Leonberger Breed Guide

Dec 03, 2024

Meet the Leonberger, a dog so majestic and gentle that you might confuse them for a real-life lion—until they flop down on the floor with their favourite chew toy. With their imposing size and thick, lion-like mane, the Leonberger might look like they’re all business, but underneath all that fur is a heart of gold. Known for their calm, affectionate nature and their love of family life, these giant dogs are the perfect blend of power and gentleness.

Originally bred in Germany to resemble a lion (yes, really!), Leonbergers are as loyal as they come. They’re a versatile working breed, excelling in everything from water rescue to being the perfect family companion. If you’re looking for a big dog with a big heart, the Leonberger might just be your perfect match.

THE BASICS:

Category: Working Dog
Size: Giant (45-77 kg for males, 41-59 kg for females)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: High
Coat: Thick, water-resistant, and luxurious
Shedding: High
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Home Needs: A large, secure garden, plenty of space to stretch out, and a family ready for a furry shadow
Sociability: Gentle with children, friendly with strangers, and great with other pets

HISTORY: FROM NOBLE ORIGINS TO FAMILY FAVOURITE

The Leonberger has one of the more unique histories in the dog world. They were originally bred in the 19th century by a German gentleman named Heinrich Essig, who wanted a dog that resembled a lion to complement the crest of the town of Leonberg. To achieve this, he crossed Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, creating a breed with the strength of a working dog and the elegance of a lion.

Originally favoured by European nobility, Leonbergers were prized for their appearance and their working ability. Over the years, they’ve served as everything from draft animals pulling carts to water rescue dogs. Despite their impressive work history, Leonbergers are perhaps best known today for their role as gentle, loyal companions, making them popular family pets.

While they may have been bred to look like lions, Leonbergers are far from fierce. They’re known for their calm, patient demeanour and their ability to bond closely with their families, making them the ultimate gentle giant.

LEONBERGER PERSONALITY: GENTLE, LOYAL, AND READY FOR A CUDDLE

Despite their size, Leonbergers are known for their calm, gentle nature. These dogs are true family companions, often described as “people dogs” because they form such strong bonds with their humans. If you’ve got kids, they’ll be especially fond of the Leonberger’s patience and affectionate nature. They’re the kind of dog that will happily let your toddler climb all over them while remaining totally unphased.

Leonbergers are also highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train—though their size means they can sometimes be a bit stubborn. Positive reinforcement is key, and consistency will help you teach them basic commands and good manners (like not sitting on your lap, even if they think they’re still puppies).

Their friendly, easy-going temperament extends to strangers and other animals as well, making them ideal for families with multiple pets. They’re not particularly territorial or aggressive, but they do have a protective side and will keep an eye on the house, quietly watching over their kingdom.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A LEONBERGER NEED?

Don’t let their size fool you—Leonbergers are surprisingly active and need regular exercise to stay healthy. A good 1-2 hours of physical activity each day should do the trick. They’re not sprinters, but they have good stamina and love long, leisurely walks. Whether it’s a hike through the woods or a trip to the lake (where they’ll happily show off their swimming skills), Leonbergers thrive on outdoor adventures.

These dogs also excel in activities like obedience training, agility (yes, even with their size!), and water rescue work. In fact, their love for water is legendary, and if you’ve got a pool or live near a body of water, you’ll have a happy, splashing Leonberger on your hands.

After a good workout, they’re more than happy to laze about the house, typically finding the largest, softest spot available for an afternoon nap. While they’re not hyperactive, they do need regular exercise to prevent boredom, which could lead to some rather… destructive behaviour (a bored Leonberger can make quick work of your garden).

HOW TO GROOM A LEONBERGER: MANE MANAGEMENT

With their thick, double-layered coat, Leonbergers are undeniably high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their fur is beautiful but requires regular care to keep it looking its best. Aim for brushing them at least a couple of times a week to prevent mats and tangles. During shedding season (spring and autumn), prepare for a full-blown floof explosion—you’ll need to up the brushing to manage the massive amounts of hair they’ll shed.

Their luxurious mane also has a tendency to trap dirt, leaves, and whatever else they encounter on their outdoor adventures. While frequent baths aren’t necessary, they might need a rinse after a particularly muddy play session. Pay special attention to their ears, as those floppy beauties can be prone to infections if not cleaned regularly.

Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential parts of the grooming routine. Leonbergers are surprisingly cooperative when it comes to grooming, likely because they enjoy all the attention they get while being pampered!

HEALTH: BIG DOGS, BIG RESPONSIBILITIES

As with many giant breeds, Leonbergers are prone to certain health issues, most notably hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and bloat (gastric torsion). Laryngeal paralysis and Osteosarcoma are other conditions occasionally noted in the breed. Keeping them at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of these problems. Regular vet check-ups are crucial for catching any potential issues early, and like all large breed dogs, they benefit from slow, steady growth as puppies to avoid putting too much strain on their developing joints.

Leonbergers can also be prone to certain eye conditions, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), so it’s important to keep an eye on their vision as they age. A good diet, like Scrumbles, that’s rich in joint-supporting nutrients and omega-3s can help keep them in good shape for the long haul.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE LEONBERGER:

Lion in Name, Gentle by Nature: Despite being bred to resemble lions, Leonbergers are the furthest thing from fierce. They’d much rather cuddle than roar.
Born Swimmers: Leonbergers love water and are known for their exceptional swimming skills, often working as water rescue dogs.
Family Therapist: Leonbergers are known for their sensitivity to their humans’ emotions. They’re the perfect shoulder (or fluffy body) to cry on.

LIVING WITH A LEONBERGER: BIG LOVE, BIG RESPONSIBILITY

Living with a Leonberger is an experience like no other. Their size might be the first thing people notice, but it’s their gentle, loving nature that truly sets them apart. These dogs are calm, affectionate, and deeply loyal, making them fantastic companions for families with children or other pets.

However, their size does come with some considerations. They need plenty of space to stretch out (you might find yourself competing for sofa space), and their exercise needs, while not extreme, must be met to keep them happy and healthy. Grooming is also an important part of living with a Leonberger—if you’re not prepared for the fur, you might want to reconsider!

With proper care, regular exercise, and a good diet, the Leonberger will reward you with years of love, companionship, and, of course, plenty of giant-sized cuddles.

IS THE LEONBERGER THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a large, gentle dog that’s loyal, affectionate, and excellent with children, the Leonberger could be the perfect addition to your family. They’re ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors and can meet their exercise needs, while also having the time to maintain their luxurious coat.

With the right care, a balanced diet like Scrumbles, and plenty of love, a Leonberger will be a loving, devoted member of your family for years to come.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for the LEONBERGER

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Leonberger owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Leonbergers are strong, active and hardworking, requiring top-notch fuel for their energetic lifestyle. Scrumbles uses only natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and fillers, so your Leonberger gets the nutrition they deserve.
Coat and Skin Health: With their luxurious double coat, Leonbergers need extra care to keep their fur soft, shiny, and healthy. Scrumbles’ recipes, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, support healthy skin and coat. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.

With their loving, calm nature and impressive appearance, the Leonberger is a fantastic breed for families who have the space and time to give them the care they deserve. Whether they’re splashing in the water or relaxing at home, one thing’s for sure—life with a Leonberger is never boring!