Leonberger

also known as Leonbergi, Gentle Giant, Leo, Gentle Lion

Pros Summary


The Leonberger is a large, muscular dog breed that originated in Germany in the 19th century. The breed was created by breeding the Saint Bernard, the Great Pyrenees, and the Newfoundland. The breed was first recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1887, and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2011. It is also recognized by other kennel clubs and organizations such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Leonberger's are known for their friendly, outgoing and confident personalities, they make great family pets, but they require regular exercise and consistent training. They are also known for their thick and beautiful coat, which requires regular grooming.

Breed Information


Type

Is Leonberger a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Leonbergers originally used for?

watchdog, draft work

Lifespan

How Long Do Leonbergers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Leonberger? How long can Leonbergers live?

8-10 years

The average Leonberger lifespan is somewhere between 8-10 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Leonberger Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Leonberger?

What is the average height of a Leonberger? How big is a Purebred Leonberger height? Leonberger dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-31 inches (71.1 - 78.7 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm) 29.5 inches (74.9 cm)
Female 26-30 inches (66 - 76.2 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Leonberger? How much should Leonbergers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 120-170 pounds (54 - 77 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 105.0 pounds (48 kg) 145.0 pounds (66 kg)
Female 100-135 pounds (45 - 61 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg) 117.5 pounds (53 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Leonbergers get fat easily?

The Leonberger is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Leonbergers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Leonberger is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Leonberger personality? What are Leonberger dogs best known for?

Adaptable
Fearless
Loyal
Companionable
Loving
Obedient

Shedding Level

Are Leonbergers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Leonberger Shed?

Leonberger dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Leonberger.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Leonberger dog?

The Leonberger dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Leonbergers come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are Leonbergers descended from?

newfoundland, long haired saint bernard, pyrenean mountain dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Leonberger breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Leonbergers first bred? How old is the Leonberger breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Leonberger?

Working (AKC:2010)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Leonberger Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Leonberger eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Leonberger nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Leonberger coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Leonbergers coat?

The coat of a Leonberger falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Leonberger Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Leonberger?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Leonberger have in a litter? How many puppies can a Leonberger have in her first litter?

8-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Leonberger can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Leonberger dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Leonberger Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Leonbergers have a lot of health problems?

The Leonberger is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Leonberger?

Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Leonbergers?

Laryngeal Paralysis
Inherited Leonberger Polyneuropathy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Leonberger breed?

Hip X-Rays
Eyes
Hips
Skeletal
Physical Examination
Throat

Leonberger Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Leonbergers have a lot of energy?

Leonbergers are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Leonbergers need socialization? How social are Leonbergers?

Leonberger have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Leonbergers get?

The Leonberger dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Leonberger have? Do Leonbergers sleep a lot?

Leonbergers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Leonberger drool a lot?

The Leonberger is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Leonberger, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Leonbergers are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Leonbergers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Leonbergers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Leonberger running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Leonberger dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Leonberger? How much energy does a Leonberger have?

Medium

Leonbergers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Leonberger walk each week? How many miles should a Leonberger walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Leonberger, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Leonberger should exercise a day? How much activity does a Leonberger need?

60 minutes

In general most Leonbergers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Leonberger?

The Leonberger is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Leonberger?

Weekly

Leonberger should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Leonbergers?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Leonberger eat?

4.5 cups

For an average 120-170 pound (54 - 77 kg) Leonberger feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Leonberger Cost Daily?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

The average cost of a Leonberger is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Leonberger Cost Per Month?

$126 - $147 / month

The average per month expenses of a Leonberger is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Leonberger Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Leonberger?

Leonbergers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Leonberger is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Leonberger dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Leonberger dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Leonberger do well in apartments? Are Leonbergers good indoor dogs?

The Leonberger is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Leonbergers good with kids? Are Leonbergers good around children?

A Leonbergers typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Leonbergers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Leonbergers good with cats? How friendly Leonbergers are toward cats?

Leonbergers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Leonberger dogs get along with other dogs? Are Leonbergers OK with other dogs?

Leonbergers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Leonberger dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Leonbergers friendly with strangers?

Leonbergers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Leonbergers like to play? Are Leonbergers playful?

The Leonberger is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Leonberger is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Leonberger easily trained?

Leonberger dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Size
    Leonberger are large-sized dogs, making them a good size for families.
  • Personality
    Leonberger are friendly, outgoing and make great companions.
  • Quiet
    The Leonberger dog is known for being relatively silent, making it a good option if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Coat
    Leonberger have a thick, lush coat that comes in a variety of colors.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Leonbergers may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Shedding
    Leonberger dogs are prone to shedding more than most breeds.
  • Energy
    Leonberger are high energy dogs and require regular exercise.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Leonbergers may not be the best choice for those with allergies, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Leonberger's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Leonberger dogs require more space than an apartment can provide.
  • Health problems
    Similar to other breeds, Leonbergers may have a tendency towards certain health issues, such as Hip Dysplasia, Eye Problems, Laryngeal Paralysis and Inherited Leonberger Polyneuropathy.