Leonberger vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Leonberger vs Kuvasz - Breed ComparisonKuvasz is originated from Hungary but Leonberger is originated from Germany. Both Kuvasz and Leonberger are having almost same height. Kuvasz may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Leonberger. Both Kuvasz and Leonberger has almost same life span. Kuvasz may have less litter size than Leonberger. Both Kuvasz and Leonberger requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Hungary
Germany
Height Male:
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Height Female:
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 14
Size:
Large
Giant
Other Names:
Hungarian Kuvasz
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Colors Available:
White
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
Coat:
Medium length to long, wavy or straight
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

kuvaszThe Kuvasz is an ancient dog breed from Hungary. It is believed that the dog is the oldest of the ancient Hungarian dog breeds, and in fact a fossilized skeleton dating back to the 9th century, and almost identical to the modern Kuvasz, was found near Keszthely.

During the 15th century the Kuvasz became very sought after, being found in royal courts. Puppies were given as royal gifts. Later the popularity of the breed waned and then it was found in its traditional role of guarding livestock.

As Kuvasz numbers dwindled, breeding efforts were started but it is believed that other large dogs such as the Great Pyrenees were used with the Kuvasz to continue with the breeding programs.

In 1884, the first Hungarian standard for the breed was written. It was in 1966 that the Kuvasz Club of America was established.

leonbergerHailing from Germany, and more specifically the city of Leonberg, the Leonberger is a giant dog breed.

A resident of Leonberg, Germany, was looking to develop a dog that resembled a lion and in 1846 it was announced that such a dog had been developed by crossing a Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Pyrenean Mountain dog.

It was after 2010, when the Leonberger Club of America joined the American Kennel Club, that the strict breeding rules were no longer mandatory for all Leonbergers.

Description

kuvasz puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Kuvasz is a large, muscled dog standing at 65 – 76cm in height and weighing 35 – 52kg. He has a double coat of dense white hair which can be straight or wavy.

It is natural for the dog to lose most of the long coat during the Summer months. In other words this dog has a seasonal coat.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and alert, the ears are of medium length and floppy and the tail is carried long and low.

Temperament:

The Kuvasz is an intelligent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. It is always wise to have large dogs like this trained because just his size can cause problems if he isn’t obedient.

He is also described as a clownish type of dog which means he’ll entertain and amuse you. Certainly he is playful as a puppy but he calms down quite a bit as he grows into maturity. He is independent, and those who have owned such a dog report that he can be loving and loyal with his human family, wanting to guard and protect them. Others will say that he tended to be aloof, even with his human family.

Used as working dogs, the Kuvasz has learned to be independent and they will need a firm, strong owner who is also fair with them, otherwise they just do their own thing. They’re active dogs and because of their size they won’t suit city living where there is a tiny garden.

leonberger puppy - descriptionAs a giant breed, the Leonberger stands at between 65cm and 80cm in height. He weighs a hefty 40 – 77kg both males and females.

These dogs are described as being dimorphic. It means that there is quite a difference in the looks of the males and females, with the male dogs being heftier and larger than the females.

The head of the dog is large, he has almond-shaped, dark brown eyes and the ears are medium sized and floppy. The tail is long and he has webbed feet which makes him a good swimmer too.

The thick, double coat can be straight or wavy and comes in different colors such as reddish-brown, tan, sandy or yellowish and the hairs can be tipped with black. He sheds quite a bit so will need regular brushing.

The Leonberger can have between 6 – 14 puppies and these puppies are like big, fat, cuddly, fluffy teddy bears. Don’t be tempted to just buy one because of his wonderful looks because they turn out to be huge dogs that eat a lot and the coat can take quite a bit of effort to keep groomed.

Temperament:

Fondly referred to as the Leo, this giant beautiful dog is social and in spite of his size, he should never be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time. He needs to come indoors from time to time to enjoy some interaction with his human family.

He is a family dog, and with training and socialization, he becomes a well-rounded, confident, obedient pet, quiet and content and sensitive to his owner’s moods.

Even though he becomes a great family pet, you need to think twice before you decide to own one of these large dogs as he can be costly to feed.

Characteristics

kuvasz dog - characteristicsKuvasz are guarding dogs, they’re intelligent and loyal, making them excellent family dogs with the right training and socialization.

They’re able to get on well with other pets in the home as well as children. He is a beautiful dog and another bonus is that he isn’t particularly high maintenance.

As is common with many other large-breed dogs, he will have a shorter lifespan than what you’d get with a smaller dog breed, but if you feed him high quality food, exercise him and involve him in your activities, this large dog can become a wonderful friend and protector for you.

leonberger dog - characteristicsDon’t be deceived by the looks of the big Leonberger because he isn’t aggressive, but quiet and calm. Large he may be, but he isn’t sluggish either and he will certainly require exercise such as a long, fairly lively walk every day.

They’re intelligent dogs too and respond well to socialization and training. He is a social dog and wants to enjoy plenty of interaction with his human family members.

These dogs are often used as rescue- and therapy dogs as they are so loving and sensitive. Give him lots of love and good care and you’re going to have the most wonderful pet that lives up to the saying – dogs are man’s best friend.

Health Problems

kuvasz puppies - health problemsThe large Kuvasz is a healthy dog breed that with good care can reach 12–14 years of age. Being the large dog that he is, he may well be prone to bone and joint problems. It is why good nutrition is so important for this dog - feeding him the best food with vitamins and minerals.

You know the saying ...you are what you eat... and this applies to dogs too. Good food can help to ward off serious illnesses. Big dogs like this often have to contend with hip dysplasia which can be both painful and debilitating as well as eye diseases.

Entropion:

This is where the eyelid of the dog rolls inwards, causing irritation and pain for the dog. There is also Ectropion, where the eyelid rolls outwards.If you see your pet has a red eye which is watery and which has pus, visit your vet. Entropion surgery will correct and repair and condition.

leonberger puppies - health problemsLeonbergers are strong, generally healthy dogs. It is said that very large dogs like this don’t live as long as smaller dogs and they also face more health issues. Orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia are more common with large breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

An orthopedic problem like this is a misalignment of a joint. This large dog also tends to develop elbow dysplasia too. Fortunately today, hip- and elbow dysplasia is controlled because of efforts of breeders to have their Leonbergers screened.

Nonetheless it is important to know about this ailment. The word ‘Dysplasia’ is referring to an abnormality of development. With both hip- and elbow dysplasia, there is abnormal development of the joints, and osteoarthritis can build up, causing lameness for your giant canine.

Cancer:

Cancer is sadly a leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 years. Lymphoma is a blood-related cancer – a tumor of the lymph nodes. Dogs can develop different forms of lymphoma. The warning signs are a lump or a wound that won’t heal, swelling in the bone and abnormal bleeding.

Luckily cancer is very treatable in dogs, but you need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

kuvasz dogs - caringThe coat may be fairly long and thick but it doesn’t require any special kind of grooming. A good brush twice a week will be adequate and will help with getting rid of stubborn knots and matting.

He is a seasonal shedder and this frequent brushing will make sure the coat remains groomed and shiny.

General Care:

The Kuvasz is a hardy breed who just loves the outdoors. He is a dog that doesn’t do well in the heat. Make absolutely sure that he has a cool, sheltered spot where he can lie down. Ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Diet:

There is quite a bit of conflict and controversy regarding nutrition in dogs. The idea is to keep it simple. If you buy a commercially manufactured dog food, check the ingredients on the packaging.

You want to be sure your pet is getting vitamins and minerals in instead of preservatives, fillers and colorants. Try and give him some home made food too such as some chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables. You can mix this into his dry kibble occasionally with a little bit of raw meat too when you have.

Avoid feeding your dog things such as chocolates, nuts, onions, sweets and chips.

leonberger dogs - caringThat long coat of the Leonberger is going to require some brushing at least twice a week. He is also a moderate shedder and you want to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep him looking well groomed.

Diet:

A proper, nutritious diet is an essential part of having healthy, happy dogs and if you’re unsure about how to feed your giant pet, speak to your veterinarian.

The best diet for dogs is always very debatable, but essentially it needs to be kept simple. Try and invest in the very best commercially manufactured dog food for large breeds. Every dog wants a tasty home-made morsel from time to time. Add in cooked chicken, brown rice as well as cooked or raw vegetables. Raw meat can also be added in from time to time.

You want to avoid feeding the Leonberger puppy a high protein diet as this encourages rapid growth and you want to avoid that.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Kuvasz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Kuvasz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Kuvasz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Kuvasz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Kuvasz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Kuvasz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Kuvasz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Kuvasz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kuvasz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Kuvasz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Kuvasz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Kuvasz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Kuvasz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Kuvasz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Kuvasz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Kuvasz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Kuvasz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Kuvasz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Kuvasz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Kuvasz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Kuvasz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Kuvasz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Kuvasz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Kuvasz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Kuvasz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Leonberger vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Leonberger vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Leonberger vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Leonberger vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Leonberger vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Leonberger vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Leonberger vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Leonberger vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Leonberger vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Leonberger vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Leonberger vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Leonberger vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Leonberger vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Leonberger vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Leonberger vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Leonberger vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Leonberger vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Leonberger vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Leonberger vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Leonberger vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Leonberger vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Leonberger vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Leonberger vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison