Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Pekingese: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Pekingese: Overview
- Leonberger versus Pekingese: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Pekingese
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Pekingese
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Pekingese
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Pekingese
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Pekingese
- Price of Leonberger versus Price of Pekingese
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Pekingese
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Pekingese
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Pekingeses?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Pekingese
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Pekingese?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pekingese?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Pekingeses?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pekingeses Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Pekingese
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Pekingese?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Pekingeses?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Pekingese?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pekingese
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Pekingese. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Pekingese: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger and the Pekingese? 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 Pekingese 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 Pekingese.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger and the Pekingese 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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese.
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 Pekingese.
Leonberger versus Pekingese: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Pekingese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Pekingese 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 Pekingese 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.
Leonberger versus Pekingese: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese
| Factor | Leonberger | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 7 to 14 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 | 3/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $870 | $1930 |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | $1288 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 96.0 percent | 93.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 86 |
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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pekingese is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Pekingese!
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 Pekingese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Pekingese
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Pekingese are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Pekingese
The Leonberger and the Pekingese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Pekingese are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Pekingese
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Pekingese.
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, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Leonberger versus Pekingese
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Pekingeses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pekingeses is 13.5 years.
Pekingeses live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Pekingese
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Pekingese.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pekingese is 93.3 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 93.3 percent, the Pekingese has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Leonberger and the Pekingese by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 15 Pekingeses.
Price of Leonberger versus Price of Pekingese
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 Pekingese puppy is $1930. The price of the Pekingese typically ranges from $1288 – $2500. However, the price of the Pekingese can be as low as $700 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 138 Pekingese puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Pekingese is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Leonberger | Pekingese | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $870 | $1930 |
| Price Range | $300 to $1150 | $1288 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Pekingese. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Pekingese 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 Pekingeses
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Leonberger puppy or the Pekingese 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 Pekingese
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 Pekingese over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pekingese is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pekingese is 86 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 Pekingese
| Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Pekingese Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 98 | 77 |
| 2014 | 104 | 82 |
| 2015 | 93 | 80 |
| 2016 | 95 | 93 |
| 2017 | 100 | 88 |
| 2018 | 93 | 92 |
| 2019 | 95 | 83 |
| 2020 | 98 | 95 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Pekingese
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Pekingeses?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Pekingese
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Pekingese?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pekingese?
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.
Pekingeses 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Pekingeses?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Pekingeses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pekingeses Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Pekingese
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pekingeses have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Pekingese?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pekingeses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Pekingeses?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Pekingese?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Pekingese?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Pekingese?
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pekingeses 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pekingese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Leonberger and how the Pekingese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Pekingese to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Karelian Bear Dog Leonberger versus Bracco Italiano Leonberger versus Tibetan Spaniel Leonberger versus Portuguese Water Dog Leonberger versus Samoyed Leonberger versus Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Bouvier des Flandres Leonberger versus Standard Schnauzer Leonberger versus Shiloh Shepherd Leonberger versus Hovawart Leonberger versus Pharaoh Hound Leonberger versus American Staffordshire Terrier Leonberger versus Irish Setter Leonberger versus Spinone Italiano Leonberger versus Siberian Husky Leonberger versus English Cocker Spaniel Leonberger versus Boston Terrier Leonberger versus Pug Leonberger versus Berger Picard Leonberger versus King Shepherd Leonberger versus Frenchton Leonberger versus Greyhound Leonberger versus Pointer Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier
Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pekingese versus Shichon Pekingese versus English Cocker Spaniel Pekingese versus Sloughi Pekingese versus Giant Schnauzer Pekingese versus Clumber Spaniel Pekingese versus Gordon Setter Pekingese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pekingese versus Great Dane Pekingese versus Sloughi Pekingese versus Tibetan Spaniel Pekingese versus Vizsla Pekingese versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Pekingese versus Estrela Mountain Dog Pekingese versus King Shepherd Pekingese versus Labradoodle Pekingese versus Bolognese Pekingese versus Pug Pekingese versus Pomsky Pekingese versus Bernedoodle Pekingese versus Bichon Frise Pekingese versus Maltipoo Pekingese versus Frenchton Pekingese versus Lancashire Heeler Pekingese versus Korean Jindo Dog Pekingese versus Bulldog
Conclusion: Leonberger versus Pekingese. 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 Pekingese better suits you and your family.