Leonberger vs Newfoundland

Working · Giant vs Working · Giant

Quick take
  • Leonberger is the larger breed at 110–170 lbs (males) vs 130–150 lbs for the Newfoundland.
  • The Newfoundland typically lives longer (9–10 years).
  • The Leonberger has higher daily energy needs.

Side-by-side traits

TraitLeonbergerNewfoundland
Group
WorkingWorking
Size
GiantGiant
Origin
GermanyCanada
Height (male)
28–31.5"28"
Height (female)
25.5–29.5"26"
Weight (male)
110–170 lbs130–150 lbs
Weight (female)
90–140 lbs100–120 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
7–10 years9–10 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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.

About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.

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Leonberger health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bone cancer
  • Bloat
  • Polyneuropathy

Newfoundland health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Cystinuria