Great Dane vs Leonberger Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Dane or Leo?
Compare the Great Dane and Leonberger breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Dane or a Leo? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Gentle Giant, Deutsche Dogge, Apollo of Dogs, Dane, German Mastiff
Leonbergi, Gentle Giant, Leo, Gentle Lion
Weight
What is the average weight of Great Dane and Leonberger?
145.0 pounds
( 66 kg )
145.0 pounds
( 66 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Great Dane and Leonberger
32.0 inches
( 81.3 cm )
29.5 inches
( 74.9 cm )
Weight Gain Potential
Which breed eats more: Great Dane or Leonberger?
Great Dane has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.
Leonberger has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.
Hypoallergenic
Are Great Danes or Leonbergers hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, neither Great Dane nor Leonberger are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Great Dane and Leonberger dogs?
Do Great Danes shed more than Leonbergers, or which breed sheds more, Great Danes or Leonbergers?
Great Danes are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.
Leonbergers shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Great Dane or Leonberger?
The Great Dane and Leonberger dogs are some of the best choices if you want good watchdogs. These breeds will keep watch over you and your family at all times. They take this task seriously and will typically perform their guarding duty with little to no training. These dogs will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen their skills.
Origin
What is the origin of Great Dane and Leonberger dog breeds?
Germany
Ancestry
What are the origins of Great Dane and Leonberger breeds?
Wolfhound, Old English Mastiff, Greyhound
newfoundland, long haired saint bernard, pyrenean mountain dog
Breed recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize/register Great Dane and Leonberger?
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club
Date of Birth
When were Great Dane and Leonberger breeds first developed?
3000 BC
1800s
Breed Group
What is the Breed Group of Great Dane and Leonberger?
Working (AKC:1887) Guardian Dogs (UKC)
Working (AKC:2010) Guardian Dogs (UKC)
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Great Dane and Leonberger dogs?
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Great Dane and Leonberger?
Blue Black
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Great Dane and Leonberger breeds?
Brindle Sable Blue Fawn Black Brown Red
Black Gray Brown Red Cream Sable Brindle
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Great Dane and Leonberger breeds?
Great Danes have short coats.
Leonbergers have medium-length coats.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Great Dane and Leonberger?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Great Dane and Leonberger?
Straight
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Great Dane and Leonberger?
7-10 puppies per pregnancy
A Great Dane can have a litter of 7-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
8-10 puppies per pregnancy
A Leonberger can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
Great Dane and Leonberger dogs generally have an average level of adaptability when it comes to adjusting to changes in lifestyle and different living environments compared to other breeds.
Health Issues
Between Great Dane and Leonberger, which breed is more prone to health problems?
Great Danes typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.
Leonbergers are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Great Dane and Leonberger breeds?
Entropion Gastric Torsion Cardiomyopathy Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Great Dane and Leonberger?
What occasional tests are recommended for Great Dane and Leonberger breeds?
Cardiac Eye Hip Blood X-Rays Physical Examination
Hip X-Rays Eyes Hips Skeletal Physical Examination Throat
Energy
How do the energy levels of Great Danes and Leonbergers compare?
Great Danes thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Leonbergers' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.
Social Needs
Great Dane vs Leonberger social needs comparison
Great Dane has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.
Leonberger has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.
Exercise Needed
Great Dane vs Leonberger exercise need comparison.
Great Danes need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.
Leonbergers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Great Dane or Leonberger?
Great Danes are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Leonbergers sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more/less, Great Dane or Leonberger?
Great Dane drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.
Leonberger is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.
Tendency to Bark
Do Great Danes or Leonbergers bark more/less frequently?
Great Dane dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Leonbergers are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.
Territorial
Is the Great Dane or Leonberger a better guard dog?
These breeds are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Great Dane vs Leonberger?
Roaming urge
Great Dane vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Great Dane or Leonberger - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Great Danes or Leonbergers?
Medium
Both Great Dane and Leonberger are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Great Dane or Leonberger walk each week?
10 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Dane, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
15 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Leonberger, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Great Danes or Leonbergers require more exercise?
60 minutes
Both Great Dane and Leonberger typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Great Danes or Leonbergers?
The Great Dane is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.
The Leonberger requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Great Dane and Leonberger dogs?
Weekly
Great Dane and Leonberger should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Great Danes and Leonbergers?
Pin Brush Slicker Brush Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Dematter Comb Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Great Dane or Leonberger in cups?
3.5 cups
For an average 120-175 pound (54 - 79 kg) Great Dane feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
4.5 cups
For an average 120-170 pound (54 - 77 kg) Leonberger feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Great Dane or Leonberger?
$3.90 - $4.20 / day
The average cost of a Great Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.
$4.20 - $4.90 / day
The average cost of a Leonberger is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Great Dane or Leonberger?
$116 - $126 / month
The average per month expenses of a Great Dane is between $116 - $126. This makes an average of $1392 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
$126 - $147 / month
The average per month expenses of a Leonberger is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Great Danes vs Leonbergers
Great Dane is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Leonbergers are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Sensitivity Level
How do Great Dane and Leonberger compare in sensitivity?
This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.
This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Leonberger?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Great Dane or Leonberger?
Great Danes make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.
The Leonberger is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.
Child Friendly
Do Great Danes or Leonbergers have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Great Danes are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.
Leonbergers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Great Dane or Leonberger?
Cat Friendly
Do Great Dane or Leonberger breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Great Danes and Leonbergers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Great Dane or Leonberger?
Great Danes are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Leonbergers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.
Pet friendly
How do Great Dane or Leonberger dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Great Dane or Leonberger?
Great Dane and Leonberger are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Great Dane and Leonberger?
Great Danes are not known for being a highly playful breed.
Leonbergers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Great Danes and Leonbergers compare?
Great Dane and Leonberger dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.
