Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Yorkshire Terrier Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger: Overview
- Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
- Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger
- Appearance (Colors) of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
- Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier Versus the Leonberger
- Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger
- Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger?
- Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger
- How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Leonbergers?
- Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Leonberger
- Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Yorkshire Terrier Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Yorkshire Terrier and for the Leonberger. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger.
Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Leonberger is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Leonberger belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier to the Leonberger based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
| Factor | Yorkshire Terrier | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 6 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2420 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1600 – $2950 | $500 – $2188 |
| Temperament Score | 83.7 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 9 | 97 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Leonberger. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get a Yorkshire Terrier!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
The Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger.
The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Leonberger weighs 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. The Leonberger is 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger
Yorkshire Terrier Colors
The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Bicolor
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Golden
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Apricot / Beige
- White / Cream
- Sable
The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Black
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brown / Chocolate
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Sable
- Bicolor
Leonberger Colors
The Leonberger comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Bicolor
The Leonberger comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger
The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Leonberger is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Leonberger is 11.0 years.
The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Leonberger.
Temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier Versus the Leonberger
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Yorkshire Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 percent while the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Leonberger
The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $1140. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $500 – $2188. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2250. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Leonberger.
`| Yorkshire Terrier | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2420 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1600 to $2950 | $500 to $2188 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Yorkshire Terrier and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Yorkshire Terrier puppies or how many Leonberger puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Yorkshire Terrier puppy or the Leonberger puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier versus Popularity of Leonberger
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Yorkshire Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier is 9 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Yorkshire Terrier Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | 98 |
| 2014 | 6 | 104 |
| 2015 | 7 | 93 |
| 2016 | 9 | 95 |
| 2017 | 9 | 100 |
| 2018 | 10 | 93 |
| 2019 | 12 | 95 |
| 2020 | 13 | 98 |
| 2021 | 13 | 102 |
Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Leonberger
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Leonberger is prone to more genetic health problems than the Yorkshire Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Yorkshire Terrier.
7 health tests are recommended for Yorkshire Terrier while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Yorkshire Terriers and in Leonbergers.
Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems
Yorkshire Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Yorkshire Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Yorkshire Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Yorkshire Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Yorkshire Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers here.
Leonberger Health Problems
Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Leonbergers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Yorkshire Terriers and Leonbergers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Yorkshire Terrier Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Yorkshire Terrier ranks 1 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 321 Yorkshire Terriers, 9 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Yorkshire Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Yorkshire Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Leonberger Breed is Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
This is because the Leonberger ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1600 Leonbergers, 22 of them had Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Leonbergers, and how common these diseases are in Leonbergers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Yorkshire Terrier and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger:
`| Disease | Yorkshire Terrier Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 1 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 3 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 23 out of 49 dog breeds | 41 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 88 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 159 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 34 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 74 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger
Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Leonbergers?
Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger?
Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger?
Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger
Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Leonbergers?
Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
Yorkshire Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Leonbergers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Leonberger
Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Leonberger?
Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Leonberger. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:
Yorkshire Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel Yorkshire Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Yorkshire Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Yorkshire Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Yorkshire Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Yorkshire Terrier versus Chow Chow Yorkshire Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Yorkshire Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Yorkshire Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Yorkshire Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Yorkshire Terrier versus Cane Corso Yorkshire Terrier versus Irish Terrier Yorkshire Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier Yorkshire Terrier versus Bernedoodle Yorkshire Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiba Inu
Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Leonberger better suits you and your family.