Believe that bigger is better? The Leonberger backs up this theory. These gorgeous gentle giants might be strong, powerful and a little imposing, but they’re actually affectionate, friendly and playful pups. Strongly bonded to their humans, this is a dog that will always stick by your side. High energy, a Leonberger is built for adventure - and lots of it. After you’re done jogging / biking / hiking / swimming / playing together, set aside time to brush that glorious coat and train and socialise them to become the best doggy pal you could ever wish for.
Leonberger Facts
Hailing from Leonberg in Germany, Leonbergers were originally bred to be companions and ultimately, to become dogs worthy of royalty. Famous royal owners include Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II, and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Unsurprisingly, Leonbergers were bred from large breeds like Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands, and have been used as working dogs, especially on farms.
- Breed Group: Working
- Height: Female: 65-75cm; Male: 71-80cm
- Weight: Female: 40-63.5kg; Male: 50-77kg
- Life Span: 7 years
- Coat: Long, double
- Colour: Red, reddish brown, sandy or yellow
What Does a Leonberger Look Like?
An extra large dog, Leonbergers are hard to miss. Although they’re huge and powerful, they’re surprisingly graceful and elegant and move easily; they were bred to be royal companions, after all. A male can grow to be 80cm tall and weigh about the same as an adult human. Although females are smaller, they’re still huge dogs!
Once you’re over their size, you’ll notice their unique features. These include their lush, long, waterproof double coats, complete with a lion-like mane around their neck and chest and big bushy tail. You can see why they’re called the ‘gentle lion’ of the dog world.
Although their coats come in a variety of colours (mainly red, reddish brown, sandy or yellow), all Leonbergers have a black mask of fur across their face that extends to the back of their head. This mask is framed by their long triangular ears that hang flat against the sides of their face. Peeking out of this black mask are medium brown eyes that sparkle with love and affection for their family.
Leonberger
Leonberger Temperament: Surprisingly Sensitive
A Leonberger might be an extra large, powerful dog but their temperament is friendly, affectionate, playful and gentle. So affectionate in fact that a Leonberger isn’t an independent dog - they want to be included in all the family fun. Utterly devoted to their humans, these sensitive pups can pick up on your mood and will happily provide hugs or fun, whenever you need it.
This gentle loving nature means Leonbergers make great playmates - they adore children. However, because of their size, it’s important you always keep an eye on a Leonberger around children, especially small ones. They can get easily knocked over during play time.
Although Leonbergers aren’t aggressive dogs at all, they need socialisation from puppyhood to help bring out their friendliness. An unsocialised Leonberger is a wary, suspicious Leonberger who might not adapt well to new experiences, people and pups. Especially because Leonbergers are naturally protective and will bark to alert you to a visitor.
Keeping Leonbergers Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
For giant dog breed, Leonbergers have a somewhat long life expectancy: 7 years. You can help them live their life to the fullest through preventive care, like regular vet checks, daily toothbrushing and flea and worm treatment.
Bloat
All deep chested dogs, like a Leonberger, are at risk of bloat. Bloat causes your dog’s stomach to twist on itself, trapping gas inside. It’s a life-threatening condition and can be fatal if left untreated. Signs of bloat include pacing, restlessness, a sore or distended stomach, and attempting to vomit but nothing coming up. If you spot any signs, take them to the vet immediately.
Help prevent bloat by avoiding exercising your dog for 30 minutes before and after mealtimes. You can also consider a slow feeding bowl.
Joint Problems
Unsurprisingly, giant breed dogs are more prone to joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Dysplasia is when their joints don’t form correctly, causing them to rub rather than move smoothly. A painful condition, you might notice your Leonberger limping or having stiff limbs. They might struggle to climb stairs or get in and out of the car. Dysplasia can be treated through weight management, physical therapy and surgery, depending on how severe it is. Dysplasia is an inherited condition, so responsible breeders should screen for it.
Eye Diseases
Like a lot of dogs, Leonbergers are prone to some eye diseases that can lead to blindness. These include cataracts and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). Although cataracts can usually be treated with surgery, PRA can’t. Most dogs adapt well to blindness and continue to lead long, happy lives. Leonbergers can also develop eyelid problems: entropion (when the eyelid rolls in and rubs) and ectropion (when the eyelid rolls out). Both can be treated through medication or surgery.
Polyneuropathy
A progressive neurological disease, polyneuropathy affects a Leonberger’s nerves. Symptoms usually appear from when they’re 1 year old and include them tiring easily, limb weakness, being uncoordinated or unsteady, changes to their bark pitch, and breathing difficulties. Sadly, there’s currently no treatment options. It’s an inherited condition which breeders should screen for.
Caring for Your Leonberger Dog
Big dog, big care needs. But that’s ok, it’s just more time spent bonding with your favourite pup.
Grooming
We’ll be honest: Leonbergers shed. A lot. They shed even more during shedding season. That’s twice a year as the weather warms up and cools down. Leonbergers need to be brushed every single day. Pay attention to areas that tend to mat - that’s the long hair behind their ears and on the back of their legs.
Once a week, you’ll need to do a more thorough groom. Given their size, you can expect this to take between 30 and 60 minutes. Because of their double coat, you need a metal comb and a rake to work through their fluffy undercoat. You then need a pin brush and slicker brush for their thick, full top coat. Every other week, clip or trim their nails. Due to their large size, you’ll need some large clippers to get through them.
During your weekly grooming sessions, check their ears for any sign of infection (redness, a weird smell, any oozing). Give them a gentle wipe with some ear cleaning wipes to get rid of any dirt or debris that’s built up. Finally, brush their teeth every day. Dental disease, normally caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar, can lead to a whole range of health issues and even affect major organs.
Nutrition
Feed your Leonberger Giant breed quality commercial dog food that’s suited to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). Giant breed specific dog food has larger biscuits / kibble for their larger jaws and teeth. It’s also nutritionally balanced to meet their greater energy needs.
Because a Leonberger is already a huge dog, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight. Even a little extra weight can put stress on their bones and lead to other health problems. Keep an eye on how many treats they’re getting each day as treat calories count towards their daily calorie intake.
Exercise
Sure, an adult Leonberger is a calm, gentle dog - but they still need vigorous exercise every day. Puppies and young Leonbergers are really active and energetic so you’ll definitely be devoting a lot of time every day to wearing them out. A tired Leonberger is a happy Leonberger. If they don't get enough exercise, they’re going to entertain themselves - starting with chewing (read: destroying) your shoes.
Aim for around 2 hours every day. Although a Leonberger enjoys a long walk, it’s important you keep their exercise interesting and engaging. Mix it up with a morning jog or cycle ride (you cycling, them running alongside!). Head out to the garden or dog area with a tall, strong fence and play fetch. Toss in a long tramp on a weekend, hitch them to a cart so they can pull the kids around (honestly, they love this - it’s an ideal outlet for their strength), or take them for a swim. Leonbergers are great swimmers and will happily splash around in the ocean or in a lake, pond or pool.
It’s best to keep more strenuous exercise, like jogging, until they’re fully grown to avoid damaging their growing bones and joints. This is normally when they’re around 2 years old.
A Leonberger needs their mind exercised too. Once they’ve nailed the obedience basics, you can teach them tricks (paw shake is a good one). Or provide them with puzzle & enrichment toys to entertain them at home.
Training
Leonbergers are very large, strong dogs. In fact, Leonbergers are probably stronger (and maybe even heavier) than you. This means proper training of Leonbergers is an absolute must otherwise you’re going to have a dog that’s in control of you, and not the other way around.
Before they even become their largest, strongest selves, Leonberger puppies are extra energetic, enthusiastic and can be a bit cocky and stubborn, thinking that they know better than you.
Enrol them into puppy school. It’s a safe, controlled way to gently expose them to a range of experiences, people and animals. Puppy school helps them develop their manners and gain confidence in new situations, something they’ll need throughout their life.
Start with the basics that’ll help you and your pup stay safe: sit, stay, come, and off. It’s really important that a Leonberger learns to walk well on a lead. You want to avoid them taking off or pulling when you’re on a stroll which will really jar, and possibly injure, your wrist and shoulder.