Comparison: Golden Retriever and Hovawart

Golden Retriever and Hovawart are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Golden Retriever
Photo: Pete Markham from Loretto, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Hovawart
Photo: Zelda666, Public domain, source
Golden RetrieverHovawart
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomGermany
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers51–61 cm58–70 cm
Weight25–34 kg25–40 kg
Life span10–12 years10–14 years
Recognition features
  • Medium-long golden to cream coat with feathering
  • Gentle head, dark eyes and drop ears
  • Level back and feathered tail
  • Long slightly wavy coat in black, black-and-tan or blond
  • Strong but refined build
  • Well-feathered tail carried low
CoatMedium-long flat or wavy, water-repellent coat.Long, slightly wavy coat; black, black-and-tan, blond.
PurposeDeveloped by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland in the 19th century as a retriever of waterfowl.A German farm guard dog recreated in the 20th century after medieval yard-guarding dogs.

Breed page: Golden Retriever · Breed page: Hovawart

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.