German Shepherd Dog vs Leonberger
Compare German Shepherd Dog and Leonberger side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
German Shepherd Dog
Leonberger
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 65 cm
65 – 80 cm
Weight
33 – 37 kg
40 – 77 kg
Life expectancy
9 – 13 years
9 – 10 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
2/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
4/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
4/5
2/5
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Characteristics
German Shepherd Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Protective
Easy to train
Large
Leonberger
Great with kids
Easy to train
Giant
Summary
About German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a medium‑large, athletic working breed, highly intelligent and trainable. Loyal and naturally protective, it needs extensive daily mental and physical exercise. It has a double coat with notable shedding and is widely used in police, military, and search and rescue roles.
About Leonberger
Large, strongly built “gentle giant” with lion‑coloured, water‑resistant double coat and black mask. Typically calm, devoted, and very good with children and other pets when well socialised. Needs regular exercise, kind training, thorough grooming, and careful health management.
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