Leonberger Dog 101: 7 Things to Know About the Breed

If you’re considering a Leonberger dog as your next canine best friend, here are seven things to know about this giant breed that will help make your decision:

1. Leonbergers are classified as “giant” dogs. As Animal Planet put it, “Do you want a dog as big as a lion? As tall as a 5-year-old child? Get a Leonberger.”

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According to Dogtime, they stand between 2 feet 1 inch to 2 feet 7 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 120 and 170 pounds. That’s a lot of dog.

2. Leonbergers have long hair, so plan on at least a weekly brushing or more often if you want to stay on top of the shedding. According to Dogtime, they go through heavier periods of shedding twice annually.

3. Leonbergers are smart, calm dogs that can be well behaved with training. They become a part of your family and don’t do well when left outside, LeonbergerHealth.com said. They will want to be around you, but they’re also sensitive – they don’t like it when family members fight. “Heeling is imperative, because these powerful dogs can literally pull you off your feet. His determination to jump up into your face and lean against your leg (leading to the affectionate nickname "Lean-on-berger") can be disconcerting,” according to YourPurebredPuppy.com.

4. This breed of dog makes great service dogs, according to Animal Planet. They serve on water search-and-rescue teams in Italy and Germany.

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5. Leonbergers usually love water and also needs lots of exercise. This isn’t a dog you can keep penned in an apartment without walks or opportunities to play, according to the Leonberger Club of America.

6. Leonberger dogs are headstrong. Hill’s Pet Nutrition calls them “calm, quiet, but stubborn,” and you’ll need patience and persistence to train this breed. Yes, they’re smart, and they’ll catch on fast. But be prepared for that stubborn attitude to come out occasionally.

7. Your Leonberger pet may not live as long as other dogs, ranging from 7 to 10 years. According to YourPurebredPuppy.com, an “alarming number” suffer in their later years from bone and joint diseases, and some struggle with cancer. Organizations like LeoHealth, or the Leonberger Health Foundation, a part of the Leonberger Club of America, have been researching and studying the breed’s health issues and making progress.

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