Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chinook Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Chinook versus Leonberger: Overview
- Chinook versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinook and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Chinook versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Chinook Versus the Leonberger
- The Popularity of Chinook versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Chinook versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Leonberger
- Do Chinooks shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Chinook or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Leonberger?
- Does the Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Leonberger
- Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinook or the Leonberger?
- Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Chinooks and Leonbergers?
- Is the Chinook Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chinook versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chinook Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook or the Leonberger.
Chinook versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Chinook and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chinook is a large-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Chinook and the Leonberger are Working Dogs. This means both the Chinook and the Leonberger 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.
Chinook versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Leonberger
| Factor | Chinook | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 70 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $300 – $1150 |
| Average Price | No Data | $870 |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 177 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinook 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 Chinook is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinook is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Chinook!
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 Chinook and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinook and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Chinook and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Leonberger
The Chinook and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinook and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinook and the Leonberger.
Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 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 Chinook versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Chinooks is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chinooks is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Chinooks live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Chinook Versus the Leonberger
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Chinook.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 9 Chinooks and 25 Leonbergers.
The Popularity of Chinook 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 Chinook and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Leonberger is more popular with dog owners than the Chinook. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Chinook is 177 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chinook
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Chinook Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 156 | 98 |
| 2014 | 171 | 104 |
| 2015 | 177 | 93 |
| 2016 | 175 | 95 |
| 2017 | 179 | 100 |
| 2018 | 190 | 93 |
| 2019 | 184 | 95 |
| 2020 | 186 | 98 |
Health Problems of Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Chinook.
3 health tests are recommended for Chinook while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chinooks and in Leonbergers.
Chinook Health Problems
Chinooks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinook 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 Chinook puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinook 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 Chinooks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinooks 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 Chinooks 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 Chinook Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Chinook ranks 5 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 52 Chinooks, 5 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinooks, and how common these diseases are in Chinooks 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 Chinook and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chinook and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Chinook Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 5 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 63 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 82 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 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 |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 74 out of 144 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: Chinook versus Leonberger
Chinooks do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Chinooks shed more than Leonbergers?
Chinooks 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 Chinook or the Leonberger
Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Leonberger?
Chinooks require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Chinooks have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Chinooks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Leonberger
Chinooks do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chinooks can tolerate hot weather.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinook or the Leonberger?
Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Chinooks 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 Chinooks and Leonbergers?
Chinooks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Chinook Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Chinooks are very easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Chinook Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinook or the Leonberger?
Chinooks 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 Chinook
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinook 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 Chinook:
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 Chinook and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinook and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Chinook Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chinook versus Belgian Tervuren Chinook versus Plott Chinook versus Redbone Coonhound Chinook versus Boerboel Chinook versus Australian Terrier Chinook versus Pyredoodle Chinook versus Pomapoo Chinook versus German Shepherd Dog Chinook versus Mountain Cur Chinook versus Australian Cattle Dog Chinook versus Brittany Chinook versus Morkie Chinook versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Chinook versus Chorkie Chinook versus American Eskimo Dog Chinook versus Chi-Poo Chinook versus German Wirehaired Pointer Chinook versus Shiranian Chinook versus Chorkie Chinook versus Saint Berdoodle Chinook versus Pekingese Chinook versus Chinese Crested Chinook versus Finnish Lapphund Chinook versus Italian Greyhound Chinook versus Brussels Griffon
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Bolognese Leonberger versus Carolina Dog Leonberger versus King Shepherd Leonberger versus Kerry Blue Terrier Leonberger versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Leonberger versus Pomchi Leonberger versus Sealyham Terrier Leonberger versus Briard Leonberger versus English Springer Spaniel Leonberger versus Pomsky Leonberger versus Manchester Terrier Leonberger versus Carolina Dog Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Chorkie Leonberger versus English Springer Spaniel Leonberger versus Kishu Ken Leonberger versus German Shorthaired Pointer Leonberger versus Dogo Argentino Leonberger versus Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Afador Leonberger versus Redbone Coonhound Leonberger versus Collie Leonberger versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Leonberger versus Gordon Setter
Conclusion: Chinook 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 Chinook and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.