Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Airedale Terrier Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger: Overview
- Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Airedale Terrier
- Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Airedale Terrier versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger
- Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger?
- Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Leonberger
- Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger?
- Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Leonbergers?
- Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Airedale Terrier Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger? 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 Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger 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 Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger 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 Airedale Terrier and for the Leonberger. 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 Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger.
Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Leonberger 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.
Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Leonberger 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 Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger
| Factor | Airedale Terrier | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 13 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1360 | $870 |
| Price Range | $950 – $1800 | $300 – $1150 |
| Temperament Score | 78.2 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 57 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 Leonberger. 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 Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Airedale Terrier is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Airedale Terrier!
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 Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger
The Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger.
Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Airedale Terriers live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Airedale Terrier
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Airedale Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Airedale Terrier is 78.2 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 78.2 percent, the Airedale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 110 Airedale Terriers and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1360. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $950 – $1800. However, the price of a Airedale Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $3135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 282 Airedale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Airedale Terrier is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Airedale Terrier | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1360 | $870 |
| Price Range | $950 to $1800 | $300 to $1150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Airedale Terrier and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Airedale Terrier puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Airedale Terrier puppy or the Leonberger puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Airedale Terrier versus Popularity of Leonberger
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Airedale Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Airedale Terrier is 57 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Airedale Terrier
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Airedale Terrier Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 56 | 98 |
| 2014 | 57 | 104 |
| 2015 | 53 | 93 |
| 2016 | 55 | 95 |
| 2017 | 55 | 100 |
| 2018 | 60 | 93 |
| 2019 | 60 | 95 |
| 2020 | 62 | 98 |
Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Leonberger
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Leonberger is prone to more genetic health problems than the Airedale Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Airedale Terrier.
5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Leonbergers.
Airedale Terrier Health Problems
Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Airedale Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.
Leonberger Health Problems
Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Leonbergers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Airedale Terriers and Leonbergers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Airedale Terrier Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the Airedale Terrier ranks 17 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Airedale Terriers, 2 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Airedale Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Airedale Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Leonberger Breed is Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
This is because the Leonberger ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1600 Leonbergers, 22 of them had Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Leonbergers, and how common these diseases are in Leonbergers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Airedale Terrier and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Airedale Terrier Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 17 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 29 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 44 out of 144 dog breeds | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 107 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 34 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 41 out of 49 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger
Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Leonbergers?
Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger
Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger?
Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Airedale Terriers 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.
Leonbergers 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 Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Leonberger
Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger?
Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Leonbergers?
Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Leonberger?
Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Airedale Terrier and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Airedale Terrier and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Airedale Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier Airedale Terrier versus Australian Kelpie Airedale Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Airedale Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai Airedale Terrier versus Komondor Airedale Terrier versus Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier versus Chi-Poo Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog Airedale Terrier versus Goldador Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer Airedale Terrier versus Coton de Tulear Airedale Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel Airedale Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren Airedale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Airedale Terrier versus Border Terrier Airedale Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Airedale Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Airedale Terrier versus Spinone Italiano Airedale Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai Airedale Terrier versus Gordon Setter Airedale Terrier versus Cockalier Airedale Terrier versus Samoyed Airedale Terrier versus Bolognese Airedale Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Airedale Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Newfoundland Leonberger versus Morkie Leonberger versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Leonberger versus Kooikerhondje Leonberger versus Affenpinscher Leonberger versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Leonberger versus Finnish Spitz Leonberger versus Italian Greyhound Leonberger versus Bluetick Coonhound Leonberger versus Welsh Terrier Leonberger versus Estrela Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Welsh Terrier Leonberger versus German Longhaired Pointer Leonberger versus Great Dane Leonberger versus Dutch Shepherd Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel Leonberger versus French Spaniel Leonberger versus Welsh Terrier Leonberger versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Leonberger versus Scottish Terrier Leonberger versus Portuguese Pointer Leonberger versus Morkie Leonberger versus Lancashire Heeler Leonberger versus American Hairless Terrier Leonberger versus Rottweiler
Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger. 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 Airedale Terrier and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.