Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Chin Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Japanese Chin versus Leonberger: Overview
- Japanese Chin versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Leonberger
- Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Japanese Chin
- Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Japanese Chin versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Leonberger
- Do Japanese Chins shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger?
- Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Leonberger
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger?
- Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Leonbergers?
- Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Chin Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin or the Leonberger.
Japanese Chin versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Japanese Chin belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Leonberger belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Japanese Chin versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Leonberger
| Factor | Japanese Chin | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2100 | $300 – $1150 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 102 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Chin is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Japanese Chin!
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 Japanese Chin and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger
The Japanese Chin and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger.
Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Leonberger
The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
Japanese Chins live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has a better temperament than the Leonberger.
This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $1930. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1500 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Chin can be as low as $600 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 71 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Japanese Chin | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1930 | $870 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2100 | $300 to $1150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Japanese Chin and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Japanese Chin puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Japanese Chin
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Japanese Chin Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 87 | 98 |
| 2014 | 93 | 104 |
| 2015 | 97 | 93 |
| 2016 | 108 | 95 |
| 2017 | 108 | 100 |
| 2018 | 104 | 93 |
| 2019 | 108 | 95 |
| 2020 | 111 | 98 |
Health Problems of Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Japanese Chin.
4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Leonbergers.
Japanese Chin Health Problems
Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Japanese Chin ranks 1 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Japanese Chins, 5 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Japanese Chins, and how common these diseases are in Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Japanese Chin and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Japanese Chin Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 1 out of 71 dog breeds | 34 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Gm2-Gangliosidosis problems | 1 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 7 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 13 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 44 out of 159 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 |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 41 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | Not Common | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Leonberger
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Japanese Chins shed more than Leonbergers?
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger?
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Leonberger
Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Leonbergers?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Leonberger?
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin:
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 Japanese Chin and how the Leonberger compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Chin and of the Leonberger to other breeds:
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus Shiranian Japanese Chin versus Fila Brasileiro Japanese Chin versus Greyhound Japanese Chin versus Miniature Poodle Japanese Chin versus Bloodhound Japanese Chin versus German Shorthaired Pointer Japanese Chin versus Kishu Ken Japanese Chin versus English Cocker Spaniel Japanese Chin versus Beaglier Japanese Chin versus Pekingese Japanese Chin versus Spinone Italiano Japanese Chin versus American Hairless Terrier Japanese Chin versus Belgian Sheepdog Japanese Chin versus English Setter Japanese Chin versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Japanese Chin versus Papillon Japanese Chin versus Kuvasz Japanese Chin versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Japanese Chin versus Cockapoo Japanese Chin versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Japanese Chin versus American Eskimo Dog Japanese Chin versus Cavachon Japanese Chin versus German Shepherd Dog Japanese Chin versus Doberman Pinscher Japanese Chin versus Dutch Shepherd
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus English Cocker Spaniel Leonberger versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Leonberger versus Newfoundland Leonberger versus Karelian Bear Dog Leonberger versus Pyredoodle Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund Leonberger versus Clumber Spaniel Leonberger versus Mudi Leonberger versus Briard Leonberger versus Labrador Retriever Leonberger versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Leonberger versus Chi-Poo Leonberger versus Bearded Collie Leonberger versus Mal Shi Leonberger versus Weimaraner Leonberger versus Samoyed Leonberger versus Black Russian Terrier Leonberger versus Boxerdoodle Leonberger versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Bluetick Coonhound Leonberger versus Neapolitan Mastiff Leonberger versus Bracco Italiano Leonberger versus Tibetan Mastiff Leonberger versus Kai Ken Leonberger versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.