Bracco Italiano versus Leonberger. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bracco Italiano Versus Leonberger: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano or the Leonberger.

Bracco Italiano versus Leonberger: Overview

A very important difference between the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bracco Italiano is a large-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bracco Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Bracco Italiano versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger

Factor Bracco Italiano Leonberger
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 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
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 55 to 90 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2500 $300
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $300 – $300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bracco Italiano is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Bracco Italiano!

    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 Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger

    The Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are most similar:

    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are very playful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Bracco Italiano versus Leonberger

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger.

    Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 inches 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 Bracco Italiano versus Leonberger

    The lifespan of Bracco Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bracco Italianos is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.

    Bracco Italianos live longer than Leonbergers.

    Price of Bracco Italiano versus Price of Leonberger

    The average price of the Bracco Italiano puppy is $2500. The price of the Bracco Italiano typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bracco Italiano and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Bracco Italiano puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Bracco Italiano.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bracco Italiano while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bracco Italianos and in Leonbergers.

    Bracco Italiano Health Problems

    Bracco Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italianos for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bracco Italianos 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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bracco Italiano versus Leonberger

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bracco Italianos shed more than Leonbergers?

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bracco Italiano or the Leonberger

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bracco Italiano or the Leonberger?

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bracco Italiano Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?

    Bracco Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bracco Italiano vs. Leonberger

    Bracco Italianos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano or the Leonberger?

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos and Leonbergers?

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bracco Italiano or the Leonberger?

    Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.