Is the Leonberger or the Shiloh Shepherd better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Leonberger or the Shiloh Shepherd?

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

Which is easier to train, the Leonberger or the Shiloh Shepherd?

The Shiloh Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Leonberger or Shiloh Shepherd bigger?

Leonberger and Shiloh Shepherd are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Leonberger or Shiloh Shepherd?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Leonberger or Shiloh Shepherd?

For apartment or apartment living, Leonberger and Shiloh Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Leonberger vs Shiloh Shepherd: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Leonberger vs Shiloh Shepherd: full comparison

Trait	Leonberger	Shiloh Shepherd
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	9 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Leonberger is one of the true giant breeds that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, the Shiloh Shepherd is one of the true giant breeds 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 thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Shiloh Shepherd thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Leonberger demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. The Shiloh Shepherd needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Leonberger is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Shiloh Shepherd is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Leonberger will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Shiloh Shepherd will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Leonberger if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Shiloh Shepherd on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Shiloh Shepherd if you want a longer-lived breed, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Leonberger or the Shiloh Shepherd better for families with children?: Both the Leonberger and the Shiloh Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Leonberger or the Shiloh Shepherd?: The Leonberger and Shiloh Shepherd shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Leonberger or the Shiloh Shepherd?: The Shiloh Shepherd is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Leonberger or Shiloh Shepherd bigger?: Leonberger and Shiloh Shepherd are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Leonberger or Shiloh Shepherd?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Leonberger or Shiloh Shepherd?: For apartment or apartment living, Leonberger and Shiloh Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Leonberger vs Shiloh Shepherd