Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Mastiff: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Mastiff: Overview
- Leonberger versus Mastiff: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Mastiff
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Mastiff
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Mastiff
- Temperament of the Mastiff Versus the Leonberger
- Price of Leonberger versus Price of Mastiff
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Mastiff
- Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Mastiff
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Mastiff
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Mastiffs?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Mastiff
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Mastiff?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Mastiff
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Mastiff?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Mastiffs?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Mastiff?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Mastiff: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger and the Mastiff? 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 Mastiff 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 Mastiff.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger and the Mastiff 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff.
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 Mastiff.
Leonberger versus Mastiff: Overview
Both the Leonberger and the Mastiff are similar in size. The Leonberger and the Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Leonberger and the Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Leonberger and the Mastiff 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.
Leonberger versus Mastiff: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger to the Mastiff 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 Mastiff
| Factor | Leonberger | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 6 to 10 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 130 to 220 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 8.0 years |
| Average Price | $870 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | $1100 – $2200 |
| Temperament Score | 96.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 28 |
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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mastiff is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Mastiff!
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 Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Mastiff
The Leonberger and the Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Mastiff are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Mastiff
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Mastiff.
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, Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Leonberger versus Mastiff
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.
Leonbergers live longer than Mastiffs.
Temperament of the Mastiff Versus the Leonberger
The Mastiff has a better temperament than the Leonberger.
This is because the temperament score for the Mastiff 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 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Mastiff has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Leonberger and the Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 8 Mastiffs.
Price of Leonberger versus Price of Mastiff
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 Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of the Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Mastiff is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Leonberger | Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $870 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $300 to $1150 | $1100 to $2200 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Mastiff 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 Mastiffs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Leonberger puppy or the Mastiff 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 Leonberger versus Popularity of Mastiff
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 Leonberger and the Mastiff over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Mastiff is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Mastiff is 28 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Leonberger
Popularity of Mastiff
| Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Mastiff Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 98 | 26 |
| 2014 | 104 | 26 |
| 2015 | 93 | 25 |
| 2016 | 95 | 28 |
| 2017 | 100 | 28 |
| 2018 | 93 | 29 |
| 2019 | 95 | 32 |
| 2020 | 98 | 33 |
Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Mastiff
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 Leonberger and the Mastiff 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 Mastiff.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Mastiff.
10 health tests are recommended for Leonberger while 7 tests are recommended for the Mastiff.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Leonbergers and in Mastiffs.
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.
Mastiff Health Problems
Mastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Mastiff 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 Mastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Mastiff 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 Mastiffs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mastiffs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Leonbergers and Mastiffs
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:
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 Mastiff Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Mastiff ranks 3 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 891 Mastiffs, 14 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Mastiffs, and how common these diseases are in Mastiffs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Leonberger and in Mastiff and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Leonberger and the Mastiff:
| Disease | Leonberger Rank | Mastiff Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 20 out of 182 dog breeds | 43 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 34 out of 71 dog breeds | 39 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 38 out of 115 dog breeds | 72 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 41 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 74 out of 144 dog breeds | 26 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 83 out of 198 dog breeds | 39 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | Not Common | 3 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Cystinuria problems | Not Common | 3 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 9 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 12 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 49 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 53 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 131 out of 145 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: Leonberger versus Mastiff
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Mastiffs?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mastiffs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Mastiff
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Mastiff?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?
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.
Mastiffs 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 Mastiffs?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Mastiff
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Mastiff?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Mastiffs?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Mastiff?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Mastiff?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Mastiff?
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Mastiffs are not the best dogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Mastiff 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 Mastiff:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Leonberger and how the Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Mastiff to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Leonberger versus Lhasapoo Leonberger versus German Wirehaired Pointer Leonberger versus Brittany Leonberger versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Leonberger versus Irish Setter Leonberger versus Braque du Bourbonnais Leonberger versus Australian Kelpie Leonberger versus Pomsky Leonberger versus Boxer Leonberger versus Basset Hound Leonberger versus Schnoodle Leonberger versus Bolognese Leonberger versus Bullmastiff Leonberger versus Xoloitzcuintli Leonberger versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Leonberger versus Lagotto Romagnolo Leonberger versus Afador Leonberger versus Puggle Leonberger versus Shichon Leonberger versus Great Dane Leonberger versus Schnoodle Leonberger versus German Wirehaired Pointer Leonberger versus Tibetan Spaniel Leonberger versus Irish Wolfhound
Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mastiff versus Dachshund Mastiff versus English Cocker Spaniel Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog Mastiff versus Silky Terrier Mastiff versus Newfoundland Mastiff versus Greyhound Mastiff versus Japanese Chin Mastiff versus Kai Ken Mastiff versus Dogue de Bordeaux Mastiff versus Pomchi Mastiff versus Beaglier Mastiff versus Welsh Terrier Mastiff versus Sealyham Terrier Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Mastiff versus Papillon Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Mastiff versus Mudi Mastiff versus Puggle Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler Mastiff versus Miniature Poodle Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler Mastiff versus Puggle Mastiff versus Mudi Mastiff versus Brussels Griffon
Conclusion: Leonberger versus Mastiff. 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 Mastiff better suits you and your family.