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Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Swissy or Gentle Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger" Compare Hovawart and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is better: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
 
 
 
Name Hovawart Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Leonberger
OriginsGermany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany
Group Guard Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank37575100
Reviews223
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Hovie Swissy
Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
Large Swiss Mountain Dog
Great Swiss Cattle Dog
Bouvier Suisse
Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which is the smallest dog, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Large
Giant
Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger weight comparison:
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) 130-135 pounds (59-61 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?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) 132.5 pounds (60 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger height comparison:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) 23.5-28.5 (60-72 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?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) 23.5-28.5 (66 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm)

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1200 $2000-$2500 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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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Trainability
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger trainability comparison.
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Protective
Alert
Devoted
Selfish
Fearless
Good-natured
Confidence
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Hovawart 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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger social needs comparison:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are a social breed.
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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?
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Hovawart 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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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger playfulness comparison:
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Leonberger is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog rarely barks.
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Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger breed.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Hovawart 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.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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.
Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger mouthiness comparison:
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger health comparison. Which is the healthier: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Epilepsy
Distichiasis
Digestive Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger lifespan comparison. How long do Hovawart, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Leonberger breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger energy level comparison:
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 5 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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger coat comparison:
Silky Dense Waterproof
Colors
What are the original Hovawart, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Leonberger color?
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Red
White
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or {name3 shedding:
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
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Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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.
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Hypoallergenic
Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Leonberger is an average drooler.
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Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which dog is more friendly?
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?

Not really

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Hovawart and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Leonberger have?
6-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies

Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
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
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Pet Registry, Inc.
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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