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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Comparison - Dog breed selector: Apollo of Dogs or Golden Flat Coat or Gentle Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger" Compare Great Dane and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger?
 
 
 
Name Great Dane Golden Retriever Leonberger
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Working Dogs
Popularity Rank143100
Reviews14164
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger breeds.
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is the largest?
Giant Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger height comparison:
Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm)

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $1000-$2000 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger?
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is easiest to train?
Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is most alert?
Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is most protective?
Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger?
Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger social needs comparison:
Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Great Dane dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is most playful?
Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Leonberger is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger breed.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Golden Retriever 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger?
Great Dane dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which uses mouth most during play?
Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed lives longest?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which has fewer health issues?
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Golden Retriever 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which breed is most active?
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger?
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 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

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. What colors are available?
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Golden
Light
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which drools least?
The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Leonberger is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger? Great Dane or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is best with kids?
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Great Dane dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger? Which dog is more friendly?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Leonberger?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger?
Yes
Great Dane dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Great Dane is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. 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.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Which has most puppies?
10-15 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. 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.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Leonberger Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Great Dane, Golden Retriever, and Leonberger. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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
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

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