Native American Indian Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison

Native American Indian Dog vs Leonberger - Breed ComparisonNative American Indian Dog is originated from United States but Leonberger is originated from Germany. Native American Indian Dog may grow 46 cm / 18 inches shorter than Leonberger. Native American Indian Dog may weigh 43 kg / 95 pounds more than Leonberger. Native American Indian Dog may live 9 years more than Leonberger. Native American Indian Dog may have less litter size than Leonberger. Native American Indian Dog requires High maintenance. But Leonberger requires Moderate maintenance

History

native american indian dog - historyThe Native American Indian Dog is an ancient breed, that some consider to be feral. It is a landrace breed that developed with the indigenous peoples North America. These dogs originally looked and sounded like wolves and it is likely that their ancestry is tied to wolves crossed with pre-Columbian American dogs that came to the America’s with the first peoples. There are some that believe the Native American Indian Dog is a connecting line back to the dogs or wolves that over 12,000 years ago were the first to be domesticated by human beings.

They are now a rare breed in the wild and a small group of domesticated dogs. Fossil studies in recent years suggests that the Native American Indian Dogs came to North America about 4500 years after the first indigenous peoples. It is believed that the Native Americans bred the dogs that traders and explorers brought with them to the native coyote as well. This created a breed specific to North America and called the Common Native Dog or the Common Indian Dog. The original NAID was a mix of many different breeds of dogs and wild canines.

Today’s NAID is said to be raised on Indian reservations in the United State and represent a mix of Chinook, Husky, German Shepherd Dog and Malamute, along with perhaps some of today’s wolf mixed in. This dog is raised domestically and is socialized to life with humans. They are the last remaining breed from all the Native North American dogs that lived with the original people of the Americas. They are also thought to have an ancestry similar to the Australian Dingo.

They are a devoted, protective and loyal breed though they tend to be shy. They need to be outside for the majority of the day and don’t do well in crates. They need a fenced yard and room to roam. They are working dogs that hunted, pulled sleds and guarded their homes. They still need a job to so.

Today the North American Indian Dog is being bred to replicate the temperament and appearance of the originals. Although there are many breeders working from the founding breeder with original stock, there are only six that are officially given authorization to breed the NAID. They are registered by Terra Pines with the National Kennel Club but not recognized by the AKC and UKC.

The breed name NAID is trademarked by Karen Markel of Majestic View Kennels in the 1990’s. Today the breed is nationally recognized as a breed very much like the original Native American dogs, The breed is intelligent and quite healthy. They enjoy people and engage in many companion activities.

Whatever its true ancestry the current Native American Indian Dog (NAID), today’s version is not recognized by the AKC, but they are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the Native American Indian Dog Registry and the National Kennel Club.

  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • NAID - Native American Indian Dog Registry
  • NKC - National Kennel Club

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.

Description

native american indian dog puppy - descriptionThere are two sizes of the North American Indian Dog – they are medium and large. They have dense short double coats, or they have long top coats and a fairly dense undercoat. They come in a variety of colors mostly black or silver but there is also a tortoiseshell. These tortoiseshell colored dogs are considered by Native Americans to be sacred beings. These tortoiseshell dogs are strikingly good looking and are called Spirit Dog.

They all have the look of a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute with upright ears and almond shaped eyes that are anywhere from amber to brown with some blue. Usually their tails are down and long but can be curled. They resemble the wolf and have that wild, feral appearance. They can be as large as over one hundred pounds or average seventy to eighty pounds. They are strong, alert and intelligent. They are considered to be hypoallergenic, shedding their coat only once a year.

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

Children friendliness

native american indian dog dog - characteristicsThis breed is gentle and loving with children.

Special talents

Endurance, strength and good health.

Adaptability

Low adaptability to small living spaces and lack of outside space; don’t do well in crates and need an experienced dog owner.

Learning ability

They are highly intelligent, love to learn and are just a little stubborn.

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

native american indian dog puppies - health problemsThis is a fairly healthy, long lived breed having spent so much of its history in isolation. They are prone to some of the issues that affect all medium to large breeds.

  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and arthritis.
  • Too fast growth causing joint issues – also can lead to lameness and arthritis.

  • Bloat – as with all large dogs this can be fatal.

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

Feeding the puppy

native american indian dog dogs - caringBecause of their propensity to grow to quickly the puppy should only stay on puppy food for 8-10 months. Feed them a high quality large dog puppy food 3-4 times daily for a total of 2-21/2 cups per day.

Feeding the adult

Feed a high protein, large dog dry food twice a day for a total of two cups. Do not over feed. Do not feed right before or after exercise do to the risk of bloat.

Points for Good Health

Healthy, strong long lived dog.

Games and Exercises

This is not an indoor, couch potato dog. They need exercise and they need space. They won’t do well as apartment dogs unless you can take them to a dog park for over an hour every day. They really need a large fenced in yard. They don’t do well in crates either. He doesn’t understand crates and thinks you are punishing him. They make great hunters, search and rescue dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. They will succeed at pulling competitions and weight competitions.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Germany
Height Male:
23 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 120 kg
121 - 265 pounds
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
Weight Female:
50 - 100 kg
110 - 221 pounds
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 19 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
6 - 14
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
NAID Carolina Dog, the Dingo Dog, the Dixie Dingo, the Native American Dog, the Southern Aboriginal Dog, and “Old Yaller,”, the North American Native Dog
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Colors Available:
often with a broken or tortoiseshell pattern, silver to black
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
Coat:
plush, dense 2 layer/ can be long haired or regular hair coated
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Sarplaninac vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Native American Indian Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  6. Native American Indian Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  7. Native American Indian Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  8. Native American Indian Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  9. Native American Indian Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  11. Native American Indian Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Native American Indian Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  13. Native American Indian Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  14. Native American Indian Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  15. Native American Indian Dog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  16. Native American Indian Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Native American Indian Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  18. Native American Indian Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  19. Native American Indian Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Native American Indian Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  21. Native American Indian Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  22. Native American Indian Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  23. Native American Indian Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  24. Native American Indian Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  25. Native American Indian Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  26. Newfoundland Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  27. Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Leonberger vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Leonberger vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Leonberger vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  32. Leonberger vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Leonberger vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  35. Moscow Watchdog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  36. Spanish Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  37. St. Bernard vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  40. Leonberger vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  41. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Leonberger vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Leonberger vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds