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

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Leonberger Versus Morkie: Introduction

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

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

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 Morkie.

Leonberger versus Morkie: Overview

A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Morkie is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Morkie is a tiny-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 Morkie belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Leonberger versus Morkie: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Leonberger to the Morkie 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 Morkie

Factor Leonberger Morkie
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 120 to 170 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder 4 to 8 inches
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $870 $1950
Price Range $300 – $1150 $1500 – $2381
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 Morkie. 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 Morkie is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Morkie so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Morkie

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

  • Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Morkies are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Leonbergers can tolerate cold weather. However, Morkies cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Morkies do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Morkie

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

  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are not easy to train.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie 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 Morkie get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are very playful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Morkie are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Morkie

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

    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, Morkies weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Morkies are 4 to 8 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Leonberger versus Morkie

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

    The lifespan of Morkies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Morkies is 12.0 years.

    Morkies live longer than Leonbergers.

    Price of Leonberger versus Price of Morkie

    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 Morkie puppy is $1950. The price of the Morkie typically ranges from $1500 – $2381. However, the price of the Morkie can be as low as $500 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 388 Morkie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Morkie is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Leonberger Morkie
    Average Price $870 $1950
    Price Range $300 to $1150 $1500 to $2381

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Morkie. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Morkie 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 Morkies

    A breakdown of the prices of Morkies

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

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Morkies do not like to be left alone.

    Do Leonbergers shed more than Morkies?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Morkie

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Morkies do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Morkies are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Morkies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Morkies?

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Morkie

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

    Morkies 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 Morkies Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Morkies do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Morkies?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Morkies?

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

    Morkies get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Morkie?

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Morkies are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Morkie?

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Morkies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Morkies 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:

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

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (77 percent match with Morkie). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Pomchi (79 percent match with Morkie). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Pomchi.
  • Affenhuahua (78 percent match with Morkie). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Affenhuahua.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Chi-Poo     Leonberger versus Yorkipoo     Leonberger versus Goldador     Leonberger versus Yorkshire Terrier     Leonberger versus Puli     Leonberger versus Portuguese Water Dog     Leonberger versus Pomsky     Leonberger versus Lhasa Apso     Leonberger versus Redbone Coonhound     Leonberger versus Puggle     Leonberger versus Miniature Schnauzer     Leonberger versus Dutch Shepherd     Leonberger versus Cane Corso     Leonberger versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Leonberger versus Bouvier des Flandres     Leonberger versus Silky Terrier     Leonberger versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Leonberger versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Leonberger versus Chinook     Leonberger versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Leonberger versus Bolognese     Leonberger versus Akita Chow     Leonberger versus American Foxhound     Leonberger versus Affenhuahua     Leonberger versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Morkie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Morkie versus Finnish Spitz     Morkie versus Redbone Coonhound     Morkie versus Toy Poodle     Morkie versus Irish Terrier     Morkie versus Westiepoo     Morkie versus Maltipoo     Morkie versus Chihuahua     Morkie versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Morkie versus King Shepherd     Morkie versus American Hairless Terrier     Morkie versus Mastiff     Morkie versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Morkie versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Morkie versus Shiloh Shepherd     Morkie versus Maltipoo     Morkie versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Morkie versus Shih Tzu     Morkie versus Schnoodle     Morkie versus Korean Jindo Dog     Morkie versus Vizsla     Morkie versus Border Collie     Morkie versus Whippet     Morkie versus Dutch Shepherd     Morkie versus Manchester Terrier     Morkie versus Afador     

    Conclusion: Leonberger versus Morkie. 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 Morkie better suits you and your family.