Breeds
Leonberger: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Leonberger is a giant, gentle, goofy family dog with a lion-like mane and a patient, affectionate nature. Leos are calm indoors and excellent with children, but they are huge, shed heavily and have the short lifespan and joint risks of giant breeds. Early manners training matters. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Leonberger temperament and personality
VCA describes the Leonberger as affectionate, gentle and goofy, calm indoors and known for being patient. It is a big, soft-hearted dog that wants to be with its family.
Leos are steady and friendly with most people. Their size is the main issue: a playful adolescent Leo can knock over adults as well as children, which is why VCA stresses teaching manners early.
Leos are happiest living indoors with their family. They are sensitive dogs that do poorly with harsh handling or long hours alone.
How big do Leonbergers get?
VCA gives a height of 27 to 32 inches and a weight of 100 to 170 pounds, and the AKC's breed weight chart lists 90 to 170 pounds. Neither source sets separate ranges by sex.
Giant puppies grow fast. Keep a young Leo lean, avoid stairs and high-impact exercise while the joints develop, and ask your vet about a large-breed puppy diet and growth rate.
Weigh your dog regularly and feel for the ribs under the thick coat. Every extra pound adds load to a giant dog's joints.
Leonberger lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 8 to 10 years and names hip dysplasia and other skeletal problems typical of giant breeds, plus inherited Leonberger polyneuropathy, a nerve disease. It notes a genetic test exists for one of its main contributors.
Ask a breeder for hip and elbow evaluations and the polyneuropathy DNA test results on both parents, as VCA suggests. Ask your vet about bloat risk in a giant, deep-chested dog. Noisy breathing, weakness in the back legs or a swollen belly with retching needs a vet promptly.
Exercise needs
VCA rates exercise needs as moderate and says Leos need to walk or play every day. Two good walks a day plus some free play suit most adults.
Leos enjoy swimming, carting and hiking. Exercise early and late in hot weather, since the heavy coat holds heat, and avoid hard exercise around meals.
Short training sessions, scent games and calm walks on varied ground give a Leo mental and physical exercise without overloading growing joints.
Grooming and shedding
VCA says the thick, medium-to-long double coat sheds, and recommends brushing a few times a week, more during sheds, checking for mats behind the ears, on the legs and on the tail. It advises bathing only when necessary.
An undercoat rake, a slicker brush and a long-toothed comb handle the coat. Trim nails regularly, clean the ears and brush the teeth. Expect to vacuum often.
Trim the hair between the pads, keep nails short and check the ears weekly. Expect seasonal sheds to fill a vacuum quickly.
Training a Leonberger
VCA calls Leos serious, eager learners that do best with calm, firm owners, says patience and positive techniques pay off, and stresses teaching manners early because they get very large.
Start loose-leash walking, polite greetings and a solid stay in puppyhood. A 150-pound dog that pulls or jumps is hard to manage, however friendly it is.
Puppy classes are especially valuable, since they teach a fast-growing dog to stay calm around people and other dogs while it is still small enough to manage.
Are Leonbergers good with kids and other pets?
VCA rates Leonbergers excellent with kids and says they are affectionate and patient with children. Their size still means supervision with toddlers.
VCA's page does not address other pets. Most Leos are easygoing, but introduce new animals slowly and supervise early meetings with small pets.
Teach children not to climb on or ride the dog, however patient it is, and give the dog a large, quiet bed where it can rest. Supervise all play with small pets.
What a Leonberger needs at home
Plan for size and hair: an extra-large crate, a large orthopedic bed, a vehicle ramp, a fenced yard and a cool spot in summer. Towels for wet, muddy coats help.
For care, keep an undercoat rake, slicker brush, comb, nail grinder, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush, plus a strong harness and leash. Ask your vet about joint, nerve and bloat checks.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Leonbergers live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, which is typical of giant breeds. Joint screening and the polyneuropathy DNA test in the parents are worth asking about.
How big do Leonbergers get?
The AKC lists males at 28 to 31.5 inches and 110 to 170 pounds, and females at 25.5 to 29.5 inches and 90 to 140 pounds.
Are Leonbergers good with kids?
Yes. VCA rates them excellent with kids and says they are affectionate and patient with children, though their size means toddlers must be supervised. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
Do Leonbergers shed a lot?
Yes. VCA says the thick double coat sheds and recommends brushing a few times a week, more during seasonal sheds, and checking for mats behind the ears.
What is a Leonberger's temperament like?
VCA describes Leonbergers as affectionate, gentle and goofy, calm indoors and known for being patient. They are serious, eager learners that do best with calm, firm and positive owners.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
