Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Puli: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Puli: Overview
- Leonberger versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Puli
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Puli
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Puli
- Price of Leonberger versus Price of Puli
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Puli
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Puli?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Puli
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Puli?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Pulis?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Leonberger versus Puli: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Puli is a medium-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 Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Leonberger versus Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Leonberger | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $870 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | $1875 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 96.0 percent | 92.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 150 |
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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Puli
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Puli
The Leonberger and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Puli.
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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Leonberger versus Puli
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Pulis live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Puli
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Puli.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Leonberger and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 26 Pulis.
Price of Leonberger versus Price of Puli
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 Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Puli is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Leonberger | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $870 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $300 to $1150 | $1875 to $2750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Puli 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 Pulis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Leonberger puppy or the Puli 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 Puli
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 Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Leonberger is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. 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 Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Leonberger
Popularity of Puli
| Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 98 | 136 |
| 2014 | 104 | 151 |
| 2015 | 93 | 154 |
| 2016 | 95 | 159 |
| 2017 | 100 | 142 |
| 2018 | 93 | 160 |
| 2019 | 95 | 160 |
| 2020 | 98 | 143 |
Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Puli.
10 health tests are recommended for Leonberger while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Leonbergers and in Pulis.
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.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Leonbergers and Pulis
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 Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Leonberger and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Leonberger and the Puli:
| Disease | Leonberger Rank | Puli 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 | 144 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 34 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 38 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 41 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 74 out of 144 dog breeds | 70 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 83 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 39 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 Puli
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Pulis?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Puli
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Puli?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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 Pulis?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Puli
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Puli?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Pulis?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Puli?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Puli?
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pulis 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Leonberger and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Puli to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Black and Tan Coonhound Leonberger versus Standard Poodle Leonberger versus Shiba Inu Leonberger versus Portuguese Pointer Leonberger versus Black Mouth Cur Leonberger versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Kuvasz Leonberger versus Xoloitzcuintli Leonberger versus Manchester Terrier Leonberger versus Cavapoo Leonberger versus Afador Leonberger versus Miniature Schnauzer Leonberger versus Akita Chow Leonberger versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Leonberger versus Chorkie Leonberger versus Harrier Leonberger versus Chinook Leonberger versus Yorkipoo Leonberger versus American Foxhound Leonberger versus Spinone Italiano Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Peek A Poo Leonberger versus Bloodhound Leonberger versus Canaan Dog
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Azawakh Puli versus Pomapoo Puli versus Belgian Sheepdog Puli versus Harrier Puli versus Saint Bernard Puli versus Saint Bernard Puli versus Pomeranian Puli versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Puli versus Belgian Sheepdog Puli versus Sloughi Puli versus Westiepoo Puli versus Borzoi Puli versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puli versus Standard Schnauzer Puli versus Sussex Spaniel Puli versus Whoodle Puli versus Akita Puli versus Collie Puli versus Bluetick Coonhound Puli versus Black Mouth Cur Puli versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puli versus Akbash Puli versus Sloughi Puli versus Scottish Terrier
Conclusion: Leonberger versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.