A Detailed Comparison of the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger.

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English Toy Spaniel Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel or the Leonberger

English Toy Spaniel versus Leonberger: Overview

A very important difference between the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The English Toy Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the English Toy Spaniel belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

English Toy Spaniel versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel Leonberger
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 1/5
Weight 8 to 14 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2350 $870
Price Range $2250 – $2525 $300 – $1150
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 134 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger

    Below is a list of where the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are most different:

  • English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Leonbergers can tolerate cold weather.
  • English Toy Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Toy Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger

    The English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are most similar:

  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Toy Spaniel versus Leonberger

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger.

    English Toy Spaniels weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. English Toy Spaniels are 10 to 11 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.

    Price of English Toy Spaniel versus Price of Leonberger

    The average price of the English Toy Spaniel puppy is $2350. The price of the English Toy Spaniel typically ranges from $2250 – $2525. However, the price of a English Toy Spaniel can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    English Toy Spaniel Leonberger
    Average Price $2350 $870
    Price Range $2250 to $2525 $300 to $1150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Toy Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Toy Spaniels. 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 English Toy Spaniel 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.

    The Popularity of English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel is 134 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of English Toy Spaniel

    Popularity of English Toy Spaniel

    Popularity of Leonberger

    Popularity of Leonberger

    Year English Toy Spaniel Popularity Rank Leonberger Popularity Rank
    2013 135 98
    2014 138 104
    2015 129 93
    2016 130 95
    2017 134 100
    2018 135 93
    2019 139 95
    2020 138 98

    Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the English Toy Spaniel.

    4 health tests are recommended for English Toy Spaniel while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in English Toy Spaniels and in Leonbergers.

    English Toy Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Toy Spaniels here.

    Leonberger Health Problems

    Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Leonbergers for:

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

    More Discussions on Health Problems in English Toy Spaniels 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 English Toy Spaniel Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the English Toy Spaniel ranks 2 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 470 English Toy Spaniels, 21 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in English Toy Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in English Toy Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 2 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 4 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 4 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 20 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 34 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 38 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 41 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 74 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 83 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in English Toy Spaniel and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger:

    Disease English Toy Spaniel Rank Leonberger Rank
    Congenital Cardiac problems 2 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 4 out of 182 dog breeds 20 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems 4 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    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
    Hips problems Not Common 83 out of 198 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: English Toy Spaniel versus Leonberger

    English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    How Kid-friendly are English Toy Spaniels and Leonbergers?

    English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which one drools more, the English Toy Spaniel or the Leonberger

    English Toy Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Toy Spaniel vs. Leonberger

    English Toy Spaniels 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 English Toy Spaniel Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Do English Toy Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?

    English Toy Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Is the English Toy Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?

    English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the English Toy Spaniel or the Leonberger?

    English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Toy Spaniel or the Leonberger?

    English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Toy Spaniel or the Leonberger?

    English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Does the English Toy Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?

    English Toy Spaniels 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.

    Are English Toy Spaniels good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

    English Toy Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Do English Toy Spaniels shed more than Leonbergers?

    English Toy Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Toy Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel:

  • Japanese Chin (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Japanese Chin.
  • Pug (73 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Pug.
  • French Bulldog (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs French Bulldog.
  • 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 English Toy Spaniel vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Toy Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Toy Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     English Toy Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     English Toy Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     English Toy Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     English Toy Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     English Toy Spaniel versus Chow Chow     English Toy Spaniel versus Havanese     English Toy Spaniel versus Skye Terrier     English Toy Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     English Toy Spaniel versus Shih Tzu     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Cavapoo     Leonberger versus Standard Schnauzer     Leonberger versus Shiranian     Leonberger versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Leonberger versus Saluki     Leonberger versus Beaglier     Leonberger versus Korean Jindo Dog     Leonberger versus American Eskimo Dog     Leonberger versus Mudi     Leonberger versus American Water Spaniel     

    Conclusion: English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.