Differences and Similarities between the Leonberger and the Maltipoo.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Leonberger Versus Maltipoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger and the Maltipoo 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 Leonberger and for the Maltipoo. 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 Leonberger and the Maltipoo.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Leonberger or the Maltipoo.

Leonberger versus Maltipoo

Leonberger versus Maltipoo: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Maltipoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Leonberger versus Maltipoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Leonberger to the Maltipoo 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 Leonberger and the Maltipoo

Factor Leonberger Maltipoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Weight 120 to 170 pounds 5 to 20 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $870 $2020
Price Range $300 – $1150 $1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Maltipoo. 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 Leonberger is 63 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltipoo is 86 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Maltipoo

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

  • Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Maltipoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Maltipoos are good for new dog owners.
  • Leonbergers are not easy to train. However, Maltipoos are very easy to train.
  • Leonbergers can tolerate cold weather. However, Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Maltipoo

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

  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo are very playful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Maltipoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Maltipoo

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

    Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Maltipoos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Leonberger versus Maltipoo

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

    The lifespan of Maltipoos is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maltipoos is 11.5 years.

    Maltipoos live longer than Leonbergers.

    Price of Leonberger versus Price of Maltipoo

    The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of a Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maltipoo puppy is $2020. The price of the Maltipoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Maltipoo can be as low as $200 and as high as $7850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 845 Maltipoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltipoo is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Leonberger Maltipoo
    Average Price $870 $2020
    Price Range $300 to $1150 $1500 to $2500

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Leonberger puppy or the Maltipoo 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Maltipoo

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Maltipoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Leonbergers shed more than Maltipoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Maltipoo

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Maltipoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Maltipoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Maltipoos 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.

    Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Maltipoos?

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Maltipoo

    Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Maltipoos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maltipoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maltipoos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Maltipoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Maltipoos?

    Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Maltipoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Maltipoos?

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

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

    Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Maltipoo?

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Maltipoos are very easy to train.

    Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltipoo?

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maltipoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Maltipoos are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Maltipoo vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltipoo

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

  • Chi-Poo (77 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Chi-Poo.
  • Yorkipoo (75 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Yorkipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Sussex Spaniel     Leonberger versus Toy Fox Terrier     Leonberger versus Bordoodle     Leonberger versus Afador     Leonberger versus Pharaoh Hound     Leonberger versus Berger Picard     Leonberger versus Irish Terrier     Leonberger versus King Shepherd     Leonberger versus Australian Shepherd     Leonberger versus Yorkshire Terrier     Leonberger versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Leonberger versus Shiba Inu     Leonberger versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Leonberger versus Belgian Malinois     Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Valley Bulldog     Leonberger versus Fila Brasileiro     Leonberger versus Bich Poo     Leonberger versus Shih Tzu     Leonberger versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Leonberger versus Norwegian Lundehund     Leonberger versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Leonberger versus Boerboel     Leonberger versus Chinese Crested     Leonberger versus Barbet     

    Maltipoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltipoo versus Schnoodle     Maltipoo versus Tibetan Mastiff     Maltipoo versus Mastiff     Maltipoo versus Bluetick Coonhound     Maltipoo versus Skye Terrier     Maltipoo versus American Foxhound     Maltipoo versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maltipoo versus Cesky Terrier     Maltipoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maltipoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maltipoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Maltipoo versus Collie     Maltipoo versus Italian Greyhound     Maltipoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Maltipoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Maltipoo versus Boxer     Maltipoo versus Lancashire Heeler     Maltipoo versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Maltipoo versus Vizsla     Maltipoo versus Bordoodle     Maltipoo versus Biewer Terrier     Maltipoo versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Maltipoo versus Toy Poodle     Maltipoo versus Belgian Tervuren     

    Conclusion: Leonberger versus Maltipoo. 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 Leonberger and the Maltipoo better suits you and your family.