A Detailed Comparison of the Hovawart and the Leonberger.

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Hovawart Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Leonberger.

Hovawart versus Leonberger

Hovawart versus Leonberger: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are Working Dogs. This means both the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Leonberger

Factor Hovawart Leonberger
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $300 – $1150
Average Price No Data $870
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 96.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

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

    Hovawart versus Leonberger

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Leonberger

    Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Leonberger are most different:

  • Hovawarts are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Leonberger

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Leonberger.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Leonberger

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.

    Hovawarts live longer than Leonbergers.

    Hovawart versus Leonberger

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Leonberger

    The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Hovawart.

    This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 25 Leonbergers.

    Hovawart versus Leonberger

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Leonberger

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Leonbergers?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Leonberger

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Leonberger?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Leonberger

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Leonberger?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Leonbergers?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Leonberger?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Hovawart versus Pomsky     Hovawart versus Shiba Inu     Hovawart versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Swedish Vallhund     Hovawart versus Saint Berdoodle     Hovawart versus Affenpinscher     Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano     Hovawart versus Maltipoo     Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Kai Ken     Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano     Hovawart versus Dogo Argentino     Hovawart versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Toy Fox Terrier     Hovawart versus Airedale Terrier     Hovawart versus Bluetick Coonhound     Hovawart versus Sussex Spaniel     Hovawart versus Irish Setter     Hovawart versus Catahoula Bulldog     Hovawart versus Maltese     Hovawart versus Belgian Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Shih Tzu     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Bracco Italiano     Leonberger versus Miniature Poodle     Leonberger versus Brittany     Leonberger versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Leonberger versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Leonberger versus Bedlington Terrier     Leonberger versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Leonberger versus Japanese Spitz     Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier     Leonberger versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Leonberger versus Tibetan Terrier     Leonberger versus Brussels Griffon     Leonberger versus Catahoula Bulldog     Leonberger versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Leonberger versus Cane Corso     Leonberger versus Xoloitzcuintli     Leonberger versus Pomapoo     Leonberger versus Airedale Terrier     Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund     Leonberger versus Yorkshire Terrier     Leonberger versus Aussiedoodle     Leonberger versus Pomeranian     Leonberger versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.