Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Vizsla: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Vizsla: Overview
- Leonberger versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Vizsla
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Vizsla
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Vizsla
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Vizsla
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Vizsla
- Price of Leonberger versus Price of Vizsla
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Vizsla
- Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Vizsla
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Vizsla
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Vizslas?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Vizsla
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Vizsla?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Vizsla
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Vizsla?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Vizslas?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Vizsla. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Vizsla: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger and the Vizsla? 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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger and the Vizsla 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 Vizsla. 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 Vizsla.
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 Vizsla.
Leonberger versus Vizsla: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Vizsla is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Vizsla 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 Vizsla belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Leonberger versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger to the Vizsla 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 Vizsla
Factor | Leonberger | Vizsla |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 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 | 1/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 1/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
Average Price | $870 | $1590 |
Price Range | $300 – $1150 | $1200 – $1800 |
Temperament Score | 96.0 percent | 85.2 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 32 |
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 Vizsla. 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 Vizsla is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Vizsla is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get the Vizsla!
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 Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Vizsla
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Vizsla are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Vizsla
The Leonberger and the Vizsla are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Vizsla are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Vizsla
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Vizsla.
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, Vizslas weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Vizslas are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Leonberger versus Vizsla
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Vizslas is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Vizslas is 12.0 years.
Vizslas live longer than Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Vizsla
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Vizsla.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Vizsla is 85.2 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 85.2 percent, the Vizsla has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Leonberger and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 54 Vizslas.
Price of Leonberger versus Price of Vizsla
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 Vizsla puppy is $1590. The price of the Vizsla typically ranges from $1200 – $1800. However, the price of the Vizsla can be as low as $350 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Vizsla puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Vizsla is more expensive than the Leonberger.
Leonberger | Vizsla | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $870 | $1590 |
Price Range | $300 to $1150 | $1200 to $1800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Leonberger and Vizsla. For different price points, the charts show how many Leonberger puppies or how many Vizsla 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 Vizslas
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Leonberger puppy or the Vizsla 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 Vizsla
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 Vizsla over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Vizsla is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Vizsla is 32 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 Vizsla
Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Vizsla Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 98 | 34 |
2014 | 104 | 34 |
2015 | 93 | 32 |
2016 | 95 | 31 |
2017 | 100 | 30 |
2018 | 93 | 31 |
2019 | 95 | 34 |
2020 | 98 | 35 |
Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Vizsla
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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Vizsla.
10 health tests are recommended for Leonberger while 7 tests are recommended for the Vizsla.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Leonbergers and in Vizslas.
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.
Vizsla Health Problems
Vizslas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Vizsla 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 Vizsla puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Vizsla 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 Vizslas for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Vizslas here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Leonbergers and Vizslas
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 Vizsla Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Vizsla ranks 45 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 273 Vizslas, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Vizslas, and how common these diseases are in Vizslas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Leonberger and in Vizsla and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Leonberger and the Vizsla:
Disease | Leonberger Rank | Vizsla 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 | 163 out of 182 dog breeds |
Advanced Cardiac problems | 34 out of 71 dog breeds | 45 out of 71 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | 38 out of 115 dog breeds | 70 out of 115 dog breeds |
Dentition Database problems | 41 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
Elbow problems | 74 out of 144 dog breeds | 105 out of 144 dog breeds |
Hips problems | 83 out of 198 dog breeds | 143 out of 198 dog breeds |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 51 out of 159 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 Vizsla
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Vizslas do not like to be left alone.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Vizslas?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Vizsla
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Vizsla?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Vizslas are very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
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.
Vizslas 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 Vizslas?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Vizsla
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Vizslas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Vizsla?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Vizslas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Vizslas?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Vizslas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Vizslas are very easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Vizsla?
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Vizslas 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Vizsla 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 Vizsla:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Leonberger and how the Vizsla compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Vizsla to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Field Spaniel Leonberger versus Redbone Coonhound Leonberger versus Saluki Leonberger versus Miniature Pinscher Leonberger versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Leonberger versus Goldendoodle Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier Leonberger versus Collie Leonberger versus Berger Picard Leonberger versus English Setter Leonberger versus Labradoodle Leonberger versus Newfoundland Leonberger versus Sealyham Terrier Leonberger versus Bich Poo Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund Leonberger versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund Leonberger versus Biewer Terrier Leonberger versus Akita Leonberger versus Afador Leonberger versus Keeshond Leonberger versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Leonberger versus Finnish Spitz Leonberger versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Leonberger versus Shichon
Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds
Vizsla versus Pointer Vizsla versus Field Spaniel Vizsla versus American Bulldog Vizsla versus Weimaraner Vizsla versus Norwegian Buhund Vizsla versus English Cocker Spaniel Vizsla versus Boston Terrier Vizsla versus Portuguese Water Dog Vizsla versus Bouvier des Flandres Vizsla versus Frenchton Vizsla versus Clumber Spaniel Vizsla versus Briard Vizsla versus English Setter Vizsla versus Bullmastiff Vizsla versus Maremma Sheepdog Vizsla versus Bearded Collie Vizsla versus Gordon Setter Vizsla versus Dachshund Vizsla versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Vizsla versus Standard Schnauzer Vizsla versus Mudi Vizsla versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Vizsla versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Vizsla versus Norfolk Terrier
Conclusion: Leonberger versus Vizsla. 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 Vizsla better suits you and your family.