Great Dane vs Leonberger
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Great Dane
Working Group
Leonberger
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Great Dane Overview
Majestic and noble, Great Danes stand tall with a powerful yet elegant build. Their smooth coat comes in various colors including fawn, brindle, and harlequin. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and well-defined muscular body, these giants possess a graceful gait despite their imposing size. Their balanced temperament combines dignity with friendliness, making them both impressive guardians and affectionate companions.
Leonberger Overview
Majestic and powerful, Leonbergers combine impressive strength with gentle grace. Their distinctive lion-like mane frames a noble face with dark brown eyes expressing warmth and intelligence. Standing up to 31.5 inches at the shoulder with a muscular build, these gentle giants showcase a water-resistant double coat in shades of golden to reddish brown, often with a black mask enhancing their expressive features.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Danes are more energetic than Leonbergers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Danes require less grooming attention compared to Leonbergers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Danes tend to be more reserved with strangers than Leonbergers.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Leonbergers adapt better to apartment living, while Great Danes typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Great Dane and Leonberger, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Dane | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 9-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Dane | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 25-32 inches 65-80 cm |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg | 90-170 lbs 41-77 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Dane | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable | Friendly, Gentle, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Dane | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Leonberger Temperament
The Leonberger is characterized by being friendly, gentle, playful, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Dane and Leonberger, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Danes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Leonberger Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Leonbergers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Leonbergers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
Leonberger Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Bone Cancer
Pros & Cons
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Leonberger
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Good guard dog instincts
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Requires extensive grooming
- Not suited for small spaces
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Dane and Leonberger, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.