Which is Better between the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger? A Very Detailed Review.

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Carolina Dog Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Leonberger.

Carolina Dog versus Leonberger

Carolina Dog versus Leonberger: Overview

A very important difference between the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Carolina Dog versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Leonberger

Factor Carolina Dog Leonberger
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $500 $870
Price Range $500 – $500 $300 – $1150
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 96.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather. However, Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Carolina Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger are not easy to train.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Leonberger

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Leonberger.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Leonberger

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Carolina Dogs live longer than Leonbergers.

    Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Leonberger

    The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 25 Leonbergers.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Leonberger

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog 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 Leonberger is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Leonberger
    Average Price $500 $870
    Price Range $500 to $500 $300 to $1150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina Dog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Leonberger

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Leonbergers?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Leonberger

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Leonberger?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Leonberger

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Leonberger?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Leonbergers?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • 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:

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Leonberger to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Komondor     Carolina Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Carolina Dog versus Bullmastiff     Carolina Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Carolina Dog versus Cockalier     Carolina Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Carolina Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Black Mouth Cur     Carolina Dog versus Kai Ken     Carolina Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Boerboel     Carolina Dog versus Puli     Carolina Dog versus American Bulldog     Carolina Dog versus Spanish Mastiff     Carolina Dog versus Plott     Carolina Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Carolina Dog versus Chinook     Carolina Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Carolina Dog versus Goldendoodle     Carolina Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Carolina Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Carolina Dog versus Borzoi     Carolina Dog versus King Shepherd     Carolina Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Biewer Terrier     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Cocker Spaniel     Leonberger versus Bich Poo     Leonberger versus Mountain Cur     Leonberger versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Leonberger versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Collie     Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel     Leonberger versus Saluki     Leonberger versus Azawakh     Leonberger versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Leonberger versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Leonberger versus Harrier     Leonberger versus Shih Tzu     Leonberger versus Saint Berdoodle     Leonberger versus Newfoundland     Leonberger versus Schnoodle     Leonberger versus Swedish Vallhund     Leonberger versus Australian Terrier     Leonberger versus Scottish Terrier     Leonberger versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Leonberger versus Dachshund     Leonberger versus Australian Cattle Dog     Leonberger versus Giant Schnauzer     Leonberger versus Boston Terrier     Leonberger versus Shih Tzu     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.