 kg
55 - 113 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 49 kg
48 - 109 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
2 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hovie
Kumano Ken, Kishu Ken
Colors Available:
gold and black, gold, blonde
White, red or brindle
Coat:
long dense
Short, straight and dense double-coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  9. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  10. Russo-European Laika vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  11. Ryukyu Inu vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  12. Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  13. Serbian Mountain Hound vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  14. Shiba Inu vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  15. Sulimov vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  16. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  17. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  18. Standard Schnauzer vs Kishu - Breed Comparison
  19. Kishu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  20. Kishu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  21. Kishu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  22. Kishu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  23. Kishu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  24. Kishu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  25. Kishu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  29. Maremma Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  30. Sarplaninac vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  31. Mountain View Cur vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  32. Native American Indian Dog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  33. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  34. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  35. Mucuchies vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  36. Shepherd Husky vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  37. Slovak Cuvac vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  38. Southern Hound vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  39. Taigan vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  40. St. John's Water Dog vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  41. Tornjak vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  42. Tibetan Kyi Apso vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  43. Tibetan Mastiff vs Hovawart - Breed Comparison
  44. Hovawart vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  45. Hovawart vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  46. Hovawart vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  47. Hovawart vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  49. Hovawart vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  50. Hovawart vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds