Leonberger
A lion that thinks it is a lamb.
- Weight
- 90–170 lbs
- Height
- 25–31 in
- Lifespan
- 7–9 yrs
In short
The Leonberger is a Working breed from Germany, created in the 1840s in the town of Leonberg as a lion-like family and farm dog; adults weigh about 90–170 lbs and live 7–9 years. It is a calm, gentle giant with a heavy coat and known inherited nerve diseases, so DNA testing matters.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a calm, kid-friendly gentle giant
- love swimming and outdoor walks
- can handle hair, drool and mud
Think twice if you…
- live in a hot climate or small apartment
- want a tidy, low-shedding dog
- can't face a 7–9 year lifespan
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 180–295 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityWilling learner7.5/10
EnergyModerate4.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors9.5/10
SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Lion-like mane
Males carry a dramatic mane, which means heavy shedding and lots of brushing.
-
02
Black mask
A black face mask over a lion-yellow to red-brown coat is a breed hallmark.
-
03
Webbed feet
Leos love water, so expect a wet, muddy dog after any walk near a pond.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 110–170 lbs | 90–140 lbs |
| Height | 28–31.5 in | 25.5–29.5 in |
| Lifespan | 7–9 yrs | |
| Coat | Medium-long, water-resistant double coat with a mane on males | |
Personality
Leonbergers are calm, gentle and devoted, happiest in the middle of family life. They are steady in public and patient at home. Expect drool, mud and hair, plus a dog that wants to be included in everything.
With kids
Excellent with kids and famously patient. Size still means supervision with toddlers.
With other pets
Usually good with dogs and cats, especially when raised together.
With strangers
Friendly and confident, but watchful. Their size alone deters most strangers.
Alone time
Very family-focused and dislike long isolation. Shorter absences work once they are mature.
Training
Leonbergers are intelligent and willing but can be sensitive, so calm, positive training works best. Early manners matter because they grow fast.
-
How often
2–3 sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each, ending each one on a win.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, focus on new people, places and handling, plus grooming tolerance. A confident Leo is easy; a fearful one this size is not.
-
Self-control
Loose-leash walking and calm greetings matter most for a dog of this weight. Reward slack leash and sit-to-greet every time.
-
What it works for
Food and praise both work well. Use small, high-value pieces within 10% of daily calories; freeze-dried liver is one option.
Exercise
Leonbergers need steady daily walks, hikes and swimming, not intense running. They enjoy carting and water work.
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Swimming
- Carting or drafting (adults only)
- Long walks and hikes
Brain work
- Water retrieves
- Scent games
- Obedience and trick classes
Best home
House with a yard suits best; struggles in heat and small apartments.
Watch for Avoid heavy exercise while puppies grow and during heat, and avoid exercise around meals because of bloat risk.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Leonberger (90–170 lbs) lands around 1,800–2,925 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 2,250–3,650 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 225–365 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 11–18 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 1,800–2,925 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 180–295 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 9–15 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 2,475–4,000 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 250–400 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 12–20 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 1,575–2,550 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 160–255 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 8–13 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 2,250–3,650 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 225–365 kcal | 11–18 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 1,800–2,925 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 180–295 kcal | 9–15 pieces |
| Active / Working | 2,475–4,000 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 250–400 kcal | 12–20 pieces |
| Senior | 1,575–2,550 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 160–255 kcal | 8–13 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Leonberger polyneuropathy, LEMP, hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer and bloat are the main concerns. Choose a breeder who DNA-tests and screens hips, elbows and eyes.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Leonberger polyneuropathy | LPN1 and LPN2 DNA tests | Once, in breeding dogs |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) | LEMP DNA test | Once, in breeding dogs |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip and OFA elbow evaluations | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | OFA thyroid panel | From 12 months; repeat periodically |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Leonberger breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
- Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN2)
- Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN3)
- Thyroid panel
- Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
Also recommended
- Heart exam
- DNA sample banked with CHIC
Grooming Heavy, with big seasonal sheds
Brush 2–3 times a week and daily during sheds, especially the mane and britches. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly, brush teeth several times a week and wipe drool as needed.
History
1840s
Leonberg origins
Heinrich Essig, mayor of Leonberg, bred a large dog said to resemble the lion on the town crest.
1914–1945
Wartime decline
Both World Wars nearly wiped out the breed, and only a handful of dogs survived to rebuild it.
2010
AKC recognition
The AKC recognized the Leonberger in 2010.
Questions owners ask
Are Leonbergers easy to train?
Fairly easy. Leonbergers are smart and willing, and they respond well to calm, positive training. Start manners early because they grow fast.
Are Leonbergers good with kids and other pets?
Yes. They are famously gentle with kids and usually good with other dogs and cats, though their size calls for supervision.
How much exercise does a Leonberger need?
About 60–90 minutes a day of walks, hikes and swimming. Avoid intense running while puppies grow.
Do Leonbergers shed?
Yes, heavily. The thick double coat sheds year-round with big seasonal sheds, so brush 2–3 times a week.
What health problems do Leonbergers have, and how long do they live?
Polyneuropathy, LEMP, hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer and bloat are the main concerns. Leonbergers typically live 7–9 years.
Is a Leonberger good for apartments or first-time owners?
Not for apartments. First-time owners can do well with the gentle temperament if prepared for size, hair and costs.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Leonberger needs only 9–15 pieces a day, well inside the 180–295 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Leonberger ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Leonberger
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
