Is the Leonberger or the Newfoundland better for families with children?

Both the Leonberger and the Newfoundland are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Leonberger or the Newfoundland?

The Leonberger and Newfoundland shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Leonberger or the Newfoundland?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Leonberger or Newfoundland bigger?

Leonberger and Newfoundland are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Leonberger or Newfoundland?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Leonberger or Newfoundland?

For apartment or apartment living, Newfoundland has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Leonberger vs Newfoundland: Which Is Calmer?

Leonberger vs Newfoundland: full comparison

Trait	Leonberger	Newfoundland
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	9 years	9 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Leonberger is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, the Newfoundland is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Leonberger needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Newfoundland needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Leonberger is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Newfoundland is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Leonberger learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Newfoundland learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Leonberger will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Newfoundland is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Newfoundland has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Leonberger and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Newfoundland has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Leonberger and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Leonberger and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Leonberger if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Newfoundland if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Leonberger or the Newfoundland better for families with children?: Both the Leonberger and the Newfoundland are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Leonberger or the Newfoundland?: The Leonberger and Newfoundland shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Leonberger or the Newfoundland?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Leonberger or Newfoundland bigger?: Leonberger and Newfoundland are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Leonberger or Newfoundland?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Leonberger or Newfoundland?: For apartment or apartment living, Newfoundland has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Leonberger vs Newfoundland