Which is Better between the Lakeland Terrier and the Leonberger? A Very Detailed Review.

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Lakeland Terrier Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

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

Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger

Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lakeland Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lakeland Terrier 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 Lakeland Terrier and the Leonberger

Factor Lakeland Terrier Leonberger
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 15 to 17 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1810 $870
Price Range $1600 – $2325 $300 – $1150
Temperament Score 75.0 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)
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 142 97

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lakeland Terrier 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 Lakeland Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

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

    Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lakeland Terrier and the Leonberger

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

  • Lakeland Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Leonbergers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Lakeland Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Lakeland Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Lakeland Terriers can tolerate hot weather. However, Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terrier and the Leonberger

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

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

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

    Lakeland Terriers weigh 15 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Lakeland Terriers are 13 to 14 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 Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger

    The lifespan of Lakeland Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lakeland Terriers is 13.5 years.

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

    Lakeland Terriers live longer than Leonbergers.

    Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger

    Temperament of the Lakeland Terrier Versus the Leonberger

    The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Lakeland Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Lakeland Terrier is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lakeland Terrier has a below-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 Lakeland Terrier and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 8 Lakeland Terriers and 25 Leonbergers.

    Price of Lakeland Terrier versus Price of Leonberger

    The average price of the Lakeland Terrier puppy is $1810. The price of the Lakeland Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2325. However, the price of a Lakeland Terrier can be as low as $1000 and as high as $2550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 11 Lakeland Terrier 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 Lakeland Terrier is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Lakeland Terrier Leonberger
    Average Price $1810 $870
    Price Range $1600 to $2325 $300 to $1150

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lakeland Terrier and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Lakeland Terrier puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lakeland Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lakeland Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lakeland Terrier 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.

    Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger

    The Popularity of Lakeland Terrier 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 Lakeland Terrier 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 Lakeland Terrier. 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 Lakeland Terrier is 142 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lakeland Terrier

    Popularity of Lakeland Terrier

    Popularity of Leonberger

    Popularity of Leonberger

    Year Lakeland Terrier Popularity Rank Leonberger Popularity Rank
    2013 134 98
    2014 149 104
    2015 141 93
    2016 145 95
    2017 138 100
    2018 147 93
    2019 148 95
    2020 136 98

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lakeland Terrier versus Leonberger

    Lakeland Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lakeland Terriers shed more than Leonbergers?

    Lakeland Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lakeland Terrier or the Leonberger

    Lakeland Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lakeland Terrier or the Leonberger?

    Lakeland Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lakeland Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?

    Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?

    Lakeland Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Lakeland Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lakeland Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lakeland Terrier vs. Leonberger

    Lakeland Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Lakeland Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lakeland Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lakeland Terrier or the Leonberger?

    Lakeland Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Lakeland Terriers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?

    Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terriers and Leonbergers?

    Lakeland Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lakeland Terrier Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Lakeland Terriers are not easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Is the Lakeland Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?

    Lakeland Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lakeland Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lakeland Terrier

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

  • Irish Terrier (79 percent match with Lakeland Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Irish Terrier.
  • Barbet (80 percent match with Lakeland Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Barbet.
  • 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 Lakeland Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Lakeland Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Lakeland Terrier vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lakeland Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lakeland Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Lakeland Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Lakeland Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Lakeland Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Goldador     Lakeland Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Rottweiler     Lakeland Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Lakeland Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Lakeland Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Lakeland Terrier versus French Spaniel     Lakeland Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Schnoodle     Lakeland Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Lakeland Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Lakeland Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Lakeland Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Lakeland Terrier versus Whoodle     Lakeland Terrier versus Berger Picard     Lakeland Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Lakeland Terrier versus Briard     Lakeland Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Lakeland Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Dogo Argentino     Leonberger versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Leonberger versus Fila Brasileiro     Leonberger versus Brittany     Leonberger versus Basenji     Leonberger versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Leonberger versus Airedale Terrier     Leonberger versus Pointer     Leonberger versus Mudi     Leonberger versus Pyredoodle     Leonberger versus Australian Cattle Dog     Leonberger versus American Bulldog     Leonberger versus Portuguese Water Dog     Leonberger versus Basenji     Leonberger versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Leonberger versus Schipperke     Leonberger versus Korean Jindo Dog     Leonberger versus Schipperke     Leonberger versus Irish Wolfhound     Leonberger versus Shihpoo     Leonberger versus Cockalier     Leonberger versus Papillon     Leonberger versus Finnish Spitz     Leonberger versus Alaskan Klee Kai     

    Conclusion: Lakeland Terrier 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 Lakeland Terrier and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.