Finnish Spitz vs Leonberger

Non-Sporting · Medium vs Working · Giant

Quick take
  • Leonberger is the larger breed at 110–170 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Finnish Spitz has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Finnish Spitz sheds less.
  • The Leonberger is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitFinnish SpitzLeonberger
Group
Non-SportingWorking
Size
MediumGiant
Origin
FinlandGermany
Height (male)
17.5–20"28–31.5"
Height (female)
15.5–18"25.5–29.5"
Weight (male)
25–33 lbs110–170 lbs
Weight (female)
20–28 lbs90–140 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years7–10 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)High (4/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling. Originally from Finland, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 25–33 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, faithful, alert.

About the Leonberger

The Leonberger is a friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 110–170 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, gentle, playful.

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Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy

Leonberger health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bone cancer
  • Bloat
  • Polyneuropathy