Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Retriever Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Golden Retriever versus Leonberger: Overview
- Golden Retriever versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Golden Retriever
- Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Golden Retriever versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Leonberger
- Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Leonberger?
- Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Leonberger
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Leonberger?
- Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Retrievers and Leonbergers?
- Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Retriever versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Retriever Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Leonberger.
Golden Retriever versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Golden Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Golden Retriever versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Leonberger
| Factor | Golden Retriever | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2200 | $300 – $1150 |
| Temperament Score | 85.6 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 3 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Retriever is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Golden Retriever!
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 Golden Retriever and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger
The Golden Retriever and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger.
Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 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 Golden Retriever versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Golden Retriever
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Golden Retriever.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Golden Retriever is 85.6 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 85.6 percent, the Golden Retriever has an above-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 Golden Retriever and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 813 Golden Retrievers and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of a Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Golden Retriever | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1870 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2200 | $300 to $1150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Retriever and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Retriever puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Golden Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Golden Retriever is 3 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Golden Retriever
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Golden Retriever Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 | 98 |
| 2014 | 3 | 104 |
| 2015 | 3 | 93 |
| 2016 | 3 | 95 |
| 2017 | 3 | 100 |
| 2018 | 3 | 93 |
| 2019 | 3 | 95 |
| 2020 | 4 | 98 |
Health Problems of Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Golden Retriever.
4 health tests are recommended for Golden Retriever while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Golden Retrievers and in Leonbergers.
Golden Retriever Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever Breed is Ichthyosis problems.
This is because the Golden Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Ichthyosis problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1770 Golden Retrievers, 33 of them had Ichthyosis problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Golden Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Golden Retriever and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Golden Retriever Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 11 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 17 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 33 out of 115 dog breeds | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 36 out of 144 dog breeds | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 39 out of 49 dog breeds | 41 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 40 out of 71 dog breeds | 34 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 45 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 56 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 56 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 58 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 112 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 |
*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: Golden Retriever versus Leonberger
Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Leonbergers?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Leonberger
Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Leonberger?
Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Leonberger
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Leonberger?
Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Leonbergers?
Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Leonberger?
Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever:
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 Golden Retriever and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Retriever and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever versus Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever versus Skye Terrier Golden Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro Golden Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer Golden Retriever versus Shiba Inu Golden Retriever versus English Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever versus Hovawart Golden Retriever versus Bullmastiff Golden Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle Golden Retriever versus Clumber Spaniel Golden Retriever versus Tibetan Mastiff Golden Retriever versus Plott Golden Retriever versus Australian Terrier Golden Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog Golden Retriever versus Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Golden Retriever versus Hovawart Golden Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres Golden Retriever versus Golden Cocker Retriever Golden Retriever versus Vizsla Golden Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Golden Retriever versus Cane Corso Golden Retriever versus Gordon Setter Golden Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai Golden Retriever versus Field Spaniel
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Hovawart Leonberger versus Pug Leonberger versus Mountain Cur Leonberger versus Chi-Poo Leonberger versus Bolognese Leonberger versus Basenji Leonberger versus Brittany Leonberger versus Frenchton Leonberger versus Irish Wolfhound Leonberger versus Cocker Spaniel Leonberger versus Yorkipoo Leonberger versus Estrela Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Whippet Leonberger versus Puggle Leonberger versus English Toy Spaniel Leonberger versus Puggle Leonberger versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier Leonberger versus German Shorthaired Pointer Leonberger versus Saint Bernard Leonberger versus Lancashire Heeler Leonberger versus Field Spaniel Leonberger versus Valley Bulldog Leonberger versus Frenchton Leonberger versus Bolognese
Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.