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Group 2 · molossoids · Germany (town of Leonberg)

Leonberger

A majestic lion of a companion with a lion's name: gentle, level-headed, devoted and remarkably people-oriented. The Leonberger is a giant with a soft heart, excellent with children and animals; behind its beauty and gentleness lie a short life and serious health risks, so every day with it is precious.

Height

65–80 cm

Weight

40–77 kg

Lifespan

8–9 years

FCI group

2 · molossoids

Photos: 6

Breed ratings

Exact ratings · 12

Family 5.0 Kids 5.0 Beginners 3.0 Training 3.5 Energy 3.0 Health 2.0 Shedding 4.5 Drooling 3.5 Barking 2.0 Apartment 1.5 Weather 4.5 Prey drive 2.5

Pros

Exceptionally gentle and people-oriented

Excellent with children and animals

Level-headed, learns easily

Hardy in the cold, loves water

Cons

A very short life (7–9 years)

A high predisposition to cancer

Heavy shedding, drooling

Needs plenty of space

Size

Toy Small Medium Large Giant

Compatibility

Apartment · not suitable Kids Cats Other dogs Beginners · with caveats

The Leonberger is a majestic giant with kindness in its eyes. This breed impresses not only with its incredible size but also with its amazingly soft and loyal charachter. These dogs, resembling lions or gentle bears with their thick coats and powerful builds, were created to become the heart of the family. According to the official version, the breed was developed in the German town of Leonberg, whose coat of arms depicts a lion. Indeed, these dogs have become a living, breathing symbol of the town, embodying all its grandeur. They combine calm confidence, boundless patience with children, and an innate desire to protect their loved ones. This isn't just a pet, but a full-fledged family member, a walking companion, a reliable guardian, and sometimes even a personal "psychotherapist", capable of creating an atmosphere of comfort and safety in your home just by their appearance. Find out more on Tvaryny.

Interesting Facts about Leonbergers

Diplomat Dog: Leonbergers were often given as diplomatic gifts between European monarchs in the 19th century. It was believed that such a majestic dog was a symbol of respect and friendship.
Water-resistant coat: The Leonberger's double coat has water-repellent properties, which allows it to feel comfortable in the water even at low temperatures.
"Webbed" feet: Like their Newfoundland ancestors, Leonbergers have webbing between their toes, which makes them excellent swimmers.
Almost disappeared twice: The breed was on the verge of extinction not once, but twice - after the First and Second World Wars. After World War II, only about 8 dogs remained, from which the entire modern population was restored.
They don't bark without cause: Leonbergers use their deep, loud bark only in case of real need, which makes them comfortable neighbours.

Leonberger: General Characteristics and Breed Standard

Leonberger: General Characteristics and Breed Standard · 9

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Germany (town of Leonberg)
Year of Recognition	1846
Lifespan	8–9 years
Height at Withers (Males)	72–80 cm
Height at Withers (Females)	65–75 cm
Weight (Males)	55–77 kg
Weight (Females)	45–65 kg
Temperament	Confident, calm, friendly, loyal, non-aggressive
Primary Use	Companion dog, family dog, guard, rescue

History of the Breed: From Town Symbol to Family Favourite

The history of the Leonberger is inextricably linked to the ambitions of one man - Heinrich Essig, a town councillor in Leonberg, Germany, in the mid-19th century. Essig, being an avid animal lover, set himself the goal of creating a dog that would resemble the lion on his native town's crest in appearance. It was to be not just a large dog, but a living symbol of grandeur, strength, and nobility.

To realise his plan, Essig began breeding work in the 1830s and 1840s. He used representatives of three outstanding breeds as a foundation. First, he crossed a long-haired Saint Bernard with a black-and-white Newfoundland, and later added the blood of a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. The result exceeded all expectations. The first dogs, officially named "Leonbergers", were born in 1846. They inherited the massiveness and calmness of the Saint Bernard, the love of water and friendliness of the Newfoundland, as well as the luxurious coat and guarding qualities of the Pyrenean dog.

The new breed quickly gained popularity amongst the aristocracy and royal courts of Europe. Owners of these magnificent dogs included such famous figures as Emperor Napoleon III, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), King Umberto of Italy, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, and the Prince of Wales. Unfortunately, Heinrich Essig died without leaving a clear breed standard. This led to chaos in breeding: any large fluffy dog could be passed off as a Leonberger, which undermined the breed's reputation.

The situation was saved by enthusiasts who created the first Leonberger club in Stuttgart in 1895 and approved a standard. However, two world wars brought the breed to the brink of total extinction. After World War II, only a few purebred representatives remained, and it was only thanks to the titanic efforts of German cynologists that the population was restored. Today, Leonbergers are popular throughout Europe and the world, although they are not a mass breed, which allows their unique qualities to be preserved.

Character and Temperament: A Gentle Giant in Your Home

If one were to describe the Leonberger's character in one word, it would be "composure". Aggression or nervousness is absolutely alien to these dogs. They are self-confident, calm, and extremely devoted to their family. Their patience makes them ideal companions for children. A Leonberger will easily tolerate childish pranks, acting as a fluffy and reliable nanny.

These are very sensitive dogs. They keenly sense the owner's mood and struggle to cope with unfair punishment or shouting. If you offend a Leonberger, it may hold a grudge. The foundation of a relationship with this breed is trust and mutual respect. Unlike some guard breeds, such as the Aidi, the Leonberger barks to warn, not to intimidate. Its calmness and level-headedness can be compared to the character of an English Mastiff, although the Leonberger is usually more active and playful.

Leonbergers are excellent protectors. They will not attack without reason, but in the event of a real threat to their family, they will stand in defence without hesitation. Their formidable appearance and deep bark are usually sufficient to scare off any intruder. Another passion of these dogs is water. They adore swimming and are ready to climb into any body of water they come across. This love of water, inherited from Newfoundlands, makes them excellent rescue dogs.

Care: Coat, Hygiene, and Activity

Keeping a Leonberger requires a responsible approach. The best place to live is a country house with a fenced area where the dog can move freely. It is difficult to keep such a giant in a flat due to its size and need for space.

Coat care is one of the key aspects. The Leonberger's luxurious "fur coat" sheds heavily, especially twice a year (seasonal moulting), when the undercoat is completely renewed. During this period, the dog needs to be brushed daily using special tools: a metal comb with wide teeth, a slicker brush, and a de-shedding tool. At other times, brushing 2–3 times a week is sufficient to avoid mats and keep the coat clean. Bathe the dog as needed, but not too often, so as not to disrupt the natural protective layer of the skin.

Physical exercise should be regular but moderate. Puppies and young dogs up to 2 years old should not be given excessive loads (jumping, running up stairs) to avoid damaging their forming joints. An adult Leonberger needs long walks (1.5–2 hours a day) at a calm pace, as well as the opportunity to run off-leash in a safe place. And, of course, swimming will be the best form of activity for them.

Hygiene procedures are also important: regularly check and clean the ears to prevent infections. Wipe the eyes with camomile tea or a special lotion. Trim the claws every 3–4 weeks if they do not wear down naturally.

Training and Upbringing: How to Find a Common Language

Leonbergers are extremely intelligent and quick-witted dogs, which makes the training process quite easy and pleasant. They have a good memory and strive to please their owner. An important feature is that the Leonberger has no desire for dominance and will not try to take the place of the "pack leader". It will obey you simply because you are its beloved owner.

The key principle in upbringing is positive reinforcement. Harshness, shouting, and physical punishment are unacceptable, as they can permanently undermine the dog's trust. Sessions should be consistent but not too long, so the dog does not lose interest. Early socialisation is critically important. Introduce the puppy to different people, animals, sounds, and situations from an early age. This helps to raise a confident and calm dog.

Thanks to their versatility, Leonbergers can master almost any "profession": from companion dog to search and rescue service. They perform successfully in disciplines such as obedience and therapy work, helping the sick and elderly.

Pros and Cons of the Breed

Pros and Cons of the Breed · 6

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Ideal family dog: friendly, patient with children, non-aggressive.	Huge size: requires a lot of space in the house and car.
High intelligence: learns easily, remembers commands well.	Heavy shedding: especially seasonal, fur will be everywhere.
Innate guarding qualities: reliable protector without unnecessary aggression.	High cost of upkeep: large expenses on food, veterinary services, equipment.
Calm temperament: not prone to hysterics or destructive behaviour.	Short lifespan: like many giant breeds, they live 8–9 years.
Love of water and activities: great companion for swimming and walking.	Majestic appearance: a dog that commands admiration.
Susceptibility to certain diseases: dysplasia, heart problems, bloat.	Slobbering: may be present, especially after drinking or in hot weather.

What a Leonberger Looks Like: Appearance and Coat Colour

The Leonberger is a harmoniously built, very large, and muscular dog that, despite its size, retains elegance in its movements. Its appearance radiates calm and confidence.

Head: Proportional to the body, more elongated than massive. The skull is moderately convex. The transition from forehead to muzzle is smooth. An important feature is the black mask on the muzzle, which is compulsory according to the standard.
Eyes: Medium size, oval, ranging from light brown to dark brown. The gaze is direct, friendly, and intelligent.
Ears: Drooping, fleshy, medium size, set high and lying flat to the head.
Body: Strong, with a broad and deep chest. The back is straight and strong, the loins muscular.
Tail: Very bushy, hanging down when at rest. During movement or excitement, it may be raised slightly, but not above the line of the back.
Coat: This is one of the breed's main adornments. The coat is long, ranging from soft to slightly harsh, lying close to the body despite a thick undercoat. On the neck and chest, it forms a luxurious "collar" or mane, especialy pronounced in males. There is feathering ("trousers") on the hind legs.
Colour: The standard allows various shades: from lion-yellow and red to reddish-brown and sandy. Black tips on the hair are permitted but should not dominate. A small white patch or stripe on the chest, as well as white hairs on the toes, are allowed.

Nutrition

Nutrition: The Key to Health and Longevity

Health and risks

Health and Typical Breed Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) · 5

Does a Leonberger shed much?
Yes, very much. Especially during seasonal moulting in spring and autumn. Be prepared for fur to be on your clothes, furniture, and floor. Regular brushing helps to control this process.

Is a Leonberger suitable for flat living?
Highly undesirable. This is a giant-sized dog that needs space. Ideal conditions are a private house with a large garden. In flat conditions, the dog will suffer from lack of movement.

Do Leonbergers get along with other animals?
Yes. With proper socialisation, they coexist wonderfully with other dogs, cats, and other pets. Their lack of conflict is one of the main character traits.

How much does it cost to keep a Leonberger?
A lot. You need to take into account the costs of a large amount of high-quality food, veterinary care (medication doses are calculated for a large weight), giant-sized equipment, and grooming.

Are Leonbergers slobbery?
Moderately. They do not belong to the most slobbery breeds, like, for example, Saint Bernards or Mastiffs, but drooling can occur after drinking water, in hot weather, or when the dog is waiting for food.