Leonberger Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Leonberger is a giant, lion-maned dog from Germany, bred as a family companion and guard. It is friendly, calm and adaptable, and it combines size with a surprisingly soft temperament.

Origins and appearance

The breed is named for the German town of Leonberg and was developed in the nineteenth century from Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and Pyrenean breeds. Leonbergers are massive and powerful, with a long, water-resistant double coat in shades of gold, red and sand with a black mask, a mane on the neck and chest and webbed feet.

Temperament

They are gentle, sociable and eager to please. They love family, including children, and are usually good with other pets. They are calm indoors but can be boisterous when young. They are sensitive. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need moderate exercise, such as an hour of walks and swimming daily. Avoid heavy exercise in heat or while growing. They enjoy water work and hiking.

Training

They are intelligent and willing. Use positive methods and early socialization. Teach leash manners before the dog is large. House training is usually manageable.

Coat and grooming

The thick coat needs brushing several times a week and daily during seasonal shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Leonberger polyneuropathy, with DNA tests
• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Bone cancer and other cancers. See signs of cancer in dogs
• Heart disease
• Hypothyroidism

Living with a Leonberger

They suit families with space and cool conditions. They are poorly suited to small homes and hot climates.

A typical day

A Leonberger enjoys a walk or swim, a nap and family time. They like to be near people.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are large and fluffy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Avoid stairs and heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a giant dog, grooming and vet costs. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They love cold and suffer in heat. Travel requires a very large vehicle.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include exercising in heat, overfeeding puppies, ignoring DNA testing and underestimating shedding.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about DNA tests for polyneuropathy, hip and elbow scores and lifespans in the lines. Meet the parents.

A family dog on a giant scale

Leonbergers often shine as therapy dogs and family companions thanks to a gentle, patient nature. Their size means they need space and strong leash skills.

Mane maintenance

The mane and feathering tangle easily. Brush down to the skin, pay attention to armpits and behind the ears and keep the feet trimmed.

Daily care checklist

Plan on a walk or swim, brushing several times a week, ear checks, nail trims and measured meals. Provide cool resting areas and learn the signs of bloat.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Leonberger suits families who want a giant, friendly companion and accept shedding and health costs. It may not suit small homes or hot climates. For a related giant, see the Newfoundland.

Therapy work and community

Leonbergers have a reputation as therapy and visiting dogs, thanks to their calm, tolerant temperament. If you are interested, start with solid basic obedience, polite greetings and comfort with wheelchairs, crutches and unexpected noises. Many organizations welcome Leonbergers for hospital and school visits, but require evaluations and good manners. Even if you never volunteer, the same training makes a better pet.

Health testing in the breed

Because polyneuropathy, bone cancer and heart disease occur in the breed, ask breeders for DNA test results and cardiac checks, and request information about relatives' lifespans. A transparent breeder will welcome the questions.

The takeaway

Leonbergers are giant, gentle and lion-maned, and they need space, grooming and careful health care.