German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Gentle Giant or Old English Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff" Compare German Shepherd and Leonberger. Which is better: German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	Leonberger	Mastiff
Origins	Germany	Germany	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	100	28
Reviews	21	4	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff breeds.	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Gentle Giant Gentle Lion Leonbergi Leo	Old English Mastiff English Mastiff
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Giant	Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)	Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)	Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff? German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff height comparison:	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm)	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$2000	$1500-$2000	$1200-$1500
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is easiest to train?	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most alert?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most protective?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff? Compare temperaments.	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Loving Obedient Loyal Fearless Companionable Adaptable	Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal. See more.	Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most playful?	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Leonberger is a playful breed. See more.	Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mastiff indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most flexible?	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has lowest bite risk?	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which uses mouth most during play?	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed lives longest?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has fewer health issues?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Bloat Entropion Inherited Polyneuropathy Ectropion Elbow Dysplasia Addison's Disease Eosinophilic Panosteitis	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Seizures Cystinuria

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most active?	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff?	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which needs most food?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Silver	Red Brown Yellow Sandy Reddish Mahogany	Fawn Brindle Apricot
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which drools least?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Leonberger is an average drooler. See more.	The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fuzzy	Waterproof	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which requires most frequent baths?	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff? German Shepherd or Leonberger or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Mastiff dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best with kids?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.	Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Leonberger or Mastiff?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff?	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Leonberger dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has most puppies?	6-10 puppies	6-8 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

German Shepherd vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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