Back to Dogs
Germany•working
Leonberger
rareGood with KidsGood with Pets
Gentle, playful, and friendly. Leonbergers are lion-like giants with a calm demeanor and strong devotion to family.
Weight41-77 kg90.5-170 lbs
Height65-80 cm25.5-31.5"
Lifespan8-10 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
GentlePlayfulFriendlyPatientLoyal
Height
65-80 cm25.5-31.5"
Weight
41-77 kg90.5-170 lbs
Lifespan
8-10 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Giant - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Leonberger65-80 cm25.5-31.5"Compatibility
How well Leonberger matches your lifestyle
??%
Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Leonberger matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
- +
- +
- +
Things to Consider
- !
- !
Exercise
Activity requirements for Leonberger
medium energy45-60 min/day
Leonbergers need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
1-2 hours daily of moderate exercise
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Leonberger
High Maintenancefur coat
Leonbergers require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Leonberger
Eager to Please
The Leonberger is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Leonberger
Giant Breed2-3 smaller meals$76-190/month
Giant breeds have unique nutritional needs. Careful diet management from puppyhood through adulthood is essential for their health and longevity.
Feeding Tips
Giant Breed Formula
Essential for puppies - giant breed formulas have carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development.
Bloat Prevention
Feed smaller meals 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal. Avoid exercise 1 hour before and after eating.
Slow Feeder Bowl
Use a slow feeder bowl to prevent gulping food, which can contribute to bloat risk.
Joint-Focused Nutrition
Joint supplements or foods with added joint support are especially important for giant breeds.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Extra weight is extremely hard on giant breed joints. Keep them lean throughout life.
Important Considerations
- High risk of bloat (GDV) - a life-threatening emergency
- Shorter lifespans make nutrition quality crucial
- Overfeeding puppies leads to serious joint problems
- Higher food costs - budget accordingly
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Leonberger
3
High Risk
1
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Leonberger
Monthly costs
Food
$76-190
Insurance
$59-137
Supplies
$20-39
Grooming
$105-126
Monthly total
$260-492
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$564-936/yr
Parasite prevention
$504/yr
Annual total
$1,068-1,440/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Leonberger's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Leonberger
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Leonberger
Health·OFA-CHIC
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research