· Dog Breeds · 8 min read
Newfoundland vs Leonberger Breed Comparison - Who will win?
If you want to adopt a dog, but can’t seem to decide on the breed that is right for you and your family, then this blog post is perfect for you! We will compare two extremely popular breeds of dogs: The Newfoundland vs Leonberger. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of which characteristics are most important to you in order to find your new furry friend!
Newfoundland vs Leonberger: A tale of two breeds
The Newfoundland breed originated in Canada and was used as a working dog to help fishermen. They are known for their large size, sweet temperament, and water-resistance. The Leonberger breed originated in Germany and was also used as a working dog to pull carts and herd livestock. They are known for their large size, gentle temperament, and long hair.
Both the Newfoundland and the Leonberger make great pets because of their friendly nature and patient temperament. They are both good with children and other animals. However, the Newfoundland is better suited for colder climates due to its thick coat of fur, while the Leonberger does well in warmer climates. The Newfoundland is also a bit slower than the Leonberger but makes up for it with its extreme loyalty to its family.
Â
Newfoundland | Leonberger | |
Origin | Canada | Germany |
Size | Weight – 100 to 150 pounds Height – 25 to 29 inches | Weight – 120 to 170 pounds Height – 25 to 32 inches |
Color | Black, black & white, grey, brown | Red, red-brown, sandy. Nose, lips, and paw pads are typically always black |
Body Type | Heavy, muscular body, large bones, webbed paws. Broad, round face with droopy lips | Muscular, medium-boned, broad chest. The head is deeper than it is broad |
Temperament | Strong, calm, docile, intelligent | Affectionate, loyal, intelligent, playful, wary with strangers |
Drool | Yes | Medium |
Swimming Motion | Down and out | Doggy paddle |
Lifespan | 8 – 10 years | 10 – 12 years |
Leonberger vs Newfoundland Size Comparison
The Leonberger is a large dog breed that is often compared to the Newfoundland. They are both big, muscular dogs that are known for their gentle nature.
Leonbergers tend to be taller, with a height of 25 to 31 inches, and they weigh 120 to 170 pounds. In comparison, Newfoundlands are typically shorter, only reaching heights of 25 to 29 inches. They also don’t weigh as much as Leonbergers on average, instead capping out at 100 to 150 pounds.
The average height of a man is 69 inches, and the average height of a woman is 63.5 inches according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means these dogs are half as tall as a grown man while in their 4s but can measure the same as you if they stand on their back legs for, say, a very affectionate hug.
Lifespans Compared - Leonberger vs Newfoundland
These are family dogs, so you probably want to know how long can you expect you pup to be around with you and your kids. In this category, Leonbergers have a little advantage and have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, whereas Newfoundland’s is 8 10 years tops.
Newfoundland vs Leonberger home needs
Both the Newfoundland and the Leonberger require plenty of space to run and play. They are both active dogs that need a lot of exercise so they are not great for apartments.
Newfoundlands need a lot of room to roam, and it is not recommended for those who live in apartments. This breed of dog is known for being very lazy, so it’s important to have a large yard where it can take naps in between playing fetch or swimming.
The Leonberger is a large dog that needs plenty of exercises. A fenced-in yard is ideal for this breed, but it can also do well living in an apartment as long as it is taken on regular walks. Leonbergers are not as active as Newfoundlands, but they still need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy.
Leonberger vs Newfoundland: Body Type
Though both Newfoundlands and Leonbergers boast impressive, muscular physiques, there are some variances between the two.
Newfoundlands have a wide, round face with floppy lips, a large, heavy body, and a wide chest. Their coat is thick and water-resistant and comes in many colors including black, brown, gray, and white.
Leonbergers also have a muscular build with a triangular-shaped head and short ears. They are typically blonde or gold in color and feature long hair that requires regular brushing. Additionally, their lips and nose are typically always black.
Leonberger vs Newfoundland: How good can they swim?
Newfoundlands and Leonbergers are water dogs—they love to swim! Their webbed feet prove how good they are at it.
Newfoundland’s swimming technique is different from most other dogs, though. Most others use the typical “doggy paddle” motion, but Newfoundlands sink their massive paws deep into the water with each stroke, push off hard against the bottom, and then rise up out of the water.
Leonberger vs Newfoundland: Temperament
The Leonberger dog is known as the “gentle Lion.” They are calm, loving, and loyal dogs that make great family pets.
The Newfoundland, on the other hand, is a working dog that is bred for water rescue. They are strong-willed and independent, but also have a calm and docile mindset.
In general, both breeds are good with children and highly adaptable to most environments.
The perfect family dog?
When choosing a family dog, it is important to consider the needs of your entire household.
Both the Newfoundland and the Leonberger are large breeds that are good with children and make great pets.
The Newfoundland is known for being calm and docile, while the Leonberger is known as the “gentle Lion.” They are both loyal and affectionate dogs that adapt well to most environments.
Are they good guard dogs?
I would say none of these are good “guard dogs” in the sense that they are usually friendly towards people, whether it’s family or complete strangers. The Newfoundland loves everyone and so does the Leonberger. However, the Leonbergers might be a bit more suspicious towards unknown people and, all in all, might at least bark a little bit.
Weather tolerance
You need to choose a dog that tolerates the weather in your area, whether it’s hot or cold.
Hot weather
These two breeds are very bad with hot weather as they are dogs more suited for colder weather. Make sure to provide them with shade, water, air cooling and anything that can help them tolerate the heat.
Cold weather
Both the Newfoundland dog and the Leonberger are bred for colder climates, and they both do well in cold weather. They have a thick coat of fur that helps keep them warm, and their webbed feet make them great swimmers.
Health issues
The Newfoundland is a large breed of dog that is known for its thick coat of fur. This coat of fur helps protect the dog from cold weather, but it can also lead to health problems.
Newfoundland dogs are prone to developing skin problems, and they are also prone to obesity. Additionally, Newfoundlands are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a condition in which the joint fails to develop properly.
Some of the most common health problems seen in Leonbergers include hip dysplasia, bloat, and cancer.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can occur in any breed of dog, but is seen more often in large breeds like the Leonberger. It is caused when the hip joint does not form correctly, which can lead to arthritis and other joint problems down the road. Dogs with hip dysplasia may experience pain and stiffness in their hips, and may have difficulty walking or running.
Bloat is another serious health issue that can affect Leonbergers. This condition occurs when the stomach becomes enlarged and to twist, which cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and can be fatal. Symptoms of bloat include vomiting, excessive salivation, and a distended abdomen.
Cancer is also a common problem in Leonbergers. The most common types of cancer seen in this breed are lymphoma and mast cell tumors. These cancers can be very difficult to treat, and often result in premature death.
Leonberger and Newfoundland puppies
As with all puppies, the Leonberger and Newfoundland are bundles of energy and love.
A Leonberger requires a lot more food and exercise than smaller breeds. They also need a lot of socialization and training in order to grow up into well-mannered adults. If not properly trained, they can become dominant and aggressive.
Lastly, they are prone to joint problems and hip dysplasia, so it’s important to make sure you’re providing them with the appropriate care and exercise from an early age.
Newfoundland puppies can be quite clumsy and prone to accidents, so you’ll need to be patient with them and keep a close eye on them when they’re young.