Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chow Chow Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Chow Chow versus Leonberger: Overview
- Chow Chow versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chow Chow and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Chow Chow versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Leonberger
- Price of Chow Chow versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Chow Chow versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Chow Chow versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chow Chow versus Leonberger
- Do Chow Chows shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Leonberger?
- Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Leonberger
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the Leonberger?
- Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Leonbergers?
- Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chow Chow versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chow Chow Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow or the Leonberger.
Chow Chow versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Chow Chow and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chow Chow is a large-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Chow Chow and the Leonberger are Working Dogs. This means both the Chow Chow 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.
Chow Chow versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Leonberger
| Factor | Chow Chow | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1750 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2500 | $300 – $1150 |
| Temperament Score | 71.7 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chow Chow is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Chow Chow!
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 Chow Chow and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chow Chow and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Chow Chow and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Leonberger
The Chow Chow and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chow Chow and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chow Chow and the Leonberger.
Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 to 20 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 Chow Chow versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Chow Chows live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Leonberger
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chow Chow is 71.7 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 71.7 percent, the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 99 Chow Chows and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Chow Chow versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Chow Chow puppy is $1750. The price of the Chow Chow typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. However, the price of a Chow Chow can be as low as $400 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 156 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Chow Chow | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1750 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2500 | $300 to $1150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Chow Chow and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Chow Chow puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows. 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chow Chow is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chow Chow is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chow Chow
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Chow Chow Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 70 | 98 |
| 2014 | 70 | 104 |
| 2015 | 73 | 93 |
| 2016 | 74 | 95 |
| 2017 | 76 | 100 |
| 2018 | 75 | 93 |
| 2019 | 77 | 95 |
| 2020 | 84 | 98 |
Health Problems of Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Chow Chow.
6 health tests are recommended for Chow Chow while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chow Chows and in Leonbergers.
Chow Chow Health Problems
Chow Chows are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chows for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Breed is Elbow problems.
This is because the Chow Chow ranks 1 out of 144 dog breeds for Elbow problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1393 Chow Chows, 693 of them had Elbow problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chow Chows, and how common these diseases are in Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chow Chow and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Chow Chow Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow problems | 1 out of 144 dog breeds | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 3 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 15 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 36 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 88 out of 115 dog breeds | 38 out of 115 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 |
| 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: Chow Chow versus Leonberger
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Chow Chows shed more than Leonbergers?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Leonberger
Chow Chows drool moderately.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Leonberger?
Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Leonberger
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the Leonberger?
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows and Leonbergers?
Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chow Chow or the Leonberger?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow:
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 Chow Chow and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chow Chow and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chow Chow versus Pomapoo Chow Chow versus Borzoi Chow Chow versus Redbone Coonhound Chow Chow versus Chinook Chow Chow versus Saluki Chow Chow versus Mudi Chow Chow versus French Bulldog Chow Chow versus Labradoodle Chow Chow versus Mastiff Chow Chow versus Manchester Terrier Chow Chow versus Belgian Tervuren Chow Chow versus Pyrenean Shepherd Chow Chow versus Westiepoo Chow Chow versus Boykin Spaniel Chow Chow versus Collie Chow Chow versus Tibetan Terrier Chow Chow versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Chow Chow versus Cocker Spaniel Chow Chow versus Shiranian Chow Chow versus Boerboel Chow Chow versus French Bulldog Chow Chow versus Tibetan Spaniel Chow Chow versus Doberman Pinscher Chow Chow versus American Eskimo Dog
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Labrador Retriever Leonberger versus Cairn Terrier Leonberger versus Briard Leonberger versus Maremma Sheepdog Leonberger versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Chi-Poo Leonberger versus Scottish Deerhound Leonberger versus Aussiedoodle Leonberger versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Leonberger versus Scottish Deerhound Leonberger versus Sheepadoodle Leonberger versus Cesky Terrier Leonberger versus Basset Hound Leonberger versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Leonberger versus Pointer Leonberger versus Australian Terrier Leonberger versus West Highland White Terrier Leonberger versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Leonberger versus Scottish Terrier Leonberger versus Bich Poo Leonberger versus West Highland White Terrier Leonberger versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Leonberger versus German Wirehaired Pointer Leonberger versus Borzoi Leonberger versus Pyredoodle
Conclusion: Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.