Leonberger
Also known as Leonberger
- Height at the withers
- 65 to 80 cm
- Weight
- 41 to 77 kg
- Life expectancy
- 7 to 9 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Leonberg, Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A majestic giant working dog with a lion-like look, a thick, water-resistant double coat and a gentle, even temperament. This powerful yet serene breed combines an imposing presence with a natural calm.
History and origins
Developed in the 1840s by Heinrich Essig in Leonberg, Germany, by crossing the Newfoundland, the Saint Bernard and the Great Pyrenees to create a “lion-like” dog recalling the lion on the town’s coat of arms.
Health
Life expectancy is 7 to 9 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Leonberger hereditary polyneuropathy
- Leukoencephalomyelopathy
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Cancers (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Leonberger FAQ
How big does the Leonberger get?
The Leonberger stands 65 to 80 cm at the withers and weighs 41 to 77 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Leonberger shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Leonberger live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Leonberger need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Leonberger good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Leonberger live?
Life expectancy is 7 to 9 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are leonberger hereditary polyneuropathy and leukoencephalomyelopathy.
