Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Doberman Pinscher Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger: Overview
- Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Doberman Pinscher
- Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Leonberger
- Adopting the Doberman Pinscher versus Adopting the Leonberger
- The Popularity of Doberman Pinscher versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Doberman Pinscher versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger?
- Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger
- Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Leonberger
- How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Leonbergers?
- Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger
- Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger?
- Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Doberman Pinscher
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Doberman Pinscher Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger
Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger are Working Dogs. This means both the Doberman Pinscher 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.
Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher 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.
| Factor | Doberman Pinscher | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 13 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 80 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1910 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1100 – $2500 | $300 – $1150 |
| Temperament Score | 79.5 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 15 | 97 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Doberman Pinscher 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 a Doberman Pinscher is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Doberman Pinscher is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Doberman Pinscher!
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 Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger
The Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger.
Doberman Pinschers weigh 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Doberman Pinschers are 24 to 28 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.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Doberman Pinscher
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Doberman Pinscher.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Doberman Pinscher is 79.5 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 they 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 79.5 percent, the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 1780 Doberman Pinschers and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher 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 a 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 Doberman Pinscher is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Doberman Pinscher | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1910 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1100 to $2500 | $300 to $1150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Doberman Pinscher and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Doberman Pinscher puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Doberman Pinscher versus Adopting the Leonberger
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Doberman Pinschers and many Leonbergers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Doberman Pinscher named Whiskey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Doberman Pinschers like Whiskey on pefinder.com.
Also, like Doberman Pinschers, Leonbergers are also available for adoption. For example, Yoshi is a Male Leonberger that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Leonbergers like Yoshi that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Seymour is the name of another Doberman Pinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Doberman Pinschers and Leonbergers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Doberman Pinscher is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Doberman Pinscher is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Doberman Pinscher
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Doberman Pinscher Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 98 |
| 2014 | 14 | 104 |
| 2015 | 14 | 93 |
| 2016 | 15 | 95 |
| 2017 | 16 | 100 |
| 2018 | 17 | 93 |
| 2019 | 19 | 95 |
| 2020 | 18 | 98 |
Health Problems of Doberman Pinscher versus Health Problems of Leonberger
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Doberman Pinscher.
6 health tests are recommended for Doberman Pinscher while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Doberman Pinschers and in Leonbergers.
Doberman Pinscher Health Problems
Doberman Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinschers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher Breed is Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems.
This is because the Doberman Pinscher ranks 1 out of 3 dog breeds for Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 562 Doberman Pinschers, 37 of them had Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Doberman Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Doberman Pinscher Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems | 1 out of 3 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Von Willebrands problems | 1 out of 15 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 26 out of 71 dog breeds | 34 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 26 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 40 out of 49 dog breeds | 41 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 45 out of 115 dog breeds | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 53 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 75 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 133 out of 144 dog breeds | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 147 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 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 |
*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.
Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger?
Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Doberman Pinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger
Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Leonberger
Doberman Pinschers 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.
Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger?
Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Leonbergers?
Doberman Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Leonbergers?
Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger
Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Doberman Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Leonberger?
Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Doberman Pinscher
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher:
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 Doberman Pinscher and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Doberman Pinscher and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds
Doberman Pinscher versus Hovawart Doberman Pinscher versus Pomsky Doberman Pinscher versus Siberian Husky Doberman Pinscher versus Puggle Doberman Pinscher versus Dogue de Bordeaux Doberman Pinscher versus Bouvier des Flandres Doberman Pinscher versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Retriever Doberman Pinscher versus Saint Bernard Doberman Pinscher versus Chow Chow
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Kuvasz Leonberger versus Beaglier Leonberger versus Tibetan Spaniel Leonberger versus Lhasapoo Leonberger versus Giant Schnauzer Leonberger versus Pomeranian Leonberger versus Peek A Poo Leonberger versus Neapolitan Mastiff Leonberger versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.