Leonberger
A lion of a dog with a lamb's heart.
Vital stats
| Size | Giant · 65–80 cm |
| Weight | 41–75 kg |
| Life expectancy | 8–9 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Heavy, with seasonal blows |
| Coat | Long double coat · lion-yellow, golden, red-brown, black mask |
| Group | Working · FCI №145 / AKC |
| Origin | Leonberg, Germany |
| FCI group | 2 — Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain Dogs · FCI 145 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Leonberger by the numbers
The Leonberger facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Ongoing costs run high — more food, bigger doses at the vet, and pricier insurance. Its coat also needs a professional groom every few weeks — a real line in the budget.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Created as a prestige companion and farm all-rounder rather than a fighter or flock guard, the Leonberger came out sweeter than its size suggests: composed, family-centred and famously tolerant of children. It carts, swims, does therapy work — and mostly wants to be wherever its people have gathered, preferably touching one of them.
Habits & quirks
The lean
Fifty-plus kilos of affection applied gently to your legs — bracing recommended.
Water magnet
Webbed toes and a love of swimming: ponds, rivers and paddling pools are all fair game.
Velvet nanny
Endlessly patient with small people, often stationing itself wherever the children are.
Doorway landmark
Chooses hallway sleeping spots with total confidence you'll simply step over.
Care
| Grooming | Brush thoroughly two or three times a week; during seasonal blows, daily — and invest in a good vacuum. |
| Feeding | Grow puppies slowly on measured large-breed rations; feed calm meals and avoid exercise straight after, as bloat is a risk. |
| Exercise | An hour of walking and free sniffing daily; save jogging and stairs until the joints finish growing. |
| Health | Ask breeders about hips, elbows, heart and Leonberger polyneuropathy testing — and plan for a giant breed's shorter span. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 8–9 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
Are Leonbergers good family dogs?
Among the best of the giants — gentle, patient and genuinely fond of children. Their size alone means supervision around toddlers, mostly to prevent accidental bowling-over.
How much do Leonbergers shed?
A lot, all year, with spectacular twice-yearly coat blows. Daily brushing in those weeks is the price of the lion look.
How long do Leonbergers live?
Typically eight to nine years, as with most giant breeds. Choosing a breeder who health-tests and keeping your dog lean give you the best odds of the upper end.
Is the Leonberger hypoallergenic?
Not really. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and the Leonberger's shedding coat releases plenty of the dander that sets off allergies. If someone at home is allergic, this isn't the easiest breed to live with — spend time around one first.
Is the Leonberger easy to train?
Reasonably. The Leonberger is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.