A Detailed Comparison of the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog.

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Leonberger Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Shetland Sheepdog.

Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog

Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Leonberger to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Leonberger Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 120 to 170 pounds Starts at 20 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
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 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $870 $1590
Price Range $300 – $1150 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 96.0 percent 68.9 percent
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)
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 97 23

    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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

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

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

    Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Leonbergers are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Leonbergers are not easy to train. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
  • Leonbergers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    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, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Leonbergers.

    Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Shetland Sheepdog

    The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Leonberger versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Leonberger Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $870 $1590
    Price Range $300 to $1150 $1000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

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

    Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog

    The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog

    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 Shetland Sheepdog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shetland Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shetland Sheepdog is 23 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 Leonberger

    Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog

    Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog

    Year Leonberger Popularity Rank Shetland Sheepdog Popularity Rank
    2013 98 21
    2014 104 21
    2015 93 23
    2016 95 24
    2017 100 24
    2018 93 25
    2019 95 25
    2020 98 27

    Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog

    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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Shetland Sheepdog.

    10 health tests are recommended for Leonberger while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Leonbergers and in Shetland Sheepdogs.

    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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers here.

    Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems

    Shetland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Leonbergers and Shetland Sheepdogs

    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:

  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 20 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 34 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 38 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 41 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 74 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 83 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Shetland Sheepdog Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

    This is because the Shetland Sheepdog ranks 3 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 633 Shetland Sheepdogs, 5 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shetland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Shetland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly problems: Rank 3 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems: Rank 4 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 5 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 6 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Von Willebrands problems: Rank 6 out of 15 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 46 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 89 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 101 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 122 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 166 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Leonberger and in Shetland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Leonberger and the Shetland Sheepdog:

    Disease Leonberger Rank Shetland Sheepdog 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 122 out of 182 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems 34 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 38 out of 115 dog breeds 5 out of 115 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems 41 out of 49 dog breeds 6 out of 49 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 74 out of 144 dog breeds 101 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 83 out of 198 dog breeds 166 out of 198 dog breeds
    Collie Eye Anomaly problems Not Common 3 out of 7 dog breeds
    Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems Not Common 4 out of 7 dog breeds
    Von Willebrands problems Not Common 6 out of 15 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 46 out of 70 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 89 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 Shetland Sheepdog

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Leonbergers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    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.

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

    Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Fila Brasileiro     Leonberger versus Giant Schnauzer     Leonberger versus Australian Terrier     Leonberger versus Boston Terrier     Leonberger versus Lakeland Terrier     Leonberger versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Leonberger versus Bullmastiff     Leonberger versus Lhasa Apso     Leonberger versus Boston Terrier     Leonberger versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Leonberger versus Skye Terrier     Leonberger versus Bouvier des Flandres     Leonberger versus Toy Fox Terrier     Leonberger versus West Highland White Terrier     Leonberger versus Catahoula Bulldog     Leonberger versus Maltese     Leonberger versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Leonberger versus Beagle     Leonberger versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Leonberger versus Afghan Hound     Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund     Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Irish Terrier     Leonberger versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Leonberger versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Puggle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Setter     Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Setter     Shetland Sheepdog versus French Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Boerboel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Shetland Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Akita     Shetland Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Harrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Komondor     Shetland Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Shetland Sheepdog versus Plott     

    Conclusion: Leonberger versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.