Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger
- Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Leonberger
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Leonberger
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Leonbergers?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger.
Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1210 | $300 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $300 – $300 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Australian Shepherd!
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 Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are most different:
- Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
- Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. However, Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
- Australian Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Leonbergers are not easy to train.
- Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger
The Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are most similar:
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger are very playful.
Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger.
Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 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 Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Australian Shepherds live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Leonberger
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 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 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $300. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Leonberger.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. 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 Australian Shepherd 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.
Health Problems of Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Australian Shepherd.
7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Leonbergers.
Australian Shepherd Health Problems
Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Leonbergers?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Leonberger
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds and Leonbergers?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Leonberger?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.