Leonberger vs Lakeland Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Leonberger
Working Group
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Lakeland Terrier Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Leonbergers are less energetic than Lakeland Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Leonbergers require more grooming attention compared to Lakeland Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Leonbergers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Lakeland Terriers.
- Trainability: Lakeland Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Lakeland Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lakeland Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Leonbergers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Leonberger and Lakeland Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Leonberger | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 9-9 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Leonberger | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 65-80 cm | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm |
| Weight | 90-170 lbs 41-77 kg | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Leonberger | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Gentle, Playful | Friendly, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Leonberger | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Leonberger Temperament
The Leonberger is known for being friendly, gentle, playful, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is characterized by being friendly, confident, bold, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Leonberger and Lakeland Terrier, 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
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Leonberger
Rating: 1/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Leonberger Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Leonbergers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Leonbergers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland Terriers 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, Lakeland Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Leonberger Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Bone Cancer
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
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
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Leonberger and Lakeland Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.