Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Pyrenees Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger: Overview
- Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Great Pyrenees Versus the Leonberger
- Price of Great Pyrenees versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Great Pyrenees versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Great Pyrenees versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger
- Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger?
- Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Leonberger
- Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger?
- Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Great Pyreneess and Leonbergers?
- Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Pyrenees
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Pyrenees Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger.
Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger: Overview
Both the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger are similar in size. The Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger are both giant-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Pyrenees 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.
Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger
| Factor | Great Pyrenees | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 85 to 160 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $830 | $870 |
| Price Range | $500 – $1000 | $300 – $1150 |
| Temperament Score | 84.9 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 68 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees is 63 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Leonberger is not better or worse than the Great Pyrenees. So, you can get the Leonberger or the Great Pyrenees!
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 Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger
The Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger.
Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 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 Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Great Pyreneess is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees Versus the Leonberger
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Great Pyrenees.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Great Pyrenees is 84.9 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 84.9 percent, the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 152 Great Pyreneess and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Great Pyrenees versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Great Pyrenees puppy is $830. The price of the Great Pyrenees typically ranges from $500 – $1000. However, the price of a Great Pyrenees can be as low as $195 and as high as $2825. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 352 Great Pyrenees 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 Leonberger is more expensive than the Great Pyrenees.
| Great Pyrenees | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $830 | $870 |
| Price Range | $500 to $1000 | $300 to $1150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Pyrenees and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Pyrenees puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess. 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Great Pyrenees is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Great Pyrenees is 68 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Great Pyrenees
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Great Pyrenees Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 69 | 98 |
| 2014 | 75 | 104 |
| 2015 | 67 | 93 |
| 2016 | 67 | 95 |
| 2017 | 66 | 100 |
| 2018 | 66 | 93 |
| 2019 | 69 | 95 |
| 2020 | 70 | 98 |
Health Problems of Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Great Pyrenees.
5 health tests are recommended for Great Pyrenees while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Pyreneess and in Leonbergers.
Great Pyrenees Health Problems
Great Pyreneess are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyreneess for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Great Pyrenees ranks 1 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 109 Great Pyreneess, 9 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Pyreneess, and how common these diseases are in Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Great Pyrenees Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | 1 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Neuronal Degeneration problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 16 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 25 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 27 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 55 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 63 out of 115 dog breeds | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 101 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 112 out of 144 dog breeds | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 124 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 |
| 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: Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger
Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Leonbergers?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger
Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger?
Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Great Pyreneess 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.
Do Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Leonberger
Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger?
Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess and Leonbergers?
Great Pyreneess get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Great Pyrenees Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Pyrenees or the Leonberger?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees:
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 Great Pyrenees and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Great Pyrenees and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds
Great Pyrenees versus French Bulldog Great Pyrenees versus Saluki Great Pyrenees versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger Great Pyrenees versus Doberman Pinscher Great Pyrenees versus Neapolitan Mastiff Great Pyrenees versus English Toy Spaniel Great Pyrenees versus Icelandic Sheepdog Great Pyrenees versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Great Pyrenees versus American Eskimo Dog Great Pyrenees versus Lakeland Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Maltipoo Great Pyrenees versus Alaskan Malamute Great Pyrenees versus Cairn Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Pomsky Great Pyrenees versus American Foxhound Great Pyrenees versus Bouvier des Flandres Great Pyrenees versus Frenchton Great Pyrenees versus Spanish Mastiff Great Pyrenees versus Ibizan Hound Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger Great Pyrenees versus Bulldog Great Pyrenees versus Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees versus Brittany
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Toy Poodle Leonberger versus Lancashire Heeler Leonberger versus German Wirehaired Pointer Leonberger versus Irish Terrier Leonberger versus Maltese Leonberger versus Saluki Leonberger versus Whippet Leonberger versus Lancashire Heeler Leonberger versus Giant Schnauzer Leonberger versus Pomeranian Leonberger versus Basenji Leonberger versus Swedish Vallhund Leonberger versus Curly-Coated Retriever Leonberger versus Scottish Deerhound Leonberger versus American Hairless Terrier Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Leonberger versus Basset Hound Leonberger versus Dalmatian Leonberger versus Saint Berdoodle Leonberger versus Norfolk Terrier Leonberger versus Portuguese Water Dog Leonberger versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Leonberger versus Mountain Cur Leonberger versus Tibetan Mastiff
Conclusion: Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.