Comparison: Hovawart and Leonberger

Hovawart and Leonberger are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Hovawart
Photo: Zelda666, Public domain, source
Leonberger
Photo: Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
HovawartLeonberger
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originGermanyGermany
CategoryLargeGiant
Height at withers58–70 cm65–80 cm
Weight25–40 kg40–75 kg
Life span10–14 years8–9 years
Recognition features
  • Long slightly wavy coat in black, black-and-tan or blond
  • Strong but refined build
  • Well-feathered tail carried low
  • Lion-like mane, thick golden-red coat
  • Black mask and massive build
  • Webbed feet
CoatLong, slightly wavy coat; black, black-and-tan, blond.Long dense water-resistant coat with undercoat; yellow to red-brown with a black mask.
PurposeA German farm guard dog recreated in the 20th century after medieval yard-guarding dogs.Created in the 1840s by Heinrich Essig of Leonberg as a ´lion´ from Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Pyrenean stock.

Breed page: Hovawart · Breed page: Leonberger

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.