Hovawart vs Dalmatian
Compare Hovawart and Dalmatian side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Hovawart
Dalmatian
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
58 – 70 cm
54 – 61 cm
Weight
25 – 50 kg
34 – 32 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 13 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
2/5
1/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
4/5
2/5
Characteristics
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
Dalmatian
Great with kids
High energy
Low grooming
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
About Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a medium, athletic dog with a short white coat and distinct black or liver spots. Originally a carriage and guard dog, it is energetic, intelligent, and needs far more exercise than average. Loyal and people‑oriented, it may struggle when left alone and is prone to deafness and urinary stones.
Similar breeds
More breeds