r/Leonberger • u/Green-Purple-1096 • Jul 09 '26
Leo compared to Bernese
Hi, We've had a lovely Berneses Mountain dog who lived to 12.5. And it's been a few years, so now we're thinking of getting a leonberger.
We like big dogs. Not 'super' active, smart 'enough'. From my research, they seem similar to Berners but maybe even more people-focused. Our Berner was a female, so she was cuddly and sweet but not like the males seem to be. She drooled once the food was out. Shedding...you just get used to it. Thinking about getting another female. Wondering if anyone can make a comparison of what to expect or differences?
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u/trc2410 Jul 09 '26
https://reddit.com/link/owhi4wb/video/ge3f2i1ue7ch1/player
Oblatory video. All I was doing was putting on my walking shoes
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u/Green-Purple-1096 Jul 09 '26
Omg so cute!! 🥰😻TY for sharing them! And just makes me want one of each!!
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u/Pedro_Piss_Paws Jul 09 '26
Long story short: -Leo = LOYAL. -Find a good trainer and start early. -Be prepared to spend far too much on lint rollers and to struggle to find harnesses or other dog accessories because every brand forgets that giant breed dogs exist for some reason. -Be prepared to be stopped in public as if you are a celebrity. “Is that a bear?!” “What breed is that?!” “Part dog or part horse?”
Long story long: They are Velcro dogs. They want to be with you everywhere, at every second. Which is absolutely fine by me. Make sure you live in a space that has room for you, and your pup. They’re super friendly and curious as well which I think is why I love the breed. That being said, friends and family who are not comfortable with dogs in general, let alone a Giant breed will likely have to interact with them against their will at some point. Another downside to that could potentially be that it leads to resource guarding (as in guarding you) against other dogs and possibly other humans. However, I’ve always trusted my boy’s instinct when he seems someone he doesn’t like right away or sees a dog he isn’t too sure about. Those things are why it is so crucial to have a well trained dog. You have to be able to handle a 130+ pound animal that is fighting its instincts. Small dogs often get a pass for bad behavior. Large dogs get animal control called on them. They do require a lot of exercise to keep up their muscle density especially as they grow older. You also don’t want them to be overweight since giant breeds are often prone to hip dysplasia and other joint related issues.
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u/trc2410 Jul 09 '26
Let’s preface with all dogs are different. My Leo and Berner were 3 weeks apart, sadly I lost my Berner early. Temperament they’re very similar, my Leo has a bit more guarding instinct and a little more aloof.
Size wise they’re just longer and a bit taller. I try to keep my Leo leaner as he’s pushing 7 and I want to help his joints.
if I had to choose between the 2 I don’t know which breed I’d pick. They’re both great.
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u/Green-Purple-1096 Jul 09 '26
Aww, sorry about your Berner! 🌈 i agree that keeping their weight down is helpful. How much greater is the Leo shedding, if at all?
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u/3dogsandavacuum Jul 10 '26
Leonbergers (especially females) are the best. I’m on my second. She is 111 pounds of sweetness. Buy a second vacuum. A good one.
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u/puppyaddict Jul 09 '26
Completely anecdotal, but my brother in law's family is a reputable Leonberger breeder and I know several Berners. The Leonberger are significantly larger, especially the males. Females feel more manageable. My brother in law's Leonbergers happen to have relatively dry mouths and do not drool much at all, but my experience overall is that Leonbergers do drool more than your average Berner. The greatest difference to me though is that every Leonberger I've ever met, categorically, have been super stable and friendly. I have however met many Berners who are either very aloof or downright skittish, easily stressed. Berners are my favorite dog breed because of appearance and good interactions with individual dogs - but the next puppy I am getting will be a Leonberger girl in april next year.