Leonberger vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison

Leonberger vs Japanese Terrier - Breed ComparisonLeonberger is originated from Germany but Japanese Terrier is originated from Japan. Leonberger may grow 47 cm / 19 inches higher than Japanese Terrier. Leonberger may weigh 72 kg / 159 pounds more than Japanese Terrier. Leonberger may live 5 years less than Japanese Terrier. Leonberger may have more litter size than Japanese Terrier. Leonberger requires Moderate maintenance. But Japanese Terrier requires Low 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.

japanese terrier - historyThe Japanese Terrier is native to Japan and is a rare pure bred dog. It is believed that the dog comes from Smooth Fox Terriers who arrived way back in the 17th century.

Certainly he looks very much like a regular Fox Terrier. It is thought that these smooth Fox Terriers were then interbred with local, Japanese dogs and used to hunt rats. Gradually he became a lap dog and companion.

Planned breeding of the dog began in 1920, and it was in 1930 that the dog was admitted to the Japanese Kennel Club with a breeding program being started.

Today you will find the Japanese Terrier in his home country and small numbers elsewhere. He was admitted to the United Kennel Club in 2006.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
Japan
Height Male:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
20 - 33 cm
7 - 13 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
20 - 33 cm
7 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 14
4 - 7
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Nippon Terrier
Colors Available:
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
White, black and some tan
Coat:
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

japanese terrier puppy - descriptionThe Japanese Terrier is a small sized dog who stands at 20 – 33cm at the shoulders and weighs in at about 2 to 5kg.

He is a short, smooth haired dog with a tight skin and in colors of white and black. Sometimes you may find a little bit of tan color on the face too as well as 'freckles' around the neck area and legs. The black shading of the coat is essentially found around the head of the dog and also his ears.

His ears are set high on the head and are semi-erect, semi-floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving the dog a nice compact look but these days it is unfortunately often left long and then its a medium length tail which is thinly covered in short hair. The nose is black and the eye are brown, bright and alert.

Temperament:

Gentle, cheerful, intelligent, loving and loyal are some of the characteristics of the Japanese Terrier. People who have kept him as a pet will vouch for him being a wonderful companion.

He is an active dog, but he still loves to be petted and won’t do well if left alone and not part of his human family. Being a clever dog, he is easy to train, learning easily and quickly. He is quite amusing at times and you can even teach him some tricks.

He gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. He is alert and will make a good watchdog, alerting you to an intruder.

Because of the Japanese Terrier’s small size and sensitive nature, this breed needs a calm owner and a quiet household. It is not recommended for boisterous households.

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.

japanese terrier dog - characteristicsAs a pet of yours, the Japanese Terrier is an animated, contented little dog. He loves playing games and gets on well with children who aren't rough and disrespectful of him.

He is smart and gentle and loves nothing more than to sit on your lap in the evenings and be your reading- or watching-TV companion. Give him the right amount of attention as any other family member receives and he is guaranteed to make you an excellent, low maintenance pet.

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.

japanese terrier puppies - health problemsThe Japanese Terrier has no particular health issues and has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years if looked after well.

There are always one or two illnesses to watch out for such as eye- and ear infections. Some dogs also develop conditions such as Patella Luxation. This happens when your dog's kneecap is dislocated. It can only be returned to its normal position when certain muscles in the back legs are relaxed and lengthened.

With this condition, your dog holds up one of his hind legs. This condition is more prevalent in small dog breeds.

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.

japanese terrier dogs - caringThe Japanese Terrier is an active dog and will require exercise every day. He’ll love to join you on your walks or have ball games in your garden. He can adapt to life in the city or in the country but will always need to have good exercise.

Grooming:

The Japanese Terrier is a medium shedder and you want to be sure then to brush him twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Diet:

The Japanese Terriers will require the best commercially manufactured dog food, and instead of one large meal a day, rather feed him 2 smaller meals. You can mix some tasty home-made food into his dry kibble from time to time. Excellent home-made food would be something like cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables.

If you can, try to also include some raw meat occasionally. If you’re in any doubt as to how to feed your Japanese Terrier so that he remains healthy, speak to your veterinarian.

Your dog should never ever be without a continuous supply of fresh, cool drinking water.

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. Schnauzer vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Lakeland Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Japanese Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Japanese Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Japanese Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Japanese Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Japanese Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Japanese Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  32. Japanese Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  33. Japanese Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Japanese Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Japanese Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Japanese Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Japanese Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Old English Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Scoland Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Skye Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Welsh Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds