Leonberger vs Havanese - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Leonberger vs Havanese - Breed ComparisonLeonberger is originated from Germany but Havanese is originated from Cuba. Leonberger may grow 53 cm / 21 inches higher than Havanese. Leonberger may weigh 71 kg / 157 pounds more than Havanese. Leonberger may live 6 years less than Havanese. Leonberger may have more litter size than Havanese. Leonberger requires Moderate maintenance. But Havanese requires High maintenance

History

leonberger - historyHailing 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.

havanese - historyThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

Description

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.

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

Health Problems

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.

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Germany
Cuba
Height Male:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 14
1 - 9
Size:
Giant dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Colors Available:
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
colors all colors
Coat:
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
coat type soft and curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Newfoundland Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  2. Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Leonberger vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Leonberger vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  5. Leonberger vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Leonberger vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  7. Leonberger vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Leonberger vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  10. Moscow Watchdog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  12. St. Bernard vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Moscow Water Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  15. Leonberger vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  16. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Leonberger vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  19. Leonberger vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Leonberger vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  21. Morkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  22. Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Havanese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  24. Havanese vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Havanese vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  27. Havanese vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  28. Havanese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  29. Havanese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  30. Havanese vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  31. Havanese vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  32. Havanese vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  33. Havanese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  34. Havanese vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  35. Havanese vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  36. Havanese vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  37. Pekingese vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  38. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Toy Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  40. Phalene vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  41. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  42. Silky Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  43. Snorkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  44. Toy Bulldog vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  45. Toy Mi-Ki vs Havanese - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds