Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Leonberger |  Cavachon |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The Leonberger was developed in the German town of Leonberg during the mid-19th century, where breeder Heinrich Essig set out to create a dog resembling the town's heraldic lion by crossing Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. The resulting giant was sold to European royalty and used as a farm and draught dog, and later for water rescue work, before the breed nearly disappeared twice during the World Wars. Dedicated breed enthusiasts rebuilt the population from a small number of surviving dogs, and the Leonberger reached Britain and wider recognition in the latter half of the 20th century. | United States |
| Group | Working | Crossbreed |
| Size | Giant | Small |
| Coat | Long, water-resistant double coat with a thick mane around the neck and chest, found in lion yellow, red, red brown and sandy, usually with a black mask. | Soft, wavy or curly low-shedding coat |
| Weight | 45 to 77 kg | 5 to 9 kg |
| Height | 65 to 80 cm | 30 to 33 cm |
| Lifespan | 7 to 9 yrs | 10 to 15 yrs |
| Exercise need | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Barking | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Good with children | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Trainability | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Prey drive | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 8/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 8/10 | 3/10 |
| Flat fit | 2/10 | 9/10 |
| Running cost | €305 / month | €66 / month |
Leonberger verdict
The gentle giant that thinks it is a lapdog
Get one if
- · Households with a large home and garden able to accommodate a very large dog comfortably
- · Families with children who want a famously patient and gentle giant breed
- · Owners with a vehicle large enough to transport a dog of this size safely
Think again if
- · Anyone living in a flat or small home without adequate space for a giant breed
- · Households without a car able to comfortably fit a dog approaching 77 kilograms
- · Owners who cannot tolerate frequent drool on walls, clothing and furniture
Cavachon verdict
The small, sunny companion that fits almost any home.
Get one if
- · First-time owners
- · Families with children of any age
- · Flat dwellers and city households
Think again if
- · Homes where the dog would be alone all day
- · Owners unable to budget for regular grooming
- · Anyone wanting a jogging or hiking partner