The Leonberger, with its lion-like appearance and friendly nature, is absolutely unique. Nowadays, the breed is particularly popular as a family and companion dog. Here, you will learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about these impressive dogs.
History of the Leonberger
The history of the Leonberger dates back to the early 19th century. Heinrich Essig, a member of the city council of Leonberg, is considered the founder of the breed. He set out to breed a dog that should resemble the city’s coat of arms, a lion. Around 1840, he began by mating a St. Bernard male with a black-and-white Newfoundland female. Over the years, he introduced additional St. Bernards and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs to perfect the appearance of the dogs. The first true Leonbergers, as we know them today, were born in 1846.
These large and good-natured dogs became increasingly popular outside the city and served as guard or draft dogs until the war. Even Empress Sissi personally purchased a puppy from Essig’s breeding. During the World Wars, when few could afford a large dog, the number of breeding dogs sharply declined. It is thanks to a few enthusiasts that the breed did not become extinct. Breeders joined forces and collectively established a new breeding program, which has endured to this day.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: Males are 28 to 31.5 inches and females are 25.5 to 29.5 inches at the shoulder
WEIGHT: Males are 110 to 170 pounds; females are 90 to 140 pounds
TEMPERAMENT: Fearless, loyal, loving, obedient, adaptable, companionable
COAT: The double coat is medium to long, thick, straight, and water-resistant
COAT COLOR: The head has a black mask, and over coat colors include lion-yellow, golden, red, reddish-brown, sandy, or yellow-brown
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
LIFE SPAN: 7 years
Traits and Characteristics
The Leonberger is a good-natured and calm dog with a high tolerance for stimuli, remaining unruffled by anything. The lively and curious Leo gets along well with children and loves to play for hours. Especially, Leonberger puppies are carefree and captivate with their joyful, exuberant, and clumsy nature. With proper training, this loyal and obedient breed is perfect as a family dog and will become a great life partner.
Thanks to its innate guarding instinct, the fearless breed also makes a good watchdog, protecting its family in every situation. Are Leonbergers aggressive? The large dog remains calm and does not tend towards aggression. Towards strangers, the dogs are rather composed and only bark when they perceive a threat to their territory.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | High |
Is the Leonberger Right for Me?
If you want to bring a Leonberger puppy home, you should be 100% sure that the dog is the right fit for you. With a life expectancy of approximately nine years, the Leo will be a part of the family for a long time. In addition to daily walks, you must also ensure the mental stimulation and care of the dog.
You should not overlook the enormous size of the lion-like dog. The most crucial criterion before getting a puppy is that you can provide enough space for it. Ideally, you should keep your Leo in a large house with a fenced garden for it to guard.
How much does a Leonberger puppy cost?
The price of a Leonberger puppy starts at around $1300. However, if you have definitively chosen the breed, you should find a reputable breeder. It is best if they are affiliated with the International Leonberger Union, recognized by the FCI. Here, you can most likely get a purebred and healthy puppy, which, of course, comes with a price. You can estimate up to $2000.
How to Care for a Leonberger?
Training and Puppy Development:
The Leonberger is a calm dog that requires consistent and thoughtful training. Is a Leonberger a beginner’s dog? However, the Leonberger is not a beginner’s dog and should be well-trained and adequately engaged. The dogs inherently possess a great willingness to subordinate themselves and need a confident “pack leader.”
Due to its enormous size and weight, you should begin showing the dog who is higher in rank as early as possible. Using aggression and loud yelling accomplishes little, and the sensitive dog may become stubborn. Through calmness, you can achieve much more, as many Leos will do just about anything for a treat. With targeted use of praise, you will quickly gain a great four-legged friend.
How much Exercise Does the Leonberger Need?
Although large, these dogs may not always appear active, they still need their daily dose of exercise. Long walks are on the agenda and contribute to the good health and fitness of the animal. The Leonberger fearlessly accompanies its family everywhere and prefers to always be included. As descendants of Newfoundlands, Leonbergers are big fans of water.
So, in the summer, they are not averse to a swim in a nearby pond or a splash with the garden hose. If you want to challenge your dog more, you can easily use the Leo for dog sports. The large water enthusiasts are best engaged in water-based dummy training or other retrieval exercises. If you want to take it professionally, there is nothing stopping you from training the dog as a rescue dog.
Dog Food Recommendations
Care of a Leonberger
While these lovable dogs do require some care, with the right approach, you can ensure that your furry friend remains happy and healthy.
Grooming is crucial for Leonbergers, given their dense and long fur. Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and keep the coat clean. During shedding seasons in spring and autumn, hair loss may increase, so thorough brushing is particularly necessary during this time. After walks in the woods or on meadows in bad weather, a lot of dirt can get tangled in the fur. In the summer, thoroughly check your dog’s dense coat for parasites after every walk to avoid infestations.
Make sure to regularly check and clean your Leonberger’s ears. Moisture can lead to infections, so it’s essential to keep the ears dry. The eyes should also be kept clean to avoid irritation.
Regularly inspect and trim your dog’s claws as needed. Long claws can cause discomfort and problems when walking.
Teeth play a crucial role in your dog’s health. Brush your Leonberger’s teeth regularly to prevent tartar and gum diseases.
Provide your Leonberger with sufficient exercise and ensure a balanced diet. A healthy diet contributes to maintaining a shiny coat and providing your dog with enough energy.
Health and Genetic Diseases
In general, Leonbergers are not prone to illnesses, except, like all large breeds, they may be prone to hip dysplasia. However, by not overexerting the young puppy and avoiding letting it climb stairs, you can minimize the risk of illness.
Watch for signs of lameness or stiffness, and have your dog examined by a vet if you have concerns.
Another genetic disease to watch out for is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition. Pay attention to signs of shortness of breath, fatigue, or collapse, and seek veterinary help immediately if you notice such symptoms.
Leonbergers are susceptible to gastric torsion, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply. Watch for signs of restlessness, heavy panting, and distress, and take your dog to an animal clinic immediately if you suspect gastric torsion.
Ensure that your Leonberger is regularly vaccinated and schedule regular vet visits to ensure its well-being.
A balanced diet, sufficient exercise, and lots of love and attention are crucial to maintaining your Leonberger’s health. With proper care, you can ensure that your dog leads a happy and healthy life.
Product RecommendationsInteresting and Worth Knowing
- Initially, the lion-like dog was especially popular in noble circles. Personalities like Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Prince of Wales, King Umberto of Italy, and the Tsar of Russia had one or more Leonbergers at their courts.
- In Hollywood, the dogs are still a big attraction today. Even though they’ve never had a leading role, they are seen in numerous films. Two Leos appear in the U.S. thriller “The Equalizer” with Denzel Washington. The breed also plays a role in “The Call of the Wild,” “Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever,” and “The Secret of the Moon Princess.”
- Dario, a two-year-old Leonberger, made headlines at the 2016 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Instead of focusing on his performance, the spirited male tried to reach the treats in his handler’s pocket. Although he didn’t win a prize at Westminster, his funny performance became an overnight internet sensation.
Do you have a Leonberger or plan to get one soon? Share in the comments what makes the Leo special!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Leonbergers good with children?
Yes, Leonbergers are extremely child-friendly. They are patient and affectionate with children.
Do Leonbergers require a lot of exercise?
Yes, due to their size and energy, they need regular exercise, but they are not an excessively active breed.
Do Leonbergers shed a lot?
Yes, especially during shedding seasons, Leonbergers can lose a significant amount of hair, so regular brushing is important.
Are Leonbergers good guard dogs?
Yes, despite being friendly, Leonbergers are also excellent guard dogs due to their impressive size and protective instincts.
Can Leonbergers swim well?
Yes, Leonbergers are excellent swimmers and love being in the water. Their water-resistant coat helps them with this.
