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

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Hovawart and Leonberger. Which is better: Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Hovawart Leonberger Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Guard Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank37510025
Reviews236
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Hovie Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Large
Giant
Giant Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Hovawart or Leonberger or Leonberger? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight comparison:
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog height comparison:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm) Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1200 $1500-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog intelligence:
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.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog trainability comparison.
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? 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.
See more.
Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
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.
See more.
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 Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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.
See more.
Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.
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.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.
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 Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog mouthiness comparison:
Hovawart dogs have a low 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.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Hovawart 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.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
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.
Frequent
The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Hovawart, Leonberger and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
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 cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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 6 to 8 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 Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Hovawart has an 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 Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog coat comparison:
Silky Waterproof Dense
Colors
What are the original Hovawart, Leonberger and Bernese Mountain Dog color?
Black
Blonde
Golden
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Black
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Hovawart or Leonberger or {name3 shedding:
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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.
Hypoallergenic
Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
See more.
The Leonberger is an average drooler.
See more.
The Bernese Mountain Dog 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.

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Hovawart or Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is better for autism?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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 Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

Not really

Hovawart 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

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

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
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 Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Leonberger and Bernese Mountain Dog have?
6-8 puppies 6-8 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8

Hovawart vs Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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 2010 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 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 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.
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
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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