Let's talk Leonbergers
Playful? Docile? Cuddly? The Leonberger is all this and more. Even at 170 pounds (77kg), this giant breed is quite gentle, such is their instinctively elegant manner. They were bred mostly from Newfoundlands and St. Bernards, both giant breeds also known for their graceful demeanours. In spite of their size, Leonbergers are quite adroit and move with a skillful gait. This sweet-natured dog savours as much time with their family as they can get.
Official name: Leonberger
Other names: Leonberger Dog
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies: |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | Medium | Family pet? * | |
| Compatibility with other pets: |  |
Can stay alone? * |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
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72 - 80 cm
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50 - 77 kg
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65 - 75 cm
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40 - 63 kg
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| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 8 months |
| Adult age: | 8 months to 2 years |
| Mature age: | 2 to 5 years |
| Senior age: | From 5 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Leonbergers
1. Interior motives
The Leonberger hardly seems the kind of dog who would like to spend time within four walls but they are actually a very laid-back breed. Being by the side of their family is their biggest concern—as is keeping them safe.
2. Doing laps
Like all breeds, the Leonberger definitely needs exercise and there is one activity they really like: Swimming! They truly enjoy paddling around a pool or lake, and the buoyancy of the water is actually the best fit for their very large limbs since the breed is prone to suffer from joint issues or arthritis as they age. Break out the fins and dive in with your dog!
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History of the breed
Germany is famous for the German Shepherd, the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Dachshund, but the Leonberger is one of the country’s best breeds yet not as well known.
They were developed in the mid-1800s by Heinrich Essig, a city councillor in Leonberg, Germany who aimed to create a new breed resembling a lion, depicted on the city’s coat of arms. He cross-bred a female Newfoundland with a male St. Bernard to produce the profuse and regal Leonberger breed, introducing other working breeds as well over the years.
Essig’s goal was also to develop the Leonberger for royalty, and the breed quickly caught on, with such patrons as King Edward VII, Tsar Alexander II, and Napoleon III.
As with many European breeds, World War II wreaked havoc on the numbers of Leonbergers, so much so that only 25 were known to exist afterwards, and only five fit for breeding.
The Leonberger was officially recognised by the Fédération Cynologique in 1955.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Leonbergers
1. Ears
Ears set high, medium-sized, thick, hanging alongside head.
2. Head
Slightly domed, impressive head framed by lion-like fur.
3. Body
Immense body, composed of large limbs, broad, deep chest.
4. Coat
Thick, double, water-resistant coat, furry outer coat, soft, dense undercoat.
5. Tail
Fluffy tail, hangs loose, slightly curved when active.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Leonberger
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Caring for your Leonberger
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Long, full, thick, and dense, the Leonberger’s double coat is all of this and more so grooming will be a pretty consistent task—daily is recommended since there is a lot of ground to cover! The Leonberger sheds, and does so most during the moulting season twice a year. Use a metal comb and undercoat rake to tend to the shorter, fluffier undercoat is best as well as a pin brush and slicker brush for the furry, thicker outercoat. Nails should be trimmed every other week to keep this large breed on balance.
The Leonberger‘s size definitely means they should keep active but they don’t require a huge amount of exercise. Not to say that they don’t need room to roam: This is definitely not an apartment dog. And the exercise they enjoy most: Swimming! Leonbergers have a natural affinity for the water.
Training this giant breed needs to start early and socialising them with family and friends is best to develop them correctly. When Leonbergers are puppies and adults, they are bouncy and gregarious, so take care with them around toddlers and small children. With an adult male growing to as large as 150 pounds (68kg), it’s critical that the Leonberger is trained to know their place in the family unit. And the reverse is also true.
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All about Leonbergers
Giant breeds are not all hard to handle—actually many, like the Leonberger, are quite affectionate and docile dogs. But knowing how to tackle their girth, especially if one has never owned a dog, is another thing entirely. This is a lot of canine, and the factor to consider with the Leonberger is their stubborn streak. They can easily gain the upper hand if training is not consistent and thorough from a young age.
Underneath that very thick coat lies the heart of a mushball. The Leonberger enjoys a good snuggle tremendously and is quite affectionate. They crave tenderness and will give a lot in return. And despite their size, the Leonberger is very much an indoor dog, always looking after their flock, so naturally gravitates toward nuzzling with their owner—or any member of the family for that matter.
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Read More about Breeds
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How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/