Dog breed comparison
Newfoundland vs Leonberger
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Leonberger is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. The Leonberger tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Newfoundland | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 25 inch to 29 inches | 25 to 31 inches |
| Weight | 100 to 150 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Life span | 8 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Newfoundland
From Newfoundland, Canada, where it hauled nets for fishermen and rescued people from the sea. Webbed feet and a water-resistant coat make it a strong swimmer.
It is calm and gentle, and famously good with children.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Cystinuria
- Bloat
The Leonberger
Created in the 1840s by Heinrich Essig, mayor of Leonberg in Germany, to resemble the lion on the town's crest. It was later a farm and draft dog.
It is a gentle giant that often loves water.
Health to watch
- Leonberger polyneuropathy
- Osteosarcoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Hypothyroidism
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to train
The Newfoundland is easier to train than the Leonberger.
Friendly with strangers
The Newfoundland is friendlier with strangers than the Leonberger.
Easy to groom
The Leonberger is easier to groom than the Newfoundland.
First-time owners
The Newfoundland suits first-time owners better than the Leonberger.
Drooling
The Newfoundland drools more than the Leonberger.
Energy
The Leonberger has more energy than the Newfoundland.
Which to choose
Newfoundland or Leonberger?
Choose the Newfoundland if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Choose the Leonberger if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
Questions.
Is the Newfoundland or the Leonberger bigger, and which lives longer?
The Leonberger is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. The Leonberger tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Newfoundland or the Leonberger?
The Newfoundland is generally easier to train than the Leonberger. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Newfoundland or the Leonberger?
The Newfoundland is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Leonberger can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Newfoundland and Leonberger have?
The Newfoundland is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, cystinuria. The Leonberger is prone to Leonberger polyneuropathy, osteosarcoma, hip dysplasia. Both share a risk of bloat. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
