Leonberger Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Leonberger?

The Leonberger dog breed gets its name from where it originates, which is Leonberg, Germany. They were originally bred by mixing the offspring of a Newfoundland and a Saint Bernard with a Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the 1800s, but some believe there were one or two other breeds thrown into the mix as well.

They became popular farm dogs, as their large size and strength allowed them to pull carts and were even used in both World War 1 and 2 to pull ammunition carts. This nearly led to the breed's extinction, but thankfully, a few enthusiasts kept the breed going.

The Leonberger dog breed only made its way to North America at the beginning of the 1900s, as the Canadian government viewed it to be the perfect breed to use as a water rescue dog.

Despite being in the country for close to 100 years, the Leonberger only joined the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010, when it became a part of the AKC working group of dogs.

The Leonberger also became a common fixture in royal households in Europe, as it was bred to look like a lion, which was used in many coats of arms.

Who are Leonberger dogs best for?

The Leonberger is not suited for people who live in apartments, as the breed needs a lot of space to get rid of excess energy. They also don't do very well in warmer climates, so prospective owners should keep this in mind.

They are great family dogs and are very caring and mindful of children; however, Leonbergers are large and could injure young children if they accidentally step on them.

They can also do well around other dogs and small animals, but owners should be wary if they already have small dogs and pets, as the Leonberger could accidentally injure them by stepping on them.

Those interested in dog sports will do well to choose a Leonberger, as they excel in both obedience training and agility training.

These dogs are also not for owners that prefer to spend most of their time on the couch, as they require vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

Their size and strength make them excellent guard dogs, and most intruders will think twice before attempting to enter your home if they notice a massive Leonberger in your yard or home!

How much grooming does a Leonberger need?

The Leonberger tends to shed quite a lot, especially in Autumn and Spring. If you are averse to dog hair, you should steer clear, as you will more than likely be finding it all over your home.

Despite shedding quite a lot, they generally only need to be groomed once or twice a week. They may also need to be groomed after a visit to the park or a hike, as they will likely end up covered in small sticks and leaves.

Most owners don't take their dogs to professional groomers, as they do not have excessive grooming requirements.

Do Leonberger bark much?

Leonbergers have an intimidating deep bark but don't often bark unnecessarily. They will normally only bark to alert their owners of an intruder or if they think something might be amiss.

They may begin barking as a bad habit to let you know that they are not getting enough physical or mental stimulation. This habit should be trained out early, as it will be difficult to stop once it has started.

Owners should also try to exercise their dogs more if they seem to be barking from a lack of attention.

Do Leonberger bite?

Leonbergers are generally not known for being prone to biting; however, like other dogs, they can be a bit nippy as puppies.

This behaviour needs to be trained out early, as being bitten by a full-grown Leonberger will most likely not be a fun experience!

What is the temperament & personality of a Leonberger?

The Leonberger is a friendly giant most of the time and can be very devoted and loyal to their families. Their fierce loyalty makes them great guard dogs, as they will do almost anything to protect their families.

As previously mentioned, Leonbergers can be very sensitive and may become distressed if their owners get into a loud fight. In some cases, they may even try to intervene!

Owners should refrain from scolding their dogs and only encourage correct behaviours with treats and positive reinforcement.

They often do well around other dogs, children, and other pets due to their quiet and gentle natures, but as previously mentioned, prospective owners should be wary of their Leonberger accidentally stepping on their other pets or children.

What is the weight & size of a Leonberger?

The Leonberger is one of the largest dog breeds around as they stand between 63.5 and 79cm tall and adult Leonbergers weigh between 54 and 77kg.

You will, therefore, need a car that is larger than normal if you want to comfortably take your dog to the vet or a park!

How much training does a Leonberger need?

The Leonberger is naturally a very intelligent dog breed, which means that they will respond very well to training.

Training is also an absolute necessity for the breed, as having an unruly dog this large could cause a lot of issues for you.

They are very sensitive dogs and will need to be trained with positive reinforcement or treats. They will become upset if they are yelled at or treated badly, which will only make the training process even more difficult.

The breed is known to excel in obedience training, so potty training will be easy for them to grasp.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Leonberger?

Leonbergers are normally healthy dogs, but like most other dogs, they are predisposed to specific health problems, such as:

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

• Hip Dysplasia

• Entropion

• Ectropion

• Leonberger Polyneuropathy is a neuromuscular disease that causes the hind leg muscles to waste away. Research is being conducted regarding the disease, but many vets seem to think it may be hereditary.

What is the lifespan of a Leonberger?

Unfortunately, like most giant breeds, the Leonberger does not live for very long. They are normally expected to live around seven years, which is much shorter than some toy breeds.

How much should you feed a Leonberger?

Leonbergers are large dogs and, therefore, need to be given more food than other breeds. They can be prone to obesity, so it may be difficult to get the balance right.

They should normally be fed two meals a day to prevent them from getting bloat, but you should likely discuss the type of food and amount with your local vet or breeding club.

What is the price of a Leonberger in Australia?

Leonberger puppies can cost anywhere from $2000 to $3000 depending on their bloodlines and what breeder you go through.

You may be able to find an adult Leonberger if you go through a rescue organisation, which will also cost you significantly less.