Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Leonberger
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Leonberger
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Leonbergers?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $300 – $1150 |
| Average Price | No Data | $870 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Icelandic Sheepdog!
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger.
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Leonberger
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Leonberger.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 25 Leonbergers.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 145 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 98 |
| 2014 | 146 | 104 |
| 2015 | 140 | 93 |
| 2016 | 153 | 95 |
| 2017 | 144 | 100 |
| 2018 | 155 | 93 |
| 2019 | 132 | 95 |
| 2020 | 154 | 98 |
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Leonbergers.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems
Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks 55 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 769 Icelandic Sheepdogs, 137 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Icelandic Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 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 |
| 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 |
*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: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Leonbergers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Leonberger
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Leonbergers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Leonberger?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz Icelandic Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus French Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cane Corso Icelandic Sheepdog versus Spinone Italiano Icelandic Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinook Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Australian Cattle Dog Leonberger versus Pyrenean Mastiff Leonberger versus Pomsky Leonberger versus Stabyhoun Leonberger versus Shih Tzu Leonberger versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Leonberger versus Manchester Terrier Leonberger versus Karelian Bear Dog Leonberger versus Alaskan Malamute Leonberger versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Leonberger versus Shichon Leonberger versus Chorkie Leonberger versus English Toy Spaniel Leonberger versus Affenhuahua Leonberger versus Shihpoo Leonberger versus Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Shiloh Shepherd Leonberger versus Valley Bulldog Leonberger versus Pharaoh Hound Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog Leonberger versus Brittany Leonberger versus Siberian Husky Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff Leonberger versus Ibizan Hound Leonberger versus Vizsla
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.