Leonberger: temperament, size, care and health

About the Leonberger

The Leonberger is a giant dog with a long, flowing coat, a thick mane around the neck and chest and a black face mask that frames an intelligent expression. Adults stand roughly 25.5 to 31.5 inches tall, and males can weigh over 150 pounds. The coat comes in shades from lion yellow through golden and red to sand, and the feet are partly webbed.

The breed was developed in nineteenth-century Germany as a large, impressive family and estate dog. Modern Leonbergers are kept as devoted companions, and a few work as water-rescue, therapy and carting dogs.

Temperament and family life

A Leonberger is typically calm, affectionate and very attached to its family. It tends to be friendly to visitors and gentle with children, and the breed is sometimes described as patient to a fault. It is far more likely to greet a stranger with interest than hostility, so its function as a guard lies mainly in its size and its deep bark.

The breed is not a solitary dog and should live in the house. It may be clumsy as a puppy, and a happy adult can knock over a small child by leaning. Most get along well with other pets, and they frequently love swimming. Males can be larger and more dominant than females, and individuals vary in sensitivity.

Exercise and training

Leonbergers need moderate exercise, such as walks, a swim and play in a fenced yard. They are not suited to intense running in warm weather, and heat can be dangerous for the thick coat. Growing puppies should avoid heavy jumping and long forced exercise.

They are intelligent and eager to please, and training tends to go smoothly with calm, positive methods. Because a Leonberger will weigh over a hundred pounds, early teaching of loose-lead walking, manners at the door and not jumping up is essential. Harsh corrections upset the breed's sensitive side. Many enjoy water work, carting and tracking.

Grooming and shedding

This is a coat that requires steady care. Brush and comb two or three times a week, reaching down to the skin, to prevent mats in the mane, behind the ears and in the feathered legs and tail. During the twice-yearly shed the undercoat comes out in clumps and daily grooming is needed. Hair is a feature of life with a Leonberger, and it will end up on floors, furniture and clothing.

Baths are needed several times a year, and drying is slow. Wipe the lips, check the ears, which hang and can hold moisture, and trim nails and the hair between the toes. A cool room and plenty of water are needed in summer.

Health

Like other giant breeds, the Leonberger has a short life expectancy, commonly 7 to 9 years. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common, and breeders evaluate joints. Bloat and bone cancer are significant risks. The breed also has inherited nerve conditions, including Leonberger polyneuropathy and laryngeal paralysis, for which DNA tests exist, and clubs run health surveys. Do not rely on this overview for any decisions about a specific dog; a veterinarian is the right source for that.

History

The breed is generally credited to Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder in Leonberg in Germany, who in the mid nineteenth century is said to have bred a dog resembling the lion on the town's crest, though the story is disputed. Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees ancestry are generally cited. The Leonberger found fans among nobility across Europe. Numbers collapsed during the two World Wars and the modern breed was rebuilt from a small number of dogs. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2010.

Is the Leonberger right for you?

The Leonberger suits a family with a big house, a cool climate and time to brush and walk. It is a poor choice for small spaces, hot regions or owners who need a dog with a long lifespan. Those who like the gentle nature but want a slightly smaller dog may compare the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Newfoundland is a water-loving giant with a heavier build, and the Saint Bernard is a calm, drooling alpine relative.